Best Diversity Books for Kids
Looking for Diversity Books to use in the classroom? I have compiled a list of some of the Best Diversity Books for kids.
There is nothing better than finding the perfect picture book to match your learning intention, right? I am a huge fan of linking a picture book into our lessons as much as possible. Whilst I have my fave read alouds that the kids just want to enjoy, I also have a full classroom library of books that provide great learning opportunities too!
In creating a unit for my class around Diversity and what that means, I compiled a list of great picture story books that celebrate diversity and also help to give the students perspective on the scope of diversity. Sometimes, if students are not exposed to such diversity and difference, they are innocently unaware of how diverse the world around them really is. Picture books help to bring this to life and show students the many different types of people they may meet in their life time.
My Shadow is Pink!
My Shadow is Pink is a gorgeous rhyming book that explores identity and diversity. The little boy loves to dance and play with dolls and initially is frustrated by this. He talks about how his shadow is pink but his Dads is burly blue.
After reading this with my class in 2022, we did a great lesson around gender stereotypes and our own personal shadows. You can check the lesson out and download the writing response freebie here.
There is also an absolute must watch animated version of this book that is wordless and my students were hooked from start to finish!
There is a follow up book out now; My Shadow is Purple.
More Than Peach
“Can you pass the ‘skin colour’? How many times have you heard this in your classroom?
I stumbled across this book @morethanpeachproject in the @scholastic_au book club, peaked my interest so I bought it & boy am I glad that I did!
This book has the most beautiful message about “skin colour” and coloured crayons. Bellen Woodard was only 8 years old when she started the @morethanpeachproject movement & my kids have been so inspired.
Click here to see my lesson plan for More Than Peach and download the printable freebie for the Art portion of the lesson.
I highly recommend you getting your hands on this book. A great message from a young person seeking change ❤️
Come Over to my House
This beautiful book was written by two Australian Authors, Sally Rippin and Eliza Hull. It celebrates disability and what that can look like in different house holds. This book can lead to great conversation about human rights and needs and how some peoples needs are different to others. It also pairs perfectly with some video footage of Kurt Fearnley answering questions asked by kids about his disability.
I’m Australian Too
Mem Fox writes this clever rhyming book to celebrate the many different cultures and histories Australia has to offer. A great way to explore where students are from and their family histories. It can also open up the conversation about Refugees for your senior students.
All the ways to be Smart
All the ways to be Smart unpacks the idea that ‘smart’ is not just ticks and crosses and that there are so many ways to be smart. It promotes being creative, empathetic, a problem solver, athletic and so much more as being smart rather than just being able to put answers down. A great conversation starter for the uniqueness of all human beings.
This could be a great beginning of year text too for when students are getting to know each other and acknowledging their own strengths and interests.
Wide Big World
My final text is aimed more at a younger audience however is a great opportunity to talk about feelings toward diversity. “Difference is everywhere, just look and see” writes author Maxine Beneba Clarke.
In a lesson with my own students, we took a deeper look at the picture below and discussed how each of the characters were feeling in that particular moment. We discussed how sometimes difference can make us curious and even a little surprised or uncomfortable to begin with, but we must learn more and accept difference as it is what makes the world a wonderful place!
Family: All that you Dream it to be.
This book explores the many types of families that exist in the world and what makes those families wonderful. It highlights the diversity of families and what they look like and brings to mind that family is what you dream it to be rather than what it is expected to be.
This gorgeous book explores the families in a particular neighbourhood that you see as you ride your bike around the streets. It also has a cute song that tells the story too! It is a great conversation starter for the differences between our families and what they look like.
These are my favourite Diversity books and I hope they spark some joy and inspiration in your classrooms. I would love to hear how you use this texts or if you have other texts to add to this list!
Happy Teaching x
