Bolstered by the love and wisdom of his large, warm family, young malcolm little was a natural born leader. Not only are diverse childrens books important for children of color they offer them visibility, relatability, and vital moments of representation, but. A handful of buttons is a picture book about family diversity. Childrens books about diversity, different cultures to read with kids. The demand for vibrant, thoughtful childrens books that celebrate the multicultural society we live in has never been greater. Beyond addressing issues of race and racism, this childrens reading list focuses on taking action. At age ten, her mother married her stepfather, an american government official living abroad. Celebrating diversity with empathy cardinal rule press.
Oct 23, 2015 its one world week 18 th oct 25 th oct and i have created a list of childrens books about diversity. Children and parents alike can step into a world where boys wear dresses. Exploring the world with my family is a way for us to celebrate diversity. Sep 22, 2016 childrens books that tackle race and ethnicity by maria russo sept. The importance of diversity and inclusion in childrens books jenessa flores parker is an alumna of pitzer college, where she is now the jumpstart site manager. The survey found that parents were more likely to want more diverse book characters in 2018 29 percent than in 2016 21 percent. Your young children will enjoy listening to the delightful stories, and the messages they send will serve as a springboard for meaningful discussion. Six childrens books that celebrate family diversity. The importance of diversity and inclusion in childrens books. This book through illustrations using different colored buttons and its text depicts all the different people that can make up a family and that all families share the common thread of. This book teaches children ten important life lessons about values and the importance of treating everyone equal, no matter what race, religion, gender, or abilities. This book about diversity is told in a cute way in order to engage little kids. Childrens books that teach diversity are more important than ever. Aug 22, 2017 post submitted by kimmie fink, welcoming schools consultant.
We read it as kids, and our kids will hopefully read it to their kids. Whoever you are is a beautifully illustrated book celebrating diversity by embracing differences between cultures as well as similarites. It touches on skin coming in different colors, it mentions freckles, dimples and birth marks. All are welcome, written by alexandra penfold and illustrated by suzanne kaufman. Extending the dialogue, encouraging the action page 23 and you are eager to buy. This book is excellent and has now become my childrens favorite. Ethnic diversity in uk childrens books to be examined. We are family patricia hegartys book about the bonds of family, illustrated by ryan wheatcroft, presents children with a variety of family situationstraditional nuclear families of different races, samesex parents, grandparents raising a child, a single mother and child, multiracial familiesto make the point that what they all have in common is love. This may look like a book of poetry, but once your child ventures into the first pages, the story will carry her along.
The importance of diversity and inclusion in childrens. Jul 02, 2019 if you want concrete proof of the gaps of diversity in childrens books, look at the books on the childrens bestseller lists. Kidfavorite beverage chocolate milk serves as a symbol in this book about a. Book riots 2019 read harder challenge includes a childrens or middle grade book that has won a diversity award since 2009. According to the childrens cooperative book center at the university of wisconsinmadison, which has been gathering statistics on diversity in childrens literature since 1985, of the 3,600 books published in 2014, only 180 were about african americans, 66 had latino characters, 38 included native americans, and 112 featured characters of. Childrens books that teach diversity are more important than. Dont be a bully is a short simple book for young children, and beginner esl readers, promoting values of antibullying and antidiscrimination. Palacio, shota and the star quilt by margaret batesonhill, shades of black. Children ages 1217 wanting greater diversity in characters, settings and storylines also grew from percent in 2016 to 18 percent in 2018, according to the survey. Jan 27, 2020 the earlier we start working with our children to understand diversity, the better. Free diversity books multicultural childrens book day. Childrens books that teach diversity are more important. Kidfavorite beverage chocolate milk serves as a symbol in this book about a growing friendship between a boy and his new classmate who doesnt speak english. Parenting book lists books that celebrate diversity for 5th and 6th graders books that celebrate diversity for 5th and 6th graders give your tween the gift of new ideas, experiences, and perspectives with these novels that theyll love and that theyll never forget.
As children around the world return to school, hrc is celebrating back to school season with quality readalouds. Project we love childrens books salt lake city, ut. Here we have a book about skin for toddlers and preschoolers. Childrens books that tackle race and ethnicity by maria russo sept. Available here different is awesome living onehanded. Focusing less on disability, and more on diversity, the great big book of families shows children that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that they are all worthy of love. Why childrens books that teach diversity are more important.
Theres a major lack of diversity in childrens books. Teaching your children young about race and diversity is so important. Apr 29, 2016 focusing less on disability, and more on diversity, the great big book of families shows children that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that they are all worthy of love. Sera reycrafts american journey began in a united states department of defense school in korea. The variety of facial expressions on all the babies are terrific.
Previously i shared 21 picture books with diverse characters and promised it was the first in a continuing series of book lists celebrating diversity. Feb 07, 2018 the paucity of uk childrens books featuring an ethnically diverse lineup of characters is set to be laid bare by two arts council englandbacked studies into representation in children. These books will teach kids to accept the differences of others and understand the cultural diversity in the world. Here are some of my favorites, chosen from those that have won awards given by the american library association dreamers by yuyi morales. Books that celebrate diversity for 5th and 6th graders. Sep 15, 2015 according to the childrens cooperative book center at the university of wisconsinmadison, which has been gathering statistics on diversity in childrens literature since 1985, of the 3,600 books published in 2014, only 180 were about african americans, 66 had latino characters, 38 included native americans, and 112 featured characters of. Despite knowing how important it is for diversity to be represented in our daytoday lives, many childrens books are still littered with white, male, ablebodied, heterosexual, cisgender.
