Teaching diversity and inclusion at a very young age helps children learn to empathize with people who are different from them. This may include skin color or race, religion, abilities, or physical differences. It also helps children develop a positive sense of themselves which can prevent future anxieties and depression. It can instill values such as kindness, generosity, and respect for themselves and others.
We've put together a list of various children's books that celebrate differences in all kinds of ways. Every child should be able to find books that represent who they are as it validates their worthiness and helps them feel good about themselves. In addition, it expands their world to see and read about people that are not like them. Enjoy this journey of exploration!
Books Celebrating Physical Differences
1. Some Kids Use Wheelchairs by Lola M. Schaefer
Colorful photographs and simple explanations help children understand why some children use wheelchairs and how they can enjoy everyday activities too.
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2. I Get Around in My Own Special Way by Donna Goldman
This book encourages empathy and inclusion by educating children about living life in a wheelchair. Told through the eyes of a friendly and outgoing girl, she teaches others how to be respectful and courteous.
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3. Mighty Mila by Katie Petruzziello
A heartwarming tale about a spunky deaf girl that is determined to teach her parents that she is all grown up. This hilarious story doesn't focus on Mila's hearing, helping hearing children understand that every child is actually the same.
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4. Gracie's Ears by Debbie Blackington
This rhyming story is an uplifting story about a young girl who doesn't realize that her ears don't work the same as others. It gently introduces children to hearing aids and why some people need them.
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5. This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis
A sweet story of a powerful friendship between a blind horse and a gruff goat, this book will warm your heart and help children understand that some people cannot see with their eyes.
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6. Erik the Red Sees Green by Julie Anderson
Erik stumbles through school until he discovers that he is color-blind. This funny story teaches others how this common deficiency can affect how people with CVD see the world around them and what we can do to help them overcome daily challenges.
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7. When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb
This captivating book will help kids think about how to behave when they meet someone who is different from them. When Charley meets Emma, a girl with a limb difference, he doesn't know how to react at first, but he soon learns that everyone is the same on the inside.
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8. Meeting Mimi by Francie Dolan
A fantastic way to introduce young readers to people with different abilities. Mimi introduces herself to a new class and we learn that she likes jokes and uses a walker. The book includes vocabulary and activities for classroom use as well.
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9. Roxy the Raccoon by Alice Reeves
Roxy's woodland friends work together to find ways to make sure that Roxy is included in their activities. This sweet story and cute illustrations teach the lesson that solutions are always possible when people are motivated to work together.
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10. We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch
A bold and colorful exploration of all the ways that people navigate through the spaces around them and a celebration of the relationships created through it all. This book follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection.
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Books That Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
11. Every Kid Matters: A Children's Book that Teaches Kids to Accept Themselves and Others - By Dr. De'Nean Coleman-Carew
A sweet story that follows the journey of a young girl who is new to a school and no one wants to be her friend because she looks different. The book introduces affirmations and self-soothing as wonderful coping mechanisms for young ones.
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12. Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger by Elizabeth Cole
A lovely book for social-emotional learning lessons. Nick discovers that unique qualities that make people different are something to be celebrated! This book teaches little ones to be kind and confident.
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13. All People are Beautiful by Vincent Kelly
14. What if We Were All the Same? By CM Harris
A concise but powerful universal message about celebrating our individuality. Using fun rhymes and colorful illustrations, this inspirational book teaches children to enjoy all of our wonderful differences.
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15. It's Ok to be Different by Sharon Purtill
Individuality is celebrated, not shunned in this award-winning book that highlights how beautiful it is that each person is unique. This rhyming picture book encourages kindness and befriending those that are different than themselves.
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16. Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortega
This charming story with soothing rhymes and vibrant illustrations will explain to your child that it is okay to make a mistake and apologize. Lucas learns how to accept diversity, thrive in a multicultural and inclusive environment, and show empathy for others.
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17. Ninjas Go To a Party by Mary Ninh
This children's book series teaches children valuable skills, including why it's important to involve everyone and respect the feelings of others. The story gives young readers strategies for including all people at a party so they all have a good time.
