Books about Diversity and Inclusion (All Ages)

Students in my SEL course shared a variety of books and apps related to ideas and themes of Social Emotional Learning. I have pulled a few samples from their recommendations to share books related to diversity and inclusion. Leave your favourites in the comments to share. 

Book / App	Age/Grade Level	Description and Usefulness
A Kids Book About Racism	Grades 1 - 4	In this book you'll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens. Though racism is a big and heavy topic, it is never too early to start having conversations around it, especially with the Black Lives Matter movements happening worldwide over the past couple months. This book could be used as an intro to this topic and to formulate a class definition of racism.

Amina’s Voice

Ages 9+

Amina, a Pakistani-American Muslim, struggles with whether she should hide her true self to try and fit in and be more American like her best friend has done, as she copes with middle school drama and a devastating vandalism attack on her local mosque. Teaches about the value of multiculturalism, diversity, social awareness, self-awareness in society.

Malala’s Magic Pencil

Intermediate- Secondary

This book follows the character, Malala, who dreams of having a magic pencil to add/erase things in her life. She then begins to realize this power could do great things and could help the world. This book could be used to teach students how the little inconveniences in our lives are so miniscule compared to other struggles around the world. A good idea would be to read this book before starting a class-wide project to give back to the community and learn about world-wide current events.

Teaching Tolerance App	K-12	This is a thought-provoking classroom resource that supports diversity education.  It is an invaluable tool to help reduce prejudice and encourage tolerance in schools, as well as within society as a whole.  https://www.tolerance.org
Facing History and Ourselves App	Grades 6-12	This has valuable materials that empower students to understand and address difficult ethical choices – past and present.  They believe that facing history fosters empathy and reflection, improved students’ academic performance, and supports safe and inclusive schools.  https://www.facinghistory.org/our-work
Finding Home - A Refugee’s Journey	Age 13+	This show a Refugee’s Journey which portrays the experience of being a teen refugee in Malaysia.  The app shows users what the experience of being a teen refugee would be like.  This could be used when we talk about the global refugee crisis.  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/finding-home-a-refugees-journey
Global Oneness Project	Grade 9-12	Interdisciplinary stories that highlight universal themes with a humanistic lens.  They connect through stories based on ideas such as climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, poverty, endangered cultures, migration and sustainability.  All issues that we deal with in a SS9/SS10 classroom.  https://www.globalonenessproject.org/#

Skin Again - Bell Hooks

K - Grade 3

A helpful book teaching not to assume things because of how people look on the outside and the importance of getting to know people first. The words and message are simple and clear. Great for social skill development and inclusion.  Key Questions: Can we tell who people are and what they are like from their appearances? What is important about us? What would it be like if everyone was the same?  (More Activities Here!)

Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls

K-12

In this book (based on a true story), Emmanuel Ofusu Yeboah from Ghana is born with one functioning leg and has been dismissed by society. However, his mother constantly reminds him to never let his impairment stop him from doing things other people do. After his mother  falls ill and eventually passes away, he is determined to spread his message that disability does not mean inability, as he cycles through Ghana. This book teaches the importance of having courage, strength, and determination and how our differences do not make us inferior or less important to others.

Grades K – 3 SEL topics:  Social Awareness & Relationship Skills

“Nell eats fish for breakfast, she doesn’t hug or kiss, and she does NOT want to be called grandma. As her great- granddaughter slowly learns more about Nell’s life, she finds ways to connect with her prickly great-grandmother.” This would be a great book to focus on at the beginning of the school year with making connections. Looking at how we may not think we have anything in common with people at first (or second) glance but in fact there is a lot we don’t know under the surface. There is a great activity where the students go around the class and ask a list of student generated questions to each other. Once finished we make a bulletin board of pictures of each student with their answers to the questions. String is then connected from each student to another who shares that connection. It is a wonderful visual of how we all connect.

K-7

This beautifully illustrated book explores the different perspectives of people from around the world.  How we are different but inherently the same.  Focuses on inter-connectedness, diversity and how everyone matters

K-3

This is a lovely book about a bond between a Father and a Son.  The book shows what it is like to be brave and why it is important to try new things with a focus on courage and building confidence.

