“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~Nelson Mandela.
And so, as parents, we are educating our girls about diversity (not just race, but cultures, sexual orientation, abilities, religion, socio-economic status, etc.). There are so many conversations to be had with our children, we need to show them diversity, equality, and inclusion, and we need to teach them empathy and compassion. We also need to be good role-models.
Our goal is to raise two kind human beings with good heads on their shoulders.
We believe that the best way to introduce these topics is through immersion, but if that is not a possibility another good way to START delving into these topics is by choosing books to read to them that show diversity and teach valuable lessons of inclusion and equality.
Yesterday my social media feeds were overflowing with all sorts of resources. I took a few hours and compiled a list of CHILDREN’S BOOKS on the topics of diversity and inclusion. These have been recommended by various online sources (I linked those sites at the bottom of this post). Some of these we have read, some we have not yet. Those we haven’t I have requested from our library.
Here are 30 children’s books that teach young kids about diversity, inclusion, and equality.
Ada Twist Scientist:
champions girl power and women scientists and brings welcome diversity to picture books about girls in science.
This is from a series of books written by Andrea Beaty, and I have to say, we LOVE them all.
Lailah’s Lunchbox:
Lailah teaches her friends at school about Ramadan and the way she fasts throughout the holy month in this book.
TheInvisibleBoy:
this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish.
One Word from Sophia:
a great example of the type of families we’d love to see more of in children’s books.
Just Ask!:
Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.
Different is Awesome:
Author Ryan Haack, who was born with one hand and set out to bring more inclusion to the children’s book world.
Drawn Together:
A young boy dreads his visits to his grandfather. They don’t share a language, so their time together is strained, awkward, and silent. Until they discover a shared love of drawing.
Where Are You From?:
is a book for anyone who has ever been stumped by the question, “Where are you from?”. It’s a powerful book on self-acceptance and identity.
Giraffes Can’t Dance:
Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez:
Sofia and her abuelo inspire young change-makers everywhere as she navigates the local government to make changes in her town.
Lucy’s Umbrella:
Lucy has vitiligo. She finds beauty in the patterns on her skin. She also finds beauty in the patterns she notices out in nature. Follow Lucy as she goes on a walk through nature, admiring everything she sees.
Prince & Knight:
In this modern fairy tale, a noble prince and a brave knight come together to defeat a terrible monster and in the process find true love in a most unexpected place.
Last Stop On Market Street:
follows a boy and his grandma as they travel to a soup kitchen by bus and meet interesting and unique people along the way.
The Princess and the Fog:
follows a boy and his grandma as they travel to a soup kitchen by bus and meet interesting and unique people along the way.
The Day You Begin:
teaches kids how to navigate a world when they don’t feel like they fit it.
All Are Welcome:
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps.
The Girl Who Thought In Pictures:
tells the life story of 71-year-old Temple Grandin who as a child was diagnosed with autism and defied doctors’ expectations by earning her Ph.D. and becoming an authority on animal science and farming.
The Name Jar:
Unhei has just moved to America from Korea. As she enters her new classroom, instead of introducing herself, she says she will be picking a new (“American”) name soon.
Sulwe:
is a beautiful story that aims to teach Black girls — and everyone — that dark skin is beautiful.
Star of the Week:
follows Cassidy-Li, who was adopted from China as a baby, as she prepares an assignment to teach her class about her life.
This Is How We Do It:
Take your kids on a journey around the globe in This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World.
Maddi’s Fridge:
doesn’t shy away from the topic of poverty. In the book, Sofia, who has a fridge at home full of food, learns that her friend Maddi has a fridge that’s empty and struggles with whether she should tell her parents.
I Am Enough:
This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another
Dream Big, Little One:
The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.
Strictly No Elephants:
Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.
Moses Goes To A Concert:
is part of a series that follows Moses and his classmates who are deaf. In this particular book, which features American Sign Language, he and his friends learn their teacher has a fun surprise in store.
I am Human:
a hopeful celebration of the human family, which affirms that although we may make mistakes, we can make good choices by acting with compassion and having empathy for others and ourselves.
The Proudest Blue:
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky.
What I Like About Me!:
helps kids acknowledge their differences and embrace their braces, glasses, and many things in between. It also serves as a lesson in self-esteem and asks kids, “What is it you like best about you?”
Be Kind:
From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend.
Do you have any favourites that you recommend? We love a good book.
Online links that recommended some of these books: PopSugar, HuffingtonPost, and BookRiot.
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