It’s in our nature to surround ourselves with those to whom we can relate the most; that’s no different for children. Here’s a list we’ve pulled together of some of our favorite books on inclusion, which you can include in your reading rotation.
Books are important visual tools for children and are some of the first items they interact with as they develop mentally, physically, and emotionally. Books are an exciting way to watch children connect the dots between what they read and experience.
Children should have access to books that they can relate to and see themselves as the main character in the book. Not only is this empowering for children, but it can help foster the feeling of inclusion.
The Importance of Inclusion in Children’s Books
By definition, inclusion is simply the act of being included; however, sometimes parents may have some trouble finding fun and exciting children’s books that not only include their own children, but include children of different races, backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and family structures. Promoting empathy and respect for all types of diversity is essential to healthy relationships through childhood and adulthood.
It’s human nature to surround ourselves with those we can relate to most, and it’s no different for children. The more books in your home library with diverse characters and situations, the more your child will learn to embrace diversity and inclusivity.
If you are looking for books that include your children and the world around them, we’ve pulled together a list of our favorite inclusive books from our 2020 Wishlist that you can put in your reading rotation.
14 Books for Children About Inclusion
Who Was Jackie Robinson?
By: Gail Herman
Illustrated by John O’Brien
As a kid, he loved sports. In 1947 Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the long-time color barrier. Some of the fans didn’t like it. Some of his teammates didn’t like it. His story is as inspiring as he was. 112pgs
Beautiful / Bellas
By: Stacy McAnulty
Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Every girl is special. Every girl is talented. Every girl is beautiful! 32pgs
The Dot
By: Peter H. Reynolds
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Can you draw? Vashti thinks she can’t. But oh, what a surprise! 32pgs
Don’t Throw it to Mo!
By: David A. Adler
Illustrated by Sam Ricks
Mo loves to play football! But, he’s not very good at it. He’s small and has trouble catching the ball. Can he help his team win? 32pgs
Brave / Valiente
By: Stacy McAnulty
Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Being brave isn’t just for superheroes. We can all be brave! 32pgs
I Love Our Earth / Amo nuestra Tierra
By: Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson
Illustrated by Dan Lipow
Our Earth is one of a kind. Let’s celebrate her colors, climates, and seasons! 32pgs
I Want to Be a Doctor
By: Laura Driscoll
Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
When Jack hurts his foot, his family takes him to the hospital. There he meets all sorts of doctors: bone doctors, eye doctors, baby doctors. How many different kinds of doctors are there? 32pgs
Something Beautiful
By: Sharon Dennis Wyeth
Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet
A little girl lives in a scary neighborhood. Instead of seeing the scary things, she decides to look for the beautiful things. What are the beautiful things in your world?
32pgs
Dancing in the Wings
By: Debbie Allen
Illustrated by Kador Nelson
In dance, sometimes it’s important to blend in with everyone else. Sometimes it’s important to stand out. Has Sassy made the right choices? 32pgs
Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, Forbidden Palace, and other Tourist Attractions
By: Lenore Look
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Alvin is afraid of everything. But in this book, he’s taking his fears to a whole new level. Or should we say, continent? 176pgs
MTH #18: Buffalo Before Breakfast
By: Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
Annie and Jack travel to the American plains, and visit a tribe named Lakota. When they meet up with a herd of bison, will they be safe? 96pgs
Bud, Not Buddy
By: Christopher Paul Curtis
In 1936 Flint, Michigan, life is hard for motherless Bud Caldwell. His mother never told him who his father was, but she left a few clues. Once Bud begins his search for his father, nothing can stop him. 288pgs
Who Was Harriet Tubman?
By: Yona Zeldis McDonough
Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
Harriet was born a slave, but grew into a brave and daring young woman. She was brave enough to escape from slavery and daring enough to help others escape, too. 112pgs
Who Was Sacagawea?
By: Judith Bloom Fradin, Dennis Brindell Fradin
Illustrated by Val Paul Taylor
Sacagawea is best known for helping the Lewis and Clark expedition map the Louisiana Territory and find a passage to the Pacific Ocean. But she was so much more! Read all about her amazing trip!
112pgs