Reading books about diversity to children helps them understand and appreciate the many ways people can be different and yet similar. These differences can be in appearance, culture, language, beliefs, and abilities. The following article provides a list of children's books about diversity.
Books About Diversity
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We Are All Welcome Here" by Patricia Polacco: Celebrates the diversity in communities, showing children from various backgrounds feeling welcomed and included.
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"The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi: A story about a Korean girl, Unhei, who struggles with her name in her new American school and learns to embrace her cultural identity.
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"A Chair for My Mother" by Vera B. Williams: This touching story highlights family, love, and community as a young girl and her mother save money to buy a comfortable chair after their home is destroyed by a fire.
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"Those Shoes" by Maribeth Boelts: A heartwarming tale about a young boy who learns about generosity and empathy when he can't afford the popular shoes everyone else has.
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"Same, Same, But Different" by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw: Explores the friendship between two boys from different countries who learn about their similarities and differences through pen pal letters.
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"Sofia Valdez Future Prez" by Andrea Beaty: Follows young Sofia Valdez as she campaigns to turn a landfill into a community park, showing her determination and leadership.
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"The Patchwork Path" by Bettye Stroud: Tells the story of a young girl and her father's escape from slavery using quilt patterns as a guide, highlighting courage and resilience.
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"Jabari Jumps" by Gaia Cornwall: Jabari overcomes his fear of jumping off the diving board, demonstrating bravery and perseverance.
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"Letters from Minty" by Alan Schroeder: Chronicles the life of young Harriet Tubman, affectionately known as Minty, and her journey towards becoming a key figure in the Underground Railroad.
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"Juneteenth for Mazie" by Carole Boston Weatherford: Mazie learns about Juneteenth and its significance, celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.
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"Henry’s Freedom Box" by Ellen Levine: The true story of Henry "Box" Brown, who mailed himself to freedom from slavery in a wooden crate.
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"Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn" by Kenard Pak: A gentle exploration of the changing seasons, focusing on the transition from summer to autumn.
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"Fry Bread" by Kevin Noble Maillard: A celebration of Native American culture and tradition through the making and sharing of fry bread.
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"Skin Like Mine" by LaTasha M. Nevada Diggs: Encourages children to appreciate the beauty in their skin tones and embrace diversity.
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"Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña: A young boy learns to see the beauty in his urban environment during a bus ride with his grandmother.
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"Festival of Colors" by Preeti Durgani: Celebrates the Indian festival of Holi through the vibrant colors and joyful traditions of the holiday.
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"Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion" by Atinuke: A twist on the classic "Little Red Riding Hood" set in Africa, showcasing different cultural elements.
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"Under My Hijab" by Hena Khan: Highlights the different ways Muslim women and girls wear their hijabs and celebrates their individuality and strength.
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"Round is a Tortilla" by Roseanne Greenfield Thong: Introduces shapes through the lens of Latino culture, filled with bright illustrations and cultural references.
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"I’m Like You, You’re Like Me" by Cindy Gainer: Teaches children about respect and diversity, emphasizing the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Explaining Diversity to Children
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Differences and Similarities: Explain that people might look different, speak different languages, or have different traditions, but they also have things in common, like emotions, dreams, and the need for friendship.
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Celebrate Uniqueness: Encourage children to see differences as something to celebrate and learn from.
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Inclusive Play: Teach children to include everyone in play and activities, regardless of differences.
Further Reading
Examples Of How Diverse Cultures Can Be Incorporated
Learning Environments That Show Respect For Diversity
Celebrating Multiculturalism in Childcare
Cultural Competence In Early Childhood Settings
Teaching Children About Similarities And Differences In People
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