How special (and terrifying) is it that we as parents can raise the next generation? One thing I really hope for my kids is that they will grow up and understand the importance of inclusion and see how beautiful our differences really can be. In our home, we use books to learn these things because they can give perspectives that my little ones may not see in their daily life.
Below, I’ve included 20 books that celebrate diversity. I hope they will help you open the door to important conversations in your family about race, intellectual and physical skills, and gender.
20 children’s books with variety for your little one’s bookshelf
The color of us
Age group: 4-8 years
When Lena paints a picture of herself, she learns that there are many different shades of brown. Through the story, your child will learn how to celebrate the similarities and differences between people.
The colors from us can also be purchased through Mahogany Books, a black owned bookstore. Click here to try and support.
Suki’s kimono
Age group: 4-8 years
Suki’s blue kimono is a present Obachan gave her on her last visit. She takes it to class to tell them all about the street festival she attended and the circuit dance that they attended. This story is joyful and adorable!
Ten little babies
Age group: 1-5 years
This boardbook describes everything 10 different babies do during their day. Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but this book will also teach your little one to count.
I am enough
Age group: 4-8 years
This book is about loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind. It’s a lyric poem and an absolutely lovely way to show your little one the importance of self-love.
I Am Enough is also available for purchase through Semicolon Bookstore, a black-owned bookstore. Click here to try and support.
The other dragon
Age group: 4-8 years
The Different Dragon is a bedtime story of a boy and one of his mothers who tell a magical story about dragons. Written by a PreK-12 counselor, this book will help you initiate gender and sexuality conversations with your children.
We all play
Age group: Baby – 7 years
This book will teach your child about networking nature from an indigenous perspective. It’s about how much children and animals love to play.
Pink is for boys
Age group: 4-8 years
Colors are for everyone! This book takes stereotypes to the edge and empowers children to express themselves in any color of the rainbow.
Rapunzel
Age group: 2-4 years
Just like the classic story, but give it a multicultural twist! In this story, Rapunzel is Indian. The illustrations are vivid and bright so this book is really fun to read together.
Good morning Baby!
Age group: Baby 3 years
This is another book that explores babies’ everyday lives. It’s all about her morning routine, which is really great when you’re trying to implement a routine in your own home.
Hair love
Age group: 4-8 years
Not only is this book about a cute father and daughter relationship, but it also teaches self-love and confidence, especially when it comes to having beautiful curly hair.
Hair Love can also be bought through Kido, a black bookstore. Click here to try and support.
Love makes a family
Age group: Baby 3 years
Families come in all shapes and sizes. This book shows that the most important thing is the love that family members share among themselves.
Mama’s khimar
Age group: 4-8 years
This is the story of a little girl who is in awe of her mother’s brightly colored headscarf. She wraps herself in her mother’s khimar and plays dress up all day.
Just ask! Be different, be brave, be you
Age group: 4-8 years
This book is a celebration of the different skills each of us has. It’s about children who face all kinds of challenges but have special powers. It also teaches kids that when they run into someone who is different from them, they don’t know why it’s okay to just ask them about it.
A is for activists
Age group: 3-7 years
This book is a must-have for parents who want to raise world changers. Activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights and more will be discussed. Plus, it’s fun and will grab your little one’s attention.
Mom do you love me
Age group: Preschool-7
This is the story of a little one who pushes the boundaries and in the meantime realizes that his parents’ love is unconditional. Your child will see what life is like in the Arctic too!
The skin you live in
Age group: Preschool-2 years
It reads just like your traditional nursery rhyme, but shares the message of social acceptance with little readers. This is a great book for little readers.
Mom, mom and me
Age group: 3-7 years
This is the story of a little person who spends the day with their moms. It does a great job of showing the love between same sex parents and their children.
Deleted
Age group: 4-8 years
It’s no surprise that this beautiful book has quickly become a favorite of critics and readers. Sulwe is darker than her family and darker than everyone in school, but she learns to find the beauty in it and to love the skin it is in.
Sulwe can also be bought through Kido, a black bookstore. Click here to try and support.
Little leaders: brave women in black history
Age group: 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 children’s book about racism
Age group:
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 a tool that will help you start important conversations with your child early on.
Do you have a suggestion to add to the list? Comment below to let us know!
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