15 Great Childrens Books That Celebrate Diversity

Share a new perspective through a story!

We can talk to students about respecting each other’s differences until we’re blue in the face, but sometimes, it takes a good story for them to truly get the message.

That’s why fourth-grade teacher Stephanie recently wrote into the  WeAreTeachers HELPLINE! asking for book suggestions for her students. “I’m looking for children’s books about celebrating differences, accepting others, being friendly to those who are different, and focusing on good things like that,” she writes. “Any ideas or suggestions?”

Stephanie, we’ve got you covered. Check out the top childrens books about diversity as suggested by our helpliners!

Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes.”—Heather N

.chrysanthemum sm

 

ADVERTISEMENT

“Queen Rania’s The Sandwich Swap.” —Adriane G.

 sandwichswap

 

Each Kindness, by Jacqueline Woodson.” —Irene G.Each Kindness is a wonderful book about the importance of compassion.” —Karen K.
Screen Shot 2016-03-08 at 10.46.15 AM

 

Junkyard Wonders, by Patricia Polacco.” —Becky S. “Yes! Junkyard Wonders!!” —Leslie A. 

JunkyardWondersjckt

 

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun; Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon; and Hooway for Wodney Wat.” —Natayle B.  spaghetti-in-a-hot-dog-bunstandtallmollyloumelonhoorayforwodneywat

 

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio and Eleanor Estes’s The Hundred Dresses.” —Laura F. “I second Wonder!” —Robin C.
wonder book100dresses

 

“Salina Yoon’s Be a Friend. Plus, if you tweet the author, she’ll write you back!” —Laurie A.
BeAFriend cvr

 

The Story of Ruby Bridges.” —Jo Marie S.

rubybridges

 

“I love Todd Parr books. They are very elementary but cute and to the point. One title is It’s Okay to Be Different.” —Farrah C.
okay different

 

The Name Jar is a good story.” —Ruthie L

.namejar

 

I Like Myself!, by Karen Beaumont.” —Kelly F.

Myself-193x225

 

“How about Pink and Say? Great book about celebrating and accepting differences. It ties in social studies as well.” —Robin C.
pink and Say

 

Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss!” —Christy C.
TheSneetches

 

Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler.”Aubrey J.
kindnessiscooler

 

“For any book you end up using, check out Teaching Tolerance for resources.” —Wendy F.

Teachers, what great books would you add to this list?

diversity-books