Introducing diversity through books is a fantastic way to help children understand and appreciate different cultures, identities, and perspectives. It provides an opportunity to discuss similarities and differences between children's life and the characters in the book. The following article provides a list of 20 Best Books For Children About Diversity, Main Themes Explored In These Books, Diversity and the NQS and more.
- All About Diversity by Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero
A beautifully illustrated book introducing children to the concept of diversity.
- Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger by Elizabeth Cole
A social-emotional book for kids about diversity and kindness.
- The Same But Different by Molly Potter
A picture book helping young children understand diversity.
- It’s OK to be Different by Sharon Purtill
A children's picture book about diversity and kindness.
- We All Belong by Nathalie Goss
A book about diversity, race, and empathy.
- The Kids' Book of Diversity by Catherine Stephenson
A book teaching empathy, kindness, and respect for differences.
- A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
An ABC board book introducing activism and diversity.
- Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara
A book encouraging children to recognize the value of their community.
- Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
A book introducing young readers to the concept of antiracism.
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
A rhyming book featuring babies from different lands.
- Hello by Tony Flowers
A book introducing children to different languages spoken in Australian homes.
- Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Jess Harriton
Inspiring stories about diverse young changemakers.
- Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
A book about identity and self-discovery.
- I Am Whole by Shola Oz
This book encourages children to embrace their diversity and recognise that such differences make us whole.
- Our Skin by Megan Madison
This read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
- Love Makes A Family by Sophie Beer
Whether you have two mums, two dads, one parent, or one of each, there's one thing that makes a family a family.
- Not Like The Others by Jana Broecker
This hidden picture book about diversity promotes acceptance, tolerance, and kindness for all. It showcases that, irrespective of our own unique qualities, we are all an essential part of a bigger picture.
- Pizza Planet by Shivangi Sharma
A fun book about belonging and diversity.
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by Robb Pearlmann
This timely and beautiful board book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids and their grown-ups to express themselves in every colour of the rainbow.
- I Can Do Hard Things by Gabi Garcia
A book encouraging mindfulness and self-affirmation.
Main Themes Explored In These Books
These children's books about diversity explore several important themes:
- Inclusion & Belonging—Stories like We All Belong and The Day You Begin emphasize the importance of feeling accepted and valued in different communities.
- Cultural Identity—Books like Honeysmoke and Blended explore self-discovery and embracing one's heritage.
- Empathy & Kindness—Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger and It’s OK to be Different teaches children to appreciate differences and treat others with kindness.
- Social Justice & Activism—A is for Activist and Antiracist Baby introduces young readers to concepts of fairness and standing up for equality.
- Family & Community—Counting on Community and Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes highlight the importance of relationships and shared experiences.
- Overcoming Challenges—Finally Seen and Blackbird Fly tell stories of resilience and finding one's voice in unfamiliar environments.
- Celebrating Differences—The Same But Different and Pizza Planet encourage children to embrace diversity in all its forms.
These themes help children develop a broader understanding of the world and foster empathy and acceptance.
Diversity and the NQS
The NQS sets a high benchmark for early childhood education and care in Australia. One of its core principles is equity, inclusion, and diversity, ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to quality education.
Diversity is embedded in several quality areas of the NQS:
- Educational Program & Practice: Encourages child-centered learning that respects individual backgrounds.
- Relationships with Children: Promotes respectful interactions that foster a sense of belonging.
- Collaborative Partnerships with Families & Communities: Strengthens cultural competence by engaging with diverse families.
Cultural competence is a key expectation of the NQS, requiring educators to understand, communicate, and interact effectively across cultures. This ensures that children grow in an environment that values their unique identities.
Further Reading
Learning Environments That Show Respect For Diversity
Examples Of How Diverse Cultures Can Be Incorporated
Teaching Children About Similarities And Differences In People
Creating A Multicultural Environment In An Early Childhood Setting
Learning Environments That Show Respect For Diversity In Early Childhood Services
Anti-Bias Education In Early Childhood
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