20 Books about Inclusivity and Diversity for K-8
 |
| Via Unsplash by Luca Upper |
1. Dreamers by Yuli Morales
This is a story
about a woman who emigrates Mexico with her young son. She titles the book Dreamers but the term is
not used in the modern sense but rather refers to any immigrant who
moves here with a dream of a better life. The mother and son find their
way to a library and find refuge. She learns English and accesses resources to
help her make this place her home. The
pictures in this book are beautifully done with a portrayal of mother and son in
an authentic way.
2. We are Grateful by Traci Sorrel
Otsaliheliga is a word used by the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. In the illustrations is a realistic depiction of the modern Cherokee nation and their families. It references the history of this tribe and the trail of tears.
3. Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
This book features
18 trailblazing black women in American history. Among these women are those
who did extraordinary things including having mindsets that helped build a
better place for generations of women and girls.
4. Where are you from? By Yamile Saied Mendez
In this book a little girl is constantly asked, “Where are you from?” The young girl struggles to explain, and her peers are frustrated with her answer. One day though she gets insight from her Abuelo (grandfather) and he shows her the heritage of her people so that one day she is confidently able to answer that question. This book teaches about diversity and the intrusiveness of such questions to young children who are not ready to answer.
5. I Am Enough by Grace Byers
Narrated by an African American girl, this book is about self-esteem and acceptance, identity and positive relationships. She constantly questions whether she is enough, in the end she comes to the right answer - that we are all enough.
 |
| Via Unsplash by the CDC |
6. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
This is the story
of a young black girl who “was born the color of midnight” and is grappling
with the color of her skin and self-esteem. It sends a message of acceptance and
self-acceptance regardless of the shade of your skin. It was named a 2020
Coretta Scott King Honor Book.
7. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
This story is about
a young Korean girl who moves to America with her family and wonders if she
could choose a new name. It is about identity, being different, and
an immigrant in this country. The theme of the book has us pondering if our
names define us, and if so, how much? It grapples with the issues of people
mispronouncing your name, and what do we do if we cannot pronounce someone’s
name. The underlying message is of acceptance, of differences, and of
multi-cultural issues that affect our world today.
8. It’s OK to be different by Sharon Purtill
The message of
this book is about acceptance of diversity and differences. The author’s intent
was to instill positive messages of embracing individuality and to teach
kindness.
9. Skin Like Mine by LaTashia Perry
In this book, the
author explores different skin colors and uses food to compare and make
connections to all the different hues. She encourages children to love their
true selves including their skin color which may be a sensitive point to many
children of color.
10. The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell
This story is designed to teach children to be humorous, and kind, authentic, and outspoken. When they embody all these traits they become “purple people” which signifies acceptance.
 |
| Via Unsplash by Sharon McCutcheon |
11. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brace, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
This book is written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 7. She often felt self-conscious of it especially when she gave herself insulin shots; however, no one ever dared to ask what she was doing to herself in those moments. In this book she encourages people to ask if they want to know about something they don’t understand. This is a great book for children who face challenges or (health) conditions they must live with.
12. All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
This story follows a group of children throughout their day in school—where everyone is welcome. It sends the message that no matter how they are different there is inclusivity, and a welcome space for them at school.
13. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena.
CJ and his Nana take the bus around town, and CJ begins to wonder simple things like why they do not have a car. In the meantime he is also aware of many differences of other people, like when the bus stops in a poorer side of town. He questions how differences affect one’s life. This story introduces themes such as equity, happiness, and what brings us happiness.
14. Stamped (for kids) by Ibram X Kendi, and Jason Reynolds
This story is a
bit of history of race relations in the United States. It mentions an era of violence
and slavery. The “for kids” version is adapted from the teen version.
 |
| Via Unsplash by Markys Spiske |
This book follows a diverse group of children and encourages resilience and respectfulness.
16. Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho and Dung Ho
In this book a Chinese American girl celebrates the beauty of her eyes and the eyes of her beloved Mother, grandmother, and sister. It pays homage to connection and family.
17. New Kid by Jerry Craft
This story follows 8th grader Jordan Banks as he starts a new private school away from his place of residence. He’d rather be going to art school because he has an artistic ability but his parents want him to go to this lucrative school. Apart from being a new kid which is difficult in itself, he also struggles with subtle racism, as he is one of the few African Americans in the school.
18. Kindness Starts with You – At school by Jaquelin Stagg
This book encourages children to spread kindness through their day. It follows a girl named Maddy throughout her day and demonstrates how kindness is spread in small ways.
19. Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
This book gives readers the opportunity to celebrate their individuality. It teaches the importance of personal expression, and acceptance. It challenges social norms.
20. We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands by Rafael Lopez
This book is
written with rhythmic verse and encourages inclusiveness and celebrates
diversity. It is an adaptation of the song with the same title. It has
beautiful illustrations and depicts racial and ethnic diversity.
