I’ve posted another piece here about classic children’s books that are actually racist. Today I’m listing some positive alternative options to add diversity to your kids’ bookshelves. Reading to children is a powerful tool to generate empathy and understanding and jump-start their literacy skills. But so many children’s books showcase the white/cis/male protagonist we miss the opportunity to truly expand our understanding of the human experience. As a parent during this tumultuous moment in history, I feel like we have an extra heavy weight on our shoulders: the prevalent systemic racism in our country is an outrage, and we can not raise another generation of complicit Americans.
I am linking these books to Amazon so that you can read the descriptions but many are available through our local library’s curbside pickup or you can order them through our local independent bookstore Brightside.
Racial Diversity
I am Human: a book of empathy By Susan Verde
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
LGBTQ+ inclusion
I am Jazz by Jessica Hershel and Jazz Jennings
Heather has two mommies by Leslea Newman
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah Hoffman
A Fire Engine for Ruthie By Leslea Newman
Multicultural Diversity
Bilal cooks Daal By Aisha syed
The Arabic Quilt by Aya Khalil
The Sandwich Swap By Queen Rania of Jordan al Abdullah
Fry Bread By Kevin Noble Mainard
Wangari’s Trees of Peace By Jeannette Winter
We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrome
This list is far from comprehensive, here are a few other resources and feel free to leave a comment! What are some of your favorite inclusive kids books?
The conscious kid: an education resource and policy organization dedicated to equity and healthy racial identity development in youth.
Little Feminist: offers diverse children’s books subscriptions.
