April is Celebrate Diversity Month! We put together a list of children’s books that focus on diversity, kindness, empathy, inclusivity, and acceptance, to help pass along these important messages to our little ones. This is not an exhaustive list, there are so many more books on diversity out there. Also, if you don’t already please check out @HearWeRead on Instagram for some amazing kids books. Let us know if you have a favorite that we should add to our list (check out our Amazon Book List to see some favorites)!
Everyone Matters by Pat Thomas
This book aims to teach kids about respect, including how to show it and how to earn it. It encourages kids to be respectful to all others even if someone is not a close friend or is different from them.
Happy In Our Skin by Fran Manushkin
This book shows appreciation for the skin we are in and its clever ability to grow with us, protect us, and make us unique.
We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Kates
This book uses the figures from Sesame Street but talks about how while we each have different aspects like our noses, mouths, skin, we are still the same because our noses all smell, our skin protects us, etc. It’s definitely a favorite in our household as you can see by the picture above!
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
This book takes you through a day in a school where everyone is loved and appreciated, comes from various backgrounds, and celebrates each other’s traditions.
Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
This book celebrates differences including abilities that kids have. As kids work together to build a community garden, questions are asked to gain understanding of each other.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
In this book, today is Pet Club day, but the Pet Club does not allow elephants. A boy and his pet elephant work to inspire inclusion and show what it means to be a friend.
The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart
Purple people speak up for what’s right, show kindness, work hard, and enjoy life. They make the world a better place. Penny Purple leads the reader through the steps to becoming a purple person! Another one of our favorites to read over and over!
It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr
This book encourages understanding, acceptance, and self-esteem. It was written for early readers and aims to inspire kids to celebrate their uniqueness and accept others.
Share a Little Kindness by Colleen Brunetti
This book presents many fun and colorful animals intertwined with messages around kindness, generosity, tolerance, diversity, individuality, and listening to others.
Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
This book encourages kids to have more understanding for others, accept differences, live in a multicultural and inclusive world, and to show empathy. It follows superhero Lucas as he learns what kindness means.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
This is one of my go to gift books. It talks about how despite how a baby looks, or where they are born, each little baby has ten litle fingers and ten little toes!
Let’s Go Play by Shelby McCarthy
This great book written by a mother of a child with different abilities looks at the equipment kids use to help them play and adds a little imagination to it! And we read it a while ago on our IGTV!
As we said, this list is not exhaustive so we would love to hear your favorites!