How special (and terrifying) is it that as parents we get to raise the next generation? One thing I really hope for my children is that they grow up understanding the importance of inclusion and see how beautiful our differences can truly be. In our house, we use books to help learn these things because they can teach perspectives that my little ones might not see in their everyday lives.
Below, I have included 20 books that celebrate diversity. My hope is that they will help you open the door for important conversations in your family about race, intellectual & physical abilities, and gender.
20 Children’s Books with Diversity to Add to Your Little One’s Book Shelf
The Color of Us
Age Level: 4-8 years
When Lena goes to paint a picture of herself, she comes to learn that there are many different shades of brown. Through the story, your little one will learn how to celebrate people’s similarities and differences.
The Colors of Us can also be purchased through Mahogany Books, a black-owned bookstore. Click here to check it out & support them.
Suki’s Kimono
Age Level: 4-8 years
Suki’s blue kimono is a gift that her obachan gave her on her last visit. She brings it to class to tell them all about the street festival she attended and about the circle dance they took part in. This story is joyful and adorable!
Ten Tiny Babies
Age Level: 1-5 years
This board book goes through everything that 10 different babies do throughout their day. Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but this book will also help teach your little one about counting.
I Am Enough
Age Level: 4-8 years
This book is all about loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind. It is a lyrical poem and an absolutely beautiful way to show your little one how important self-love is.
I Am Enough can also be purchased through Semicolon Bookstore, a black-owned bookstore. Click here to check it out & support them.
The Different Dragon
Age Level: 4-8 years
The Different Dragon is a bedtime story of a boy and one of his moms who come up with a magical tale about dragons. Written by a PreK-12 consultant, this book will help you to open up conversations about gender and sexuality with your children.
We All Play
Age Level: Baby- 7 years
This book will teach your child about the interconnectedness of nature through an Indigenous perspective. It is all about how both kids and animals love to play.
Pink is for Boys
Age Level: 4-8 years
Colors are for everyone! This book kicks stereotypes to the curb and empowers kids to express themselves in any color of the rainbow.
Rapunzel
Age Level: 2-4 years
Just like the classic tale, but give it a multicultural twist! In this story, Rapunzel is Indian. The illustrations are vibrant and bright making this a really fun book to read together.
¡Buenos Días, Bebé!
Age Level: Baby-3 years
This is another book that explores the everyday life of babies. It is all about their morning routine, which is really great if you are trying to implement a routine in your own home.
Hair Love
Age Level: 4-8 years
Not only is this book about a sweet father and daughter bond, but it also teaches self-love and confidence specifically when it comes to having beautiful curly hair.
Hair Love can also be purchased through Kido, a black-owned bookstore. Click here to check it out & support them.
Love Makes a Family
Age Level: Baby-3 years
Families come in all shapes and sizes. This book shows that when it comes down to it, the most important thing is the love that family members share for one another.
Mommy’s Khimar
Age Level: 4-8 years
This is the story of a little girl who is in awe of her mother’s colorful headscarf. She wraps herself up in her mother’s khimar and plays dress up all day.
Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
Age Level: 4-8 years
This book is a celebration of the different abilities we each have. It is about children who face all different sorts of challenges but have special powers of their own. It also teaches kids that when they come across someone who is different from them and they don’t know why it is okay to just ask them about it.
A is for Activist
Age Level: 3-7 years
This book is an absolute must-have for parents wanting to raise world-changers. It discusses activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and more. Plus, it is entertaining and will captivate the attention of your little one.
Mama, Do You Love Me?
Age Level: Preschool-7
This is the story of a little one who pushes the boundaries and in the meantime realizes their parents love is unconditional. Your little one will also get to see what life in the arctic is like!
The Skin You Live In
Age Level: Preschool-2 years
It reads just like your traditional nursery rhyme but shares the message of social acceptance to little readers. This is a great book for little readers.
Mommy, Mama, and Me
Age Level: 3-7 years
This is the story of a little one spending the day with their mommies. It does a great job of showing the love between same-sex parents and their children.
Sulwe
Age Level: 4-8 years
It is no surprise that this beautiful book has quickly become a favorite of critics and readers alike. Sulwe is darker than her family and darker than everyone at school, but she learns to find the beauty in that and to love the skin she is in.
Sulwe can also be purchased through Kido, a black-owned bookstore. Click here to check it out & support them.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Age Level: 8-12 years
This book tells the story of 40 black women who changed the world. It will help your little one find new role models and inspire them to dream big.
A Kids Book About Racism
Age Level:
If you are looking for a book that clearly explains racism and what to do when you see it, this is it. While the other books on this list tell stories this book is tool so that you can start important conversations with your child early.
Do you have a suggestion to add to the list? Comment below to let us know!
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