Parents often face the challenges of navigating difficult conversations and complex subjects with their kids. Younger children are exposed to so much new information and it’s important that parents help provide context about the world around them. As such, the need for conversations about diversity, culture and inclusion have never been more necessary.
Racism and prejudice are still very real in our society, and it will require everyone playing an active role to create a culture of acceptance and inclusion. And, while there are many ways each of us can do our part, it’s crucial for parents and teachers to start those efforts with their children.
As a parent of two young children, I’ve always appreciated the role that books can play when it comes to setting the stage for productive conversation. Thankfully, there are tons of great selections that use simplified messages and helpful illustrations to deliver the right message for your child’s level of comprehension. The world of children’s books can be used to introduce influential historic figures, promote messages of inclusion and/or feature fictional characters of many races and cultures.
With the variety of children’s books about diversity and inclusion readily available, it’s hard to go wrong with any choice. Here are some of our favorites we recommend checking out!
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Author: Vashti Harrison
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
This edition of the Little Leaders series highlights 40 inspirational Black women who broke boundaries and achieved amazing accomplishments. The book features iconic and lesser known women in history, and is a great introduction to figures like Maya Angelou (poet), Soujourner Truth (abolitionist) and Alice Ball (chemist), just to name a few. Each woman’s detailed biography is accompanied by beautiful illustrations which has helped make Harrison’s work a New York Times Best Seller.
Little Leaders is recommended for elementary children age 8 and above (but parents are sure to love this one too!)
Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream and You
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Children’s books about diversity that feature relevant historical information are always great tools for conversation. Be a King provides elementary age children with a look back at some of Dr. King’s key moments during his fight for racial equality.
Each page inspires readers with the message “You can be a king”, as it promotes the themes of love and inclusion. Accompanied by James E. Ransome’s stunning illustrations, Be a King sets out to create a strong connection with new readers and challenges them to continue his humanitarian efforts.
Little People, Big Dreams: Harriet Tubman
Author: Isabel San’chez Vergara
Illustrator: Pili Aguado
The Little People, Big Dream series is very popular among parents and teachers of preschool and elementary age children. The books cover the important contributions and accomplishments of inspirational, historical figures. Among the many options in the series, there are quite a few that highlight women who broke racial barriers and fought for equality. Some of our favorites include the stories of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and Wilma Rudolph.
Along with great illustrations, each book also contains real pictures of each book’s subject, along with important facts about their life.
I Am Enough
Author: Grace Byers
Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo
Grace Byer’s I Am Enough has been one of the most popular children’s books about diversity since its debut in 2018. Illustrator Keturah Bobo provides the perfect backdrop for Byer’s beautiful text about loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.
The book’s popularity has led to a number of accolades, including becoming a fixture on the New York Times Best Seller List. I Am Enough is a great book for children 4 – 8 thanks to it’s positive, uplifting message.
Sulwe
Author: Lupita Nyong’o
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Sulwe is the powerful picture book from Lupita Nyong’o about self esteem and loving who you are.
Vashti Harrison’s stunning artwork pairs wonderfully with Nyong’o’s heartwarming story of Sulwe discovering the beauty within herself. The story’s main theme of confronting and overcoming colorism is uplifting and will certainly promote productive conversation with your children.
Sulwe has won numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award and NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work.
Dreamers
Author: Yuyi Morales
Illustrator: Yuyi Morales
Dreamers is the celebrated picture book from Yuyi Morales about her family’s journey to the United States. The story of finding your place and following your dreams will surely captivate parents and children between ages 4 and 8. Arguably no book on our list has more impressive, symbolic illustrations that beautifully bring to life the elegant words of Morales’ journey.
The book has been a consistent best seller and winner of multiple awards, including a New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book award.
The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Everyone has differences and sometimes it can be difficult to embrace what may be uncomfortable. Jacqueline Woodson’s The Day You Begin is the elegant story about being brave and finding the courage to connect with others. The book encourages children to discover the beauty within and push through the uncertainty and fear that comes with new situations. Rafael Lopez’s illustrations features a diverse cast of characters and brings to life the book’s important message.
The Day You Begin is great selection for teachers and parents of preschool and elementary children.
All Are Welcome
Author: Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman
All Are Welcome is the New York Times Best Seller by Alexandra Penfold. This children’s book about diversity and inclusion features children of many different backgrounds, races and cultures all coming to a common place to learn together. The brilliant picture book has been celebrated by preschool and elementary teachers all over for its positive message of celebrating differences.
Shortly after its debut, the book’s popularity led it to become an Amazon Best Children’s Book of the Year selection.
Neither
Author: Airlie Anderson
Illustrator: Airlie Anderson
One of our favorite children’s books over the last couple of years is Airlie Anderson’s Neither. There are only two kinds in the Land of This and That, and “Neither” doesn’t fit in with either. But “Neither” discovers the Land of All where creatures of all colors, shapes and sizes are celebrated and embraced. The heartwarming story highlights inclusion and accepting other’s differences.
The bright, creative illustrations are what help set Neither apart from other picture books. Anderson’s touching picture book about uniqueness and identity is an excellent choice for children ages 4 to 8.
Last Stop on Market Street
Author: Matt De La Pena
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Winner of a Caldecott Medal and Newberry Award, Last Stop on Market Street is one of the most celebrated books on our list.
The story sees CJ and his Grandmother riding the bus through their busy city street. As CJ questions (and complains) about the things around him, his grandmother calls attention to the beauty living behind the surface of his world. The warmth of Pena’s words really draw you into the story and are perfectly complimented by Christian Robinson’s vibrant illustrations.
Last Stop on Market Street is an excellent book for children 3 – 6.
Separate is Never Equal
Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
Separate is Never Equal is the inspiring story of Sylvia Melendez and her fight to end school segregation in California. Sylvia was an American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican decent. After being denied access to a “whites only” school, Melendez’s family and community took action and helped break down the educational barriers in her state.
When it comes to children’s books about diversity, Separate is Not Equal is a great choice because its historical lessons make it appropriate for children of all age groups.
Whoever You Are
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Leslie Staub
The popular book by Mem Fox, Whoever You Are, promotes a message of tolerance. Although we all may look, sound and think differently, inside we share a lot of similarities as well. This beautiful picture book helps celebrate what makes us unique and alike.
Whoever You Are is great for preschool and elementary children. For parents of toddlers and infants, there is also a board book edition as well! If you’re looking for children’s books about diversity, this is a must-own.
We're Different, We're the Same
Author: Bobbi Kates
Illustrator: Joe Mathieu
The best children’s books about diversity and inclusion bring the subject to right level for kids to understand.
We’re Different, We’re the Same uses iconic characters to deliver the message that even though we look different on the outside, we’re all similar inside. The bright illustrations and positive tone of the book make this an enjoyable teaching tool for kids 3 – 7.