NEW YORK - Barnes and Noble has closed the book on an initiative aimed at bringing diversity to some classic pieces of literature.

To celebrate Black History Month, the store on Fifth Avenue planned to release a set of limited edition book covers, where white characters were swapped out with characters of different ethnicities.

The books include The Wizard of Oz, Frankenstein, and Peter Pan.

But the idea drew backlash from critics who said Barnes and Noble should be highlighting works from black authors instead of replacing classic characters.

“I think it’s wonderful. I like the idea that it’s very inclusive," said one New Yorker.

"I would love to know who was sitting at the table and thought this was a good idea. They don’t need to be changed or altered. But it is Black History Month so why not have black authors," said another New Yorker.

"I think maybe why couldn’t they do both?" said a third.

Barnes and Noble tweeted that the "Diverse Editions" covers were not meant to substitute black voices or writers of color.

The company says it will continue to highlight books to celebrate black history.