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. After a study in the us showed that of 3,200 childrens books published in 20, just 93 were about black people, experts have said that the issue is a huge. The demand for vibrant, thoughtful childrens books that celebrate the multicultural society we live in has never been greater. 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. One afternoon last fall, i found myself reading my picture book the sea serpent and me. Now ayden is five and is the inspiration for a second book designed to teach children about diversity. The importance of diversity and inclusion in childrens. Martin luther king, jr this picture book memoir, my daddy, dr. Whether the stories include imagery of real people or use objects as a metaphor, these books are great stepping stones for starting conversations on a variety of. Kidfavorite beverage chocolate milk serves as a symbol in this book about. Here are books that celebrate diversity and inclusion just in time for backtoschool.
Why diversity in childrens literature is important by. An incredible list of the 50 best childrens books published from 1950 to the present day that celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity is released today published. In many situations, especially difficult ones, childrens books share messages. Books that celebrate diversity for 1st graders greatschools. One of the best childrens books about diversity, the colors of us is about a little girl named lena who wants to paint a selfportrait using brown paint for her skin. These books have brilliant photograph images that present a picture of global diversity, tolerance, and joy through each book. This book teaches children ten important life lessons about. Abc news linsey davis teaches children to celebrate. Celebrating diversity with empathy cardinal rule press. Handing a book to a child, you all of you are influencing our countrys future story.
These books may help to explain a situation in a way they can understand. When looking for a list of childrens books about diversity, you may have a specific topic in mind. This nonprofit childrens literacy initiative was founded by valarie budayr and mia wenjen. It is a lighthearted and easy way to teach young children about diversity and friendship. Six childrens books that celebrate family diversity. This is list of lists so you can find the books you need. I lead storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers, and ive read every book on this list to my own kid. Each book exposes children to diverse cultures around the world. As children around the world return to school, hrc is celebrating back to school season. In childrens literature, i define diversity as the celebration of unique characters, a celebration of their.
Dedicated to increasing the diversity of voices and experiences contributing to childrens and young adult literature. I always wanted to write a book and then it just came to my mind to. There arent enough diverse childrens books on the shelves, according to the. Buy products related to kids diversity books and see what customers say about kids diversity books on. Why were holding