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18. Nook by Sally Ann Garland
A darling picture book that addresses shyness and sensory needs; it teaches children to respect the needs of others. The alluring illustrations and simple prose make this an ideal book for beginning readers.
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19. A Little Spot of Belonging by Diane Alber
This is a fantastic book to spark a discussion with young readers about making friends and why it's important for every person to feel as though they belong. It will help children navigate social groups and learn how to respect themselves and each other.
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20. The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart
Even little ones feel the effects of a country divided and this book addresses how to embrace the things that bring us together as humans. It offers a wonderful message of staying true to yourself while accepting others.
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Books Celebrating Diverse Cultures
21. What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World by Maya Ajmera
Bright and beautiful photographs show exuberant children from around the world in their native garb. Dressing up as a point of pride and confidence in their various cultures, these adorable children will delight readers of all ages and inspire questions about different cultures.
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22. Ganesha's Cramped Statue by Mayuri V Amarnath
Learn about Indian Culture and its grand festivals as you follow the story of Genesh, the elephant-headed Indian God as he prepares for his upcoming birthday party. A fun story with bright pictures and a wonderful way to learn about this culture.
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23. A Synagogue Just Like Home by Alice Blumenthal McGinty
Rabbi Ruben isn't very handy, so he finds some creative fixes for broken things around his synagogue, like using challah dough to plug the leaky faucet. Eventually, the whole congregation comes together to save the day. Friendly illustrations accompany this lively tale.
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24. Amira's Picture Day by Reem Faruqi
Gives insight into the Muslim religion through Amira's quandary of staying home after Ramadan to celebrate Eid or going to school for picture day. Sweetly descriptive text and jewel-toned illustrations complete this lovely picture book.
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25. Too Many Tamales by Gary Bond
Discover the significance of tasty tamales at Christmas in the Mexican community through this heartwarming tale of Maria and her struggles to find a diamond ring that fell into a batch of tamales in the making.
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26. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
Fry bread isn't just something found at state fairs. Told in lively and powerful verse and accompanied by adorable illustrations, this book depicts a family as they prepare fry bread and explains the importance of this traditional food.
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27. I am Golden by Eva Chen
This joyful and lyrical picture book is an ode to the immigrant experience and a self-love book of validation for Chinese American children. It is a beautiful celebration of identity and finding the power within one's differences.
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28. Is There a Princess Like Me? By Leila Brown
A sweet story about how a little girl is inspired to create more princesses that she can connect and identify with. A good lesson about empowerment and representation in the modern world.
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29. All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle
A love story of the Cuban people and their resourceful innovations. A boy and his parents embark on a road trip to Havana and discover people, music, cars, and neighborhoods along the way. Realistic and colorful illustrations accompany this celebration of Cuba.
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30. Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse
The lyrical text introduces young readers to a distinctively different culture, while at the same time showing that the special love that exists between parent and child transcends all boundaries. The story is beautifully complemented by graphically stunning illustrations.
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Books that Celebrate Gender Inclusion
31. A House for Everyone by Jo Hirst
A group of friends gathers together to build a house. Each one has a unique identity and expresses their individuality in different ways, from what they wear to how they cut their hair. An engaging story that may spark a conversation with your younger children.
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32. Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
A jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality, the beautiful book engages the reader with the enchanting tale of Julian as he daydreams of dressing in feather boas and sequined gowns to be the most glorious mermaid.
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33. It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn
This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, this book is designed to start a conversation about this important and sensitive topic.
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34. Phoenix Goes to School by Michelle Finch
An uplifting story about a young lady finding her place in school. A wonderful book to support and encourage a transgender child before the first day of school. The questions in the back will help encourage an engaging conversation as well.
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35. Neither by Airlie Anderson
In a land with only two kinds of animals, yellow bunnies and bluebirds, a new, green baby is born. A tale of trying to find a place in a world where you don't quite fit in, this story is a sweet celebration of being different.
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Books that Celebrate Families of all Kinds
36. Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
This colorful board book shows various families happy together as they go throughout their day, from waking up to goodnight kisses. No matter what the family looks like, what's important is the love they share.
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37. Kids Need to Be Safe by Julie Nelson
In simple words and full-color illustrations, this book explains why some kids move to foster homes, what foster parents do, and the ways kids might feel during foster care. Designed to help the transitioning child, this book makes it clear that the situation is not their fault and that they are important.
