As parents and caregivers, we want to celebrate our children's differences. We want them to feel special and loved, no matter what. One way we can do this is by choosing books that celebrate diversity. These books can help teach our children about different cultures and how to accept others for who they are. By reading these books together, we can help create a more inclusive world for our children and their peers.
Why Choosing Books That Celebrate Differences Is Important
There are many reasons to consider choosing children's books that celebrate differences. Here are a few of the top benefits:
Diverse Books Challenge Stereotypes
When children grow up reading books that display particular stereotypes — whether shown through the main or supporting characters — they can start to believe that those conventional representations are normal and true. Instead, choosing books that feature all types of characters shown in various ways allows children not to see groups as a monolith.
Diverse Characters Can Help Boost Self-Confidence
Children who view themselves or their families as "different" may have it reinforced by the world around them that this is a bad thing, dragging down their self-confidence. Reading books with characters with those same qualities can help children boost their self-confidence by showing that their differences are wonderful. Choosing books that allow children to see themselves represented can help them boost self-confidence while developing their feelings of competence and self-worth.
Diversity Can Help Inspire Inclusivity
Books have the power to shape how a child thinks about the world they live in and how they look at themselves. Books even have the power to encourage a sense of inclusiveness and understanding of people who differ from them. Introducing diverse books to kids early on can help encourage them to develop into adults that appreciate and identify with those different from them.
Diversity Encourages an Interest in the World
When books introduce children to different cultures, beliefs, abilities, and family structures, they can spark curiosity that can continue throughout their lives. Books can encourage them to ask questions, seek out more information, and pursue more significant equity in the world.
How to Choose the Right Books
To diversify your bookshelf, you may need to do some additional research to find books that recognize and celebrate diverse perspectives. Publishing companies are making efforts to be inclusive of the differences in their young readers. Still, caregivers also need to be involved in choosing books that are interesting, engaging, and at the right reading level.
You can find the right diverse books for kids with the following tips:
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Consider the current make-up of your bookshelves: Before you seek out new books, do an inventory of what you already own. Do many of the books on your shelf feature characters of the same identity or characteristics? What gaps can you fill?
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Consider the book's characters: While having diverse characters is a good start, it goes beyond that. In addition to including those who are often unrepresented, books should feature these characters in an authentic, non-stereotypical way.
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Choose a theme your child will like: As a parent, you know your child's interests best. Choosing a topic or theme of interest for them will keep them engaged and interested.
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Choose a book your child can relate to beyond specific characteristics: Choose books that your child can learn to recognize similarities in personal traits, interests, or challenges. Texts might include characters of the same gender, age, and location, who like the same activities, or are going through a particular life experience.
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Choose an educational book: Diverse books can be educational, too. They can introduce children to worlds different from their own, and not all educational books need to have specific lessons on diversity. Instead, children's stories with plots not related to diversity but starring characters from traditionally underrepresented groups can be educational all on their own.
Finding books that mirror children from all walks of life can make reading a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Diverse books, such as the selection of books below, can give them a well-rounded perspective and make them kinder and more empathetic.
Dear Black Child is a story of self-acceptance, love, and empowerment for Black immigrant children and families of the diaspora around the world and features joyful and vibrant illustrations.
A fresh and fun celebration of natural hair for babies and toddlers! My Hair is the perfect introduction to an array of beautiful hairstyles for tiny naturalistas-in-training!
A young child loves the spots and patterns found on butterflies, and fashions bold orange wings to become a butterfly child. But when other kids shun the child for the clothes they don’t understand, it takes a father’s encouragement for the kid to stay true to what they love and find joy in the butterfly wings once more
Step in and discover all the rituals and wonder of the mosque in this lyrical debut picture book from M. O Yuksel, with gorgeous artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom, this book is perfect for fans of All Are Welcome and The Proudest Blue.
This resonant and award-winning picture book tells the story of one girl who constantly gets asked a simple question that doesn’t have a simple answer. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom—a book to share, in the spirit of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo.
Indigo Dreaming is a poetic meditation between two young girls—on different sides of the sea—who wonder about how they are intricately linked by culture, even though they are separated by location. The girls’ reflections come together, creating an imaginative and illuminating vision of home, as well as a celebration of the Black diaspora.
Born to parents who fled slavery and the Trail of Tears, Magnolia Flower is a girl with a vibrant spirit. Not to be deterred by rigid ways of the world, she longs to connect with others, who too long for freedom. She finds this in a young man of letters who her father disapproves of. In her quest to be free, Magnolia must make a choice and set off on a journey that will prove just how brave one can be when leading with one’s heart.
Do you feel happy? Sad? Calm? Shy? Brave? Proud? This book provides a way for young readers and the adults in their lives to talk about their feelings and build emotional literary together. Whether dealing with starting school, moving to a new place, experiencing a loss, or another new experience, young readers will have the opportunity to process their emotions about it with the adults in their life.
A picture book for magical yet imperfect children everywhere, written by debut author Ashley Franklin and perfect for fans of such titles as Matthew A. Cherry's Hair Love, Grace Byers's I Am Enough, and Lupita Nyong'o's Sulwe.
In a tender tale of community and resiliency, two brothers who become refugees find hope in their bond with each other and through their connections with the people they encounter.
Brayden Harrington, a thirteen-year-old boy who stutters, gives an incredible speech that electrifies the nation in this timely and extraordinary nonfiction picture book that celebrates the importance of speaking up and using your voice—for everyone deserves to be heard.
Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying "aloha" to experience exciting and unexpected adventures! Punky loves to do a lot of things—except meeting new friends. She doesn’t feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time.
From Daniel Bernstrom, the acclaimed author of One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, comes a charming and irresistibly fun picture book about a young blind girl and her grandmother who experience the vibrant everyday music of their busy city
Stacey’s favorite day of the week is Thursday, when the whole class goes to the library and she gets to lose herself in her beloved books. On one of these special days, Stacey discovers that a new student named Julie has trouble reading in English, so they begin sharing books and stories to practice. Soon, more students start to join them. Books take the group on magical adventures and reveal other worlds and cultures—but best of all, they bring them together as friends.
A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, two-time Stonewall Award-winning and Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff, and illustrator J Yang follows the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself—and made history along the way.
Gigi, a biracial six-year-old girl, learns about her Japanese culture from her grandfather when he comes to visit.
Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker captures the magic and community of theater in her debut picture book, about a spirited girl in a wheelchair who stages a show for her hometown.
This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity.
There are different ways to show and be who you are in this affirming photographic picture book that offers a celebratory and informative look at kids and their wide-ranging gender identities.
Beauty Woke is a powerful story of pride and community, told with bold lyricism and the heart of a fairy tale, and readers looking for a next-generation Sleeping Beauty will fall in love with the vivid art and lyrical text.
In a rhythmic celebration of sport and play, four-time Grand Slam champion and tennis superstar Naomi Osaka shares key steps to becoming a true champ, including being kind, working as a team, doing your best, and most importantly, having fun.
