Children’s literature is one of the ways that kids learn important life lessons and skills, such as empathy, acceptance, and confidence. Providing rich reading experiences that introduce different cultures and represent different experiences is a wonderful method for opening children’s world views. From picture books to chapter books to YA novels, there are plenty of options and opportunities for kids to see diversity represented in the books they read.
Here are some of our favorite books that represent and encourage diversity for grades PreK-2 and 3-6 reading levels:
Grades PreK–2
Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie and Yuyi Morales (illustrator):
Thunder Boy Jr. doesn’t want to share a name with his dad, Big Thunder, anymore, so he sets out to discover a new name for himself. This is a great and colorful story about a young Native American boy and his father as they build his own confidence.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman (illustrator):
This book is a colorful and descriptive story about children from all kinds of backgrounds as they go through their day at school. This is a great story about acceptance, diversity, and love.
Hair Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry:
Follow the story of this little girl who wants to find someone else who also has naturally curly hair like hers. As she searches, she discovers that everyone has unique characteristics that make them who they are.
Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal, Kabir Sehgal, and Vashti Harrison (illustrator):
In this beautifully illustrated book, learn about Holi, the Festival of Colors in Indian culture. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo gather flowers and prepare for the festival in this colorful and educational story.
Sophia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts (illustrator):
When Sofia’s Abuelo hurts his ankle at the local landfill, Mount Trashmore, she devises a plan to turn it into a park for the neighborhood! She prepares to pitch her idea to City Hall, but when that doesn’t work, she must find a new way to make a difference.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal (illustrator):
This illustrated book tells the story of the connection between food and culture and demonstrates how Fry Bread is a big part of Native American culture and family. The book also includes a recipe for fry bread and notes by the author about the story.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson (illustrator):
When CJ starts to ask questions like “Why do I have to ride the bus home with grandma?” and “How come I don’t have an iPod like other kids?” his grandmother shows him the beauty of their routine and the fun in the world around them.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts and Noah Z. Jones (illustrator):
Jeremy wants the shoes that everyone else is wearing, but his grandma explains the difference between “want” and “need.” As the story goes on, Jeremy realizes that he is grateful for what he does have, and ends up helping a friend out, too.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall:
This story follows Jabari, a recent swim lesson graduate, as he builds up the courage to jump off the diving board like all the other kids. With the help of his dad, he prepares to make the jump!
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi:
When Unhei moves to America from Korea, she’s especially nervous about fitting in and teaching the other kids to pronounce her name. She decides to choose a new name, and all the other kids submit suggestions in the name jar, which mysteriously goes missing on the day of her name choosing!
Grades 3–6
Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon:
Loosely based on Zora Neal Hurston, an African-American folklore author, this book tells the story of fictionalized young Zora as she tries to solve the mystery of the “half-man, half-gator” in her Florida town. The book also includes biographical information of Zora Neal Hurston, and is a great chapter book series.
The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake:
This story tackles bullying with the story of Maleeka Madison, an African American seventh grader who struggles with poverty and self-consciousness about her dark skin. Winner of The Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent, this book is a wonderful story about self-acceptance.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan:
This classic chapter book tells the story of Esperanza as her life is uprooted, and she must move from her family’s farm in Mexico to a California labor camp. Esperanza faces new challenges as she and her family are not accepted in their new life. She must work hard to save herself and her family.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt:
Ally works very hard to hide her dyslexia in each new school she attends, until a new teacher spots her creative potential and works to help her improve her reading skills. Ally builds confidence in herself and her reading ability and sees new opportunities for herself.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang:
Mia Tang isn’t like the other kids; she lives in a motel where her parents are cleaners, works the front desk, and helps her parents hide immigrants in the empty rooms. She also wants to be a writer, but her mother wants her to stick to math and science. Follow Mia’s story as she tries to follow her dreams and help those around her.
Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya:
Marcus, who doesn’t exactly fit in at school, takes a trip to Puerto Rico with his mom and brother to visit some relatives. Once there, Marcus sets off on a quest to find his father, who he hasn’t seen in years, and along the way learns about himself and learns a little bit of Spanish.
The House that Lou Built by Mae Respicio:
Follow Lou as she plans to build her own tiny house on her family’s property to get some space from her Filipino family, who live in a small apartment with her grandmother. When things go awry, Lou must fight to keep her family’s land and follow her dreams of becoming an architect.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez:
Malú faces her first day at a new school, and things don’t exactly go as planned, but her dad reminds her of the first rule of punk: be yourself. Malú sets out to assemble a band out of the other kids like her and teaches others to always be yourself.
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi:
Follow Farah and her two friends as they become trapped in an old mechanical board game and must fight to find a way back out. This fantasy novel is great for imaginative kids and features a female protagonist of color.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio:
This beloved novel is about August Pullman, a boy born with facial differences that make it hard to fit in. The story follows August as he tries to make new friends and features the perspectives of those around him who are learning empathy, compassion, and kindness.
Incorporating a variety of authors and books into your library will offer great opportunities for children to learn about the world around them through fun and colorful characters!
Build a sense of community and inclusiveness in the classroom with culturally responsive teaching units that connect students’ cultures, languages, and life experiences with their learning. The creative activities from Culturally Responsive Lessons and Activities for grades 1-6 help children reflect on their personal experiences while also learning to consider other viewpoints. The robust units include inspirational stories, creative writing prompts, video journals, and hands-on art activities such as posters and painting projects.
Download free printables from Culturally Responsive Lessons and Activities here.
For more great activity ideas and educational lessons, subscribe to our free e-newsletter here.
Christine Wooler has experience working with children as a youth soccer coach and summer camp counselor. She is currently studying English Literature and journalism in college. She enjoys exploring educational topics that help students have fun while learning.