Diversity, appropriately, can mean many things depending on the context in which it is used. It can celebrate the broad spectrum of cultures, identities, and backgrounds that we were raised in, the beautiful differences in our appearances and minds, and the incredible tapestry of human connection that can be built from blending our differences together to make a more inclusive and diverse world. In this spirit, we’ve gathered ten picture books that encourage children to embrace diversity in their everyday lives and champion it as they grow.
All About Diversity by Felicity Brooks, Illustrated by Mar Ferrero
When discussing the importance and value of diversity with young readers, this jam-packed title is a fantastic place to start. Initially asking young readers to consider a world where everyone looks and acts the same — how boring! — the book then dives into the many ways that people can differ from one another, such as age, shape, gender, beliefs, culture, and more. The ways that people celebrate these differences are also highlighted, and brightly-colored illustrations and a wealth of text invite curious bookworms to learn about the many ways human beings express their identities and individualism. Most important, readers are reminded that no matter how a person differs from them, they are equally worthy of respect and kindness.
Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder
One of the most visible ways in which people can differ is their bodies — after all, no two bodies are exactly the same! In this joyful, body-positive celebration of how different everybody is allowed to be, people of all shapes, sizes, skin tones, abilities, and styles are depicted interacting with each other at the park, the ice cream parlor, an all-ages ballet class, and more. Characters are depicted with a refreshingly inclusive array of body differences, such as insulin pumps, scars, body hair regardless of gender presentation, stretch marks, vitiligo, and cellulite. The message is clear: all bodies are beautiful just the way they are, and the incredible scope of what the human body can be is exactly what makes them so cool.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
A much-beloved title since its release a few years ago, this look at a day in the life of a class at a city elementary school is a perfect encapsulation of how rich and wonderful life can be when everyone is embraced and included. As families that include queer couples, single adults, and interracial partners drop their children off in the morning, the friends greet each other with excitement. As the day continues, differences are not simply overlooked, but celebrated; kids share their families’ countries of origin, work together to make a new student feel welcome, and enjoy the myriad types of bread packed in their lunches. An essential nod to the importance of classrooms being welcoming and inclusive spaces, this title also celebrates how differences make us stronger, kinder, and better.
The Hair Book by LaTonya Yvette, Illustrated by Amanda Jane Jones
People can have all different types of hair! They can have long hair, short hair, wavy hair, and poufy hair. They can have mustache hair or beard hair — or monster hair! People can choose to cover their hair with a hijab or a kippah. Some wear their hair in afros or cornrows, pull it back or leave it loose. And some people have no hair at all. But no matter your hair, how you choose to style it, or what you wear on top of it, “you are welcome…everywhere.” This simple and colorful look at diversity in hair types, hairstyles, and religious headwear sends the important message that all hair and headwear — and by extension, all backgrounds, cultural affiliations, and human beings connected to them — are valid and beautiful.
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
At first, there were only three colors: the Reds, the Yellows, and the Blues. When a disagreement breaks out over which color was the best, the negativity spreads, and soon the colors have segregated themselves by building walls to keep out those who are different. Until the day a very special Blue meets a very special Yellow and find that their differences complement each other perfectly. A simple narrative to examine the causes and effects of prejudice, this story can help children to understand why diversity helps communities to thrive and grow. The symbolism of the colors is easy to grasp yet still conveys the dangers of separatism with gravity, as well as showing readers that by reaching out, accepting, and loving those different from them, they are creating a stronger and infinitely more interesting world.
Included: A Book for All Children About Inclusion, Diversity, Disability, Equality and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders, Illustrated by Camila Carrossine
Just as critical as the celebration of diversity is the principle of inclusion: that no matter a person’s differences, they have a right to be treated fairly, justly, kindly, and with respect. In this title, six children with differing abilities demonstrate how to create inclusive spaces and connections for those with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, deafness, and more. Each of the children is given a full backstory that affirms their complete identities beyond their disability, creating a valuable look into intersectionality as well as how their disability comes to play in their everyday lives. Offering both representation and a strong case for the value of inclusion, this title reminds readers that inclusivity benefits everyone, regardless of identity.
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, Illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Race — and by extension, racism — is a conversation that many educators and caregivers are having to start with kiddos, and at earlier and earlier ages. In this gentle yet honest title, young readers are walked through the basic facts of race, from how melanin determines skin tone to the social connotations of skin color to the ways that people of color are discriminated against, both in the macro and micro. The title balances an array of topics, including an establishment of pride in every reader’s individual skin color and a dive into serious subjects such as racism and White supremacy, all through age-appropriate language. This is an important look at race from all angles that can help children understand — and stand against — how people try to use skin color to create division, while celebrating the magnificent diversity of skin tone.
What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke, Illustrated by Anne Passchier
Ari loves when Uncle Lior comes to visit, and this visit is particularly exciting. Ari’s neighborhood is having a big summer bash, and Ari can’t wait to show Uncle Lior around and introduce them to everyone. As per usual, Lior asks Ari a question when they arrive: “What are your words?” You see, some days, Ari likes to use she/her, some days he/him, and some days Ari can’t decide at all. As the child and uncle make their way to the party, Ari introduces neighbors who go by they/them, ze/zir, and ey/em, and while Ari wonders which words feel right, Lior assures them that it’s perfectly okay to let their words find them in time. A lovely and affirming look at gender identity and expression, this title lets the reader know that discussing pronouns is a way to be inclusive and create gender safety for everyone around them.
Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor, Illustrated by Rafael López
Inspired by Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor’s experience with juvenile diabetes, this book introduces a group of children in the process of building a garden together, each with a disability or chronic illness, such as ADHD, dyslexia, blindness, severe allergies, and asthma. Asking questions asked in the text, each child explains aspects of their condition or identity, opening conversations about how our bodies can work in different ways (though Sotomayor also acknowledges that not every person will feel comfortable talking about themselves). As the garden blooms into a rainbow of colors and shapes, the story’s denouement brings the message full-circle: what makes us different makes a more vibrant whole.
We Belong by Laura Purdie Salas, Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera
One of the most fascinating aspects of diversity is that it is not only a look at how we differ, but also of the innately human things that connect us as well. Drawing parallels between the differences in human beings and the dazzling scope of diversity found in the natural world, this title looks at physical, cultural, spiritual, and personality differences as a natural extension of our humanity. What’s more, the main message is clear that no matter how people differ, that does not lessen our capacity to connect, form friendships and relationships, and give a voice to every community and identity. The city setting is perfect for conveying this harmony, as characters of all ages and communities work together to build a place of welcome and belonging.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy all of the books on this list, and that they encourage conversations on the importance of diversity and inclusion. Happy reading!
Want even more reads for kids that celebrate inclusivity? Check out this article on Children’s Books That Teach About Diversity.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
