36 Children's Books About Diversity and Inclusion

Lisa R said:  Piggy is a pig and Gerald the Elephant is not. Gerald wants to celebrate Happy Pig Day! but he's not sure he belongs. Luckily, Piggy is there to teach him that Happy Pig Day! isn't just for pigs, but for anyone that loves pigs! This is a great first book for gently showing kids that it is okay, and even fun, to celebrate other cultures, how to recognize what it feels like not to belong and how to empathize with and include others.

This Ordinary People Change the World series has several biography books for kids that are great for teaching about historical figures at an appropriate and entertaining level while delivering important lessons about diversity and values. This Rosa Parks book teaches lessons about history, and also about standing up for your beliefs.

Kelly R said:  This series offers such a great way to teach kids about all sorts of historical figures. My son enjoys them as an early reader, and they have sparked some great conversations.

Yoli B said:  Muslims throughout the world celebrate Ramadan, which includes a month of fasting and praying. Ramadan Moon gives the reader an account of the celebration through the eyes of a child. Written and illustrated by Muslims, the book is a great intro to the religion and explains why Ramadan is such a special experience.

Kristy Pepping said:  My daughter's preschool teacher read the kids this book today. It's another great lesson by Sesame Street. The book is about how everyone may look different from one another, but really we are all the same. Differences may be in people's appearances, but this is what makes the world special. And even though someone is different than you, their feelings are just as important as yours.

Erin P. said:  In Last Stop on Market Street, CJ and his grandma are riding the bus across town, just as they do every Sunday. This time, CJ begins to notice things that other kids have that he does not, including cars and ipods. He asks his grandma why he does not have these things. She responds to each of his questions by telling him something to appreciate about his life. This is a charming story that teaches children to recognize the good and the beauty in their surroundings, and helps to open the door for discussions on important social issues.

Erin P. said:  The Colors of Us is a book in which a little girl named Lena learns about mixing paint to paint skin color. She wants to use brown to paint a picture of herself and her mom explains that brown comes in many different shades. The pair go for a walk and Lena then notices all the beautiful tones in all her friends (honey, cinnamon, chocolate, French toast). The message is that we should teach children to notice and celebrate the similarities and differences among people.

Erynn said:  This sweet story uses a mislabeled crayon to encourage kids to be true to their inner selves, regardless of how they might appear on the outside. A thoughtful message that applies to a variety of situations regarding diversity, Michael Hall's book gives kids a gentle introduction to the concepts of identity and courage in one's self.

Yoli B said:  We have had a few friends reveal that they are Transgender, and this is one of the books that we will use to explain it to the kids moving forward. This is a story about a boy and his teddy bear, "Thomas". The boy notices that Thomas is sad one day and the bear reveals that he knows in his heart that he isn't a boy bear, but a girl bear. The book, by Jessica Walton, teaches about friendship and unconditional love, and is a great addition to your children's book collection!

Yoli B said:  I am very thankful for books like this that come along to explain current events to the kids. We read this as a family and were all able to learn about refugee and migrant children around the world. Refugees and Migrants explains why people leave their homes and teaches your children ways to help those affected. The illustrations do a great job of showing the struggle of refugee and migrant kids without being too disturbing. This book is perfectly suited for kids, but I found it helpful to read as an adult!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  I'm New Here by Anne Sibley O'Brien is the story of three different immigrant students who move to the United States and need to learn a new culture and adjust to new schools. They feel different and struggle to fit in but their new classmates and teachers help them every step of the way until they feel comfortable in their new environments.

This book teaches children to be accepting of all children, especially those from different cultures. It teaches others to be patient, caring and a helpful friend to kids who are new to their community.

Erin P. said:  This is a great story about a young Black girl who wants to play Peter Pan in the class play. Her classmates tell her that she couldn't possibly be Peter Pan because he's a boy, and he's white. She tries out anyway and wins the part. She learns that when she puts her mind to something, she can do anything she wants.

Erin P. said:  

This book follows a nursery rhyme format to begin to teach young children about social acceptance and appreciation of uniqueness.

Kelly R said:  My kids really enjoyed this book about two pen pals who live in America and India. The boys learn that although their worlds look different, they share many similarities.

Yoli B said:  I Like Myself is an energetic and imaginative journey through one girl's self esteem. The little girl loves herself no matter how she looks, smells, or who stares and will teach your kiddos to do the same. This is available in a board book, so it's not to early to start teaching your kids to love themselves!

Kristy Pepping said:  This book is based off the song We All Sing with the Same Voice that was sung on Sesame Street. The idea is no matter what a child looks likes or where they live, children are the same at heart.