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38. What Makes a Family by Hannah Bruner
All kinds of people create all kinds of families and children feel safe and secure when they see others that are like them. This book showcases unique families and what makes them special, while the diverse illustrations encompass the message of love in all forms.
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39. Divorce is a "D" Word by Amanda Marie Cottrell
Separation and divorce can be painfully difficult for young children. With beautiful illustrations and written from the heart, this book is a great way to find hope for a child whose definition of a family is changing.
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40. Family Means...by Matthew Ralph
Every family is special and this book showcases all kinds of living situations. Fun and colorful illustrations and simple prose depict everyday life for various families. It encourages children to think about their own families and what they mean.
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Books That Celebrate All Shapes and Sizes
41. Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw
A terrific way to introduce body positivity and self-love to young girls. Teaches girls not to judge themselves, but to celebrate exactly who they are and discover their own beauty. The illustrations perfectly represent the diversity of girls, big and small.
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42. All Bodies are Good Bodies by Margaret Lynn Samora
This book encourages parents to explore the topic of body positivity with their children. Even the youngest of children notice images in the world around them and the way people respond to those images. This conversation starter will help your young ones see the beauty in themselves.
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43. Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder
A body positivity book that's not just for girls! Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types is just the beginning of this truly inclusive book. With its joyful illustrations and encouraging refrain, it will instill body acceptance and confidence in the youngest of readers.
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44. Your Body is Awesome: Body Respect for Children by Sigrun Danielsdottir
This book focuses on all of the wonderful things that bodies can do and why we need to care for them and love them to stay healthy and strong. Promoting respect for body diversity also encourages kindness and stifles bullying before it starts.
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45. Some Bodies by Sophie Kennen
Bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can do amazing things. With these playful rhymes and engaging artwork, this picture book encourages young children to accept their differences and value the beauty of their uniqueness.
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Books Celebrating Special Needs
46. Katie Can by Erin Palmer
Katie has Down's Syndrome, but that's not what makes her so special. She brings joy to everyone around her as she takes pride in all that she can accomplish. Illustrations beautifully represent children with Down's syndrome.
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47. My Whirling Twirling Motor by Merriam Sarcia Saunders
Charlie has ADHD and feels like his motor is always running. He is afraid he's in trouble when Mom wants to talk, but instead, they list all the positive traits of his running motor. A wonderful way to recognize differences without asking a child to fit the mold of everyone else.
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48. This is Me! I Am Who I'm Meant to Be by Amy Pflueger
The story empowers children with autism to believe in themselves and realize their full potential and it helps others understand how a kid with autism thinks. Greater understanding creates empathy and kindness for all concerned.
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49. A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey
A heartfelt story of a young autistic boy desperate for a friend at school, but everyone else seems so different. Henry becomes friends with someone who is unlike him in many ways, but they learn to accept each other's preferences and a magical friendship is formed.
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50. I'm Not Broken by Jill R. Salatino
This book is simple for children to understand, all while getting a powerful message across. Children learn that we are all the same on the inside, but we may do some things differently. Helpful to teach kids that we are all human and we shouldn't judge others.
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Books Celebrating Race
51. Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison
This board book introduces little ones to an important topic with vibrant illustrations and concise language. Developed by experts in early childhood education, this picture book creates conversations to instill life-long values.
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52. I Am Whole by Shola Oz
A delightful picture book to celebrate children of mixed backgrounds and cultures. Written with love to embrace the differences that come with being multi-racial, including language, family, and cultural traditions.
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53. Stand Tall by Teju Akande
This heartwarming and uplifting story is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to address racist incidents. After being called names at school, Buster learns to be proud of who he is and tackle the situation with grace and glory.
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54. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
An incredibly sweet story of a father and daughter as he teaches her to love herself and all that encompasses. The endearing illustrations bring a sense of warmth and tenderness to the delightful narrative.
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55. Every Shade of Smile by Nicole M. Gray
"Smiles don't see color, smiles don't see race. Smiles don't see the difference, smiles just embrace." This inspiring picture book shows young readers that although skin color may be different, smiles are a universal language of love.
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