Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Books have a way of sparking empathy, drawing readers into the lives of characters who may be different from themselves -- or different from other characters in the story. Kids and teens walk in others' shoes as these characters -- or real-life kids -- navigate the school bus, deal with bullying, fall in love, face physical or mental challenges, or have fantastical adventures in another time or galaxy. It's a diverse world, and these books reflect the view that we're all in it together. For more great reads, check out our Books with Characters of Color and Books That Teach Empathy.

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The Snowy Day Poster Image
BOOK

The Snowy Day

age 2+

Classic captures a kid's delight in freshly fallen snow.

By: Ezra Jack Keats (1962)
Animated child smiling and sitting on the letter L
BOOK

Like

age 3+

Sweet story of our common humanity has lively illustrations.

By: Annie Barrows (2022)
Last Stop on Market Street Poster Image
BOOK

Last Stop on Market Street

age 3+

Tender story of Nana showing grandson city beauty via bus.

By: Matt de la Peña (2015)
Happy children dancing in a classroom
BOOK

The World Needs More Purple Schools

age 3+

Bright, upbeat celebration of individuality and curiosity.

Diverse group of children playing and reading
BOOK

All Are Neighbors

age 4+

Colorful images celebrate diverse, inclusive neighbors.

By: Alexandra Penfold (2022)
All Are Welcome Poster Image
BOOK

All Are Welcome

age 4+

Kind, uplifting story of inclusion and diversity at school.

By: Alexandra Penfold (2018)
Happy, brown-skinned girl with glasses running with colorful cloth.
BOOK

American Desi

age 4+

Lovely celebration of Indian and American cultures blending.

By: Jyoti Rajan Gopal (2022)
The Day You Begin Poster Image
BOOK

The Day You Begin

age 4+

Encouraging advice for kids who feel excluded or less than.

By: Jacqueline Woodson (2018)
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina Poster Image
BOOK

Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina

age 4+

Biracial girl embraces her uniqueness in charming story.

By: Monica Brown (2011)
Mixed Me! Poster Image
BOOK

Mixed Me!

age 4+

Boy embraces his uniqueness in exuberant identity tale.

By: Taye Diggs (2015)
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment Poster Image
BOOK

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment

age 4+

Girl finds role model who looks like her in inspiring tale.

We're All Wonders Poster Image
BOOK

We're All Wonders

age 4+

Boy who's different promotes kindness in fresh empathy tale.

By: R.J. Palacio (2017)
Princess Hair Poster Image
BOOK

Princess Hair

age 5+

Jubilant celebration of girls' hairstyles, hair textures.

By: Sharee Miller (2017)
Your Name Is a Song cover: Young African American girl and her mother stand with arms outstretched on a street with pastel colors floating in the sky.
BOOK

Your Name Is a Song

age 5+

Melodic story celebrates the beauty of everyone's name.

The Invisible Boy Poster Image
BOOK

The Invisible Boy

age 6+

Kind tale of empathy shows how to reach out to left-out kid.

By: Trudy Ludwig (2013)
Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability Poster Image
BOOK

Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability

age 6+

Young man shares info about disability with honesty, humor.

By: Shane Burcaw (2017)
I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.: Ordinary People Change the World Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.: Ordinary People Change the World

age 7+

Kid-friendly bio a strong, accessible intro to King's life.

By: Brad Meltzer (2016)
The Antiracist Kid book jacket
BOOK

The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism

age 8+

Must-read book on race, prejudice, identity, and advocacy.

By: Tiffany Jewell (2022)
Black Brother, Black Brother Poster Image
BOOK

Black Brother, Black Brother

age 8+

Boy challenges school bully in exciting sports story.

The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond Poster Image
BOOK

The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond

age 8+

Sweet tale of biracial girl in search of lost family.

By: Brenda Woods (2014)