11 Must-Read Books About Diversity For Kids
Diversity is one of the most talked-about topics in today’s society. In many places and in many ways. The best place to start introducing diversity to our kids is right at home. Today I’m going to share with you eleven picture books about diversity for toddlers and up.
I have listed them in the recommended age group. Pick the right books for your child, depending on their age.
Books About Diversity For Toddlers & Preschoolers
Let’s start the list with two board books written by Todd Parr.
1. “The Family Book” by Todd Parr
Age Group : 2-4 years
Todd Parr’s books are known for their vibrant illustrations and simple messages.
This board book is a great way for toddlers to start learning about different families in terms of size, shape and background. You will be able to answer all the curious questions they might have about different families.
2. “It’s Okay to Be Different” by Todd Parr
Age Group: 2-5 years
Another wonderful book by Todd Parr, “It’s Okay to Be Different” encourages your kids to embrace and celebrate their differences.
It covers a range of topics, from physical differences to diverse family structures.
3. “Shades of People” by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly
Age Group: 2-5 years
A book that highlights the differences among kids in many settings, such as schools, playgrounds, buses, parks, etc.
It has bright pictures and simple text, keeping your toddlers engaged.
While reading the book, you can talk about appreciating the beauty of differences.
4. “Strictly No Elephants” By Lisa Mantchev
Age Group: 3-6 years
Another amazing book about inclusion and friendship.
The story is about a boy and his pet elephant in a world where not everyone is welcoming.
A local pet club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes. It is time for the boy to show the true colours of friendship and find a solution.
5. “Whoever You Are” by Mem Fox
Age Group: 3-6 years
Not just another book about diversity.
Mem Fox effortlessly communicates that emotions like love, laughter, and joy connect us all, regardless of all the differences.
A great book to show your children the similarities and differences among children from various cultures around the world.
Books About Diversity For Preschoolers And Up
6. “The Colors Of Us” By Karen Katz
Age Group : 4–7 years
This is a beautiful picture book for preschoolers to learn about the beauty of diversity and the differences in our skin tone. The entire story is narrated from the perspective of a young girl.
The characters provide relatable role models for children to connect with and learn from.
While you read the book, you can also discuss racial diversity, identity, and acceptance.
7. “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers And Keturah A. Bobo
Age Group : 4-7 years
An award-winning book to teach diverse representation of girls in children’s literature and self-acceptance.
You can talk about self-acceptance, kindness, and the importance of treating others with respect, regardless of their differences.
Take a look at the read-aloud of “I am enough” by the author.
8. “Last Stop On Market Street” By Matt De La Pena And Christian Robinson
Age Group: 4–6 years
This story follows a young boy named CJ and his grandmother as they are on their weekly bus ride through the bustling city.
Along the way, they see a variety of people, each with their own unique stories and perspectives.
“Last Stop on Market Street” shows our little ones that diversity is all around us and that it should be celebrated and cherished.
9. “All Are Welcome” By Alexandra Penfold And Suzanne Kaufman
Age Group : 4–8 years
Another heartwarming story that highlights the beauty of diversity in a school community.
The story is about a group of children who go through their daily routines, showcasing their unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices.
This is a great book to read to your primary schoolers or preschoolers who are about to go to school. They will have a good sense of what to expect in a school setting.
10. “Same, Same But Different” by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Age Group: 4-8 years
This book brings together two children from different places in the world.
They share their experiences of their own worlds—how they greet each other, how they go to school, what they see in their cities, and more—and discover that their lives are actually quite different from one another.
11. “The Day You Begin” By Jacqueline Woodson
Age Group: 5-8 years
Another beautiful book for school-aged children.
It’s about the story of children who feel different, whether it’s their appearance, language, or cultural background.
This book encourages kids to embrace their differences and find the courage to connect with others, even when they feel like outsiders.
Why It's Important To Teach About Diversity
Alright then. Now that you’ve got some books about diversity, let’s see why it’s important to teach our kids about diversity in the early years.
Cultural Awareness: Children can explore different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
Empathy Development: Reading about characters with diverse experiences helps little ones develop empathy.
Breaking Stereotypes: Books have the power to challenge and break stereotypes.
Building Inclusive Communities: Children learn that differences are not only acceptable but also valuable.
Tips On Teaching Diversity For Kids
You can make the following points while reading the books. Use simple examples if necessary.
- Imagine if everyone liked the same colour, ate the same food, and liked the same games—that might be a bit boring.
- Because we have diversity, it means that people come in all sorts of colours, speak different languages, enjoy different foods, and have different traditions.
- It’s like having a big box of crayons with lots of different colours; each crayon is unique, and when you put them all together, you can create beautiful pictures. In the same way, when people with different ideas, backgrounds, and talents come together, they can make amazing things happen.
- It’s important to be kind and respectful to everyone, even if they are different from us. That way, we can learn from each other and make the world a better and more exciting place!
Wrap up
By learning about different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, we lay the foundation for a more inclusive generation.
What’s your child’s favourite book? Have you read any other books about diversity? Let us know below.
Leave a Reply