This is a short picture book but fantastic in its content. Each book exposes children to diverse cultures around the world and in their own community. Today im sharing multicultural books for babies and toddlers. What better way to help children learn at an early age that the world is filled with many different kinds of people than through the magic of books. As the mother of a young kid, i look for books that introduce heavy topics while still being digestible by toddlers.
There arent enough diverse childrens books on the shelves, according to the cooperative childrens book center, which updated its data on. The rhymes are catchy, but the best thing about this story is that its full of babies and their parents of all different races and creeds. The best childrens books that celebrate diversity, according to ciarra chavarria of girls read the world. The book is called beyond the stars by tanya kondolay. Its an important topic to discuss with children, and this author adds a cute story and illustrations to hold the interest of young kids. Written by his daughter, this inspiring picture book biography celebrates a vision of freedom and justice. Kids and parents plead for diversity in childrens books. Frazee does a great job of including people from all different walks of life in her illustrations. Sep 19, 2018 childrens books about diversity and inclusion in general 1. Post submitted by kimmie fink, welcoming schools consultant. Childrens books that tackle race and ethnicity the new. In a world where biracial children are becoming the majority, this touching children s book celebrates cultural diversity by highlighting a little girls relationships with her japanese mother and. This book is a beautiful bedtime read that celebrates the bond between children and the grownups in their life who care. A charming rhyming book that shows many different combinations of families, the book depicts silly animals in framed pictures of families.
There isnt much in terms of diversity, especially when it comes to book series. This is list of lists so you can find the books you need. This fall, make sure you pick up at least one of these six books that embrace family diversity, as recommended by welcoming schools. Families, families, families is one of the best children s books about diversity for preschoolers. Celebrate diversity and explore our collection of kids books about diversity including historical fiction books, picture books, biographies and classic novels. The illustrations show two young children, their baby sibling, and their same sex parentsone african american mom and one. Meyers book celebrates the diversity of babies all over the world and how babies might sleep, eat, play and live differently but are all loved equally. Apr 03, 2018 a handful of buttons is a picture book about family diversity. The book also asks are boys and girls treated equally. Sometimes the best way to teach a child about individuality, nonconformity, and diversity is with the rhythmic text, imaginative storylines, and captivating illustrations of a good book. Childrens books about diversity and multiculturalism. The earlier we start working with our children to understand diversity, the better.
Aspiring writers who also love a historical memoir. Rounding out our list of best childrens books about diversity is everywhere babies, which is a fantastic diversity book for toddlers. In a vibrant, multicultural society, representing the richness of students lives in a class or school library takes a conscious effort. Oct 12, 2015 sometimes the best way to teach a child about individuality, nonconformity, and diversity is with the rhythmic text, imaginative storylines, and captivating illustrations of a good book. Celebrate cultural and physical differences with these preschool books about diversity. Kids learn that regardless of skin colour, lanuguage spoken, and lifestyle, all children love, smile, and cry the same. Whether youre looking for stories with characters your child can easily relate to or ones that encourage your kids to. Hope for haiti by jesse joshua watson, the night the grandfathers danced by linda theresa raczek, rain player. What books are you and your kids looking forward to reading in 2019. The 2019 ultimate list of diverse childrens books here wee read.
Childrens books about diversity the scholastic parent store. Whoever you are by mem fox is ideal for children ages 4 and up. Nov 07, 2016 there is a great picture book teaching children about diversity, acceptance, understanding and love towards one another. May 30, 2014 the demand for vibrant, thoughtful children s books that celebrate the multicultural society we live in has never been greater. Mariyln hilton, author of full cicada moon, wrote this article. Children s books about diversity and inclusion in general 1. Jan 25, 2018 six picture books celebrating diversity. The paucity of uk childrens books featuring an ethnically diverse lineup of characters is set to be laid bare by two arts council englandbacked studies into representation in children. This book illustrates the diversity of children around the world by examining their families, homes, health, schooling, and play. Diversity book lists and activities for teachers and parents. There is a great picture book teaching children about diversity, acceptance, understanding and love towards one another.
Including writers and fictional characters with a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and life circumstances is a way to increase the chances that students will find both windows and mirrors in the librarybooks that reflect their lives, and ones that give. Six childrens books that celebrate family diversity human. Read on for a list of books you can use at home or in the classroom. Every blue title is a link to more book lists on that topic. A warm introduction to humanism and ethics through the eyes of a nineyearold. The diversity message is inclusive without being preachy. Middle grade books are geared towards upper elementary to middle school aged kids, since theyre usually chapter books. View our free classroom poverty kit and physical and. Mar 20, 2019 the survey found that parents were more likely to want more diverse book characters in 2018 29 percent than in 2016 21 percent. Children ages 1217 wanting greater diversity in characters. Seuss books you know, this childrens book contains a number of short stories that weave a message of tolerance and teaches kids about diversity. If you want concrete proof of the gaps of diversity in childrens books, look at the books on the childrens bestseller lists. These books have brilliant photograph images that present a picture of global diversity, tolerance, and joy through each book. Ages 35 the good luck cat, by joy harjo this sweet, warmly illustrated book tells the story of a contemporary native american girl and her lucky cat, woogie, who has used up 8 of his 9 lives when he suddenly disappears.