The Hate U Give – by Angie Thomas (Novel)

High School

This is the true story of a 16 year old girl Starr who lives in a poor neighborhood but attends an upscale suburban prep school. She witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend at the hands of a police officer. He was not armed.  Starr has difficult choices to make and pressures to handle as she was the only witness to the shooting.  The story focuses on resiliency, honour, decision-making, racism and truth.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (Novel)

Middle School

“Set in 1947 India, Veera Hiranandani’s book traces the journey of 12-year-old twins Nisha and Amil, who live with their father, their grandmother, and a housekeeper named Kazi. The family is Hindu, Kazi a Muslim. At the end of British rule, the family lives in what will become Pakistan and must get to India, but Kazi can’t go with them. They make a grueling walk to safety, almost losing their lives.” https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549250/the-night-diary-by-veera-hiranandani/   The Night Diary won the 2019 Newbery Award. The story is a true account of events of that time and contain themes related to perseverance, decision-making, religion, ethnicity and trust.  According to reviews, this is a great book for discussions around these issues.

Conquering the Wiggle Fidgets: 7 Inspiring Books for ADHD Kids and Their Parents by Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D.

Original Source
Read More Here  on the summaries of each book as well as some books for parents too!

Conquering the Wiggle Fidgets: 
7 Inspiring Books for ADHD Kids and Their Parents

by Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D.

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

by Barbara Esham, illustrated by Mike Gordon and Carl Gordon

This Morning Sam Went to Mars: A Book About Paying Attention

by Nancy Carlson

Last to Finish: A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class

by Barbara Esham, illustrated by Mike Gordon and Carol Gordon

Good Morning Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Wake Up Story and Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story

by Mariam Gates, illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder

Read More Here  on the summaries of each book as well as some books for parents too!

Love this list of books.... it is so important to teach acceptance and diversity!

15 Children’s Books That Smash Stereotypes

#1.  Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

     by Maria Dismondy

     Winner of:

     Gold Mom’s Choice Award

     Eric Hoffer Award

Lucy is one of a kind, and mean Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs her help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make the right choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and to be proud of themselves even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph

#2.  Roland Humphrey is Wearing a What?

by Eileen Kiernan-Johnson

The story of a little boy’s quest to be his authentic self, dressed in pink and festooned with sparkles, in a world that frowns upon boys who like “girly” things.  

Written in verse with bright illustrations, Roland Humphrey is Wearing a WHAT? playfully raises important questions about gender norms, acceptance, and true friendship.

#3.  My Mom is a Firefighter

by Lois G. Grambling

Billy has two families—his mom and dad, and his firehouse “uncles,” who work with his mom. Having a firehouse family is lots of fun. But Billy also knows that firefighters have an important job to do, protecting people and putting out dangerous fires. 

From award-winning author Lois G. Grambling and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jane Manning comes a heartfelt story of a little boy who wants to be just like his mom when he grows up.

#4  Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!

by Christi Zellerhoff

Who says girls can’t play boys’ make-believe games too? “No Girls Allowed,” will simply NOT do for this little Princess! “Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!” proves that just because a girl is wearing a gold crown and a pink fluffy dress doesn’t mean she can’t act like a pirate just as good as any boy. Yes- even a refined and dainty princess can become a rough and tumble pirate!

This is the playful and empowering premise of “Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!” “A princess can do what a pirate can too; she can captain a ship and take charge of the crew..”. “Should unfriendly pirates try climbing aboard, she can fend off the foes with a swoosh of her sword!” are just a few of the things this feisty princess can do in this humorous interpretation and approach to a pirate’s life with a princess’ sense of style.

#5.  Lenny Has Lunch

by Ken Wilson-Max

This is a wonderful book for early childhood that tells the tale of Lenny in the kitchen with Daddy. While Daddy prepares lunch, Lenny plays along. This simple and endearing story of parent and child sharing an everyday activity is perfect for reading with young toddlers.

It has been created by a well-respected and successful author and illustrator of children’s books as a part of the series of books featuring the hugely appealing character, little Lenny.

#6.  Jacob’s New Dress

by Sarah and Ian Hoffman

When young Jacob wants to wear a dress to preschool, his parents must make a decision.  Should they deny his request and try to save him from being bullied?  Do they encourage him to be true to himself, not societies gender norms, andl allow him to wear a dress?  These are difficult, even agonizing, decisions that can affect Jacob’s life for years to come.

#7.  Allie’s Basketball Dream

by Barbara E. Barber

Ever since she saw her first game at Madison Square Garden Allie has been hooked on basketball. When her father buys Allie her very own basketball she can’t wait to play.  But her confidence takes a tumble when the older boys at the neighborhood courts laugh at her first attempts.  Allie doesn’t give up easily and keeps practising so she can accomplish her dream.  A great book for teaching adversity in the face of negativity.

#8.  Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World

by Mildred Pitts Walter

Ten-year-old Justin thinks housework is for women, until he’s invited to his grandfather’s ranch. There, along with fishing, riding, and going to the rodeo, Justin learns about his black cowboy ancestors and that doing “women’s work”–even baking prize-winning biscuits–is part of taking care of himself.

#9.  Drum, Chavi, Drum!/Toca, Chavi, Toca!

by Mayra Lazara Dole

Even though nobody in her Cuban-American neighborhood thinks girls should play the drums, Chavi knows she was born to play. She drums on paint cans, sofa arms, even on her mother’s cheeks. Her favorites are the tumbadoras, conga drums. So, when she’s not picked to play on the school float for Calle Ocho—Miami’s Eighth Street carnaval—she decides to do something about it!

#10.  My Princess Boy

by Cheryl Kilodavis

A nonfiction picture book, based on the author’s son, about acceptance. It tells the tale of a 4-year-old boy who happily expresses his authentic self by enjoying “traditional girl” things like jewelry, sparkles or anything pink.

The goal of this book is to create a space in this world where children who are different, feel different or express themselves differently can be accepted for who they are.

#11.  Elena’s Serenade

by Campbell Geeslin

A delightfully fresh take on the “anything you can do, I can do better” theme, Elena’s Serenade follows a feisty little Mexican girl on a quest to prove to her father–and herself–that she can be a glassblower, even if she is a girl. Magic realism abounds as Elena journeys (dressed as a boy) to Monterrey to learn from the great glassblowers.

#12.  Daddy’s Wedding

by Michael Willhoite

In the sequel to Daddy’s Roommate (1990, not reviewed), ten- year-old Nick is the “best man” at the commitment ceremony of his gay father and his partner, Frank. Nick’s mother, stepfather, and grandparents are delighted by the celebration, which takes place in a backyard and is officiated by a female minister.

#13.  Mommy, Mama and Me

by Leslea Newman

This book shares the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.  Written in rhythmic text and illustrated with universal appeal, the story shows us a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together.

#14.  Who’s in a Family?

by Robert Skutch

Family is important, but who’s in a family? Why, the people who love you the most!This equal opportunity, open-minded picture book has no preconceptions about what makes a family a family. There’s even equal time given to some of children’s favorite animal families. With warm and inviting jewel-tone illustrations, this is a great book for that long talk with a little person on your lap.

#15.  The Paper Bag Princess

by Robert Munsch

This is a classic tale of a beautiful princess named Elizabeth who is slated to marry Prince Ronald, when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald–who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance.

See all the books here

10 Profound Children's Book Quotes That Probably Changed Your Life

Think back to the books you read as a kid—chances are there was that one line from that one book that completely changed the way you thought about life, whether it was the poignant last phrase of The Polar Express or a quietly wise revelation from Winnie the Pooh.

1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

“‘I wish that I could give you something… but I have nothing left. I am an old stump. I am sorry…’
‘I don’t need very much now,’ said the boy, ‘just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.’
‘Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could. ‘Well, an old stump is a good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.’
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.”

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

3. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

4. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

“Oh, it’s delightful to have ambitions. I’m so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them–that’s the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting.”

5. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

“Sometimes it seemed to him that his life was delicate as a dandelion. One little puff from any direction, and it was blown to bits.”

6. The Giver by Lois Lowry

“For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing. Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he thought he heard music too. But perhaps it was only an echo.”

7. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

8. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

“Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.”

9. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”

10. A Light In the Attic by Shel Silverstein

“When the light turns green, you go. When the light turns red, you stop. But what do you do when the light turns blue with orange and lavender spots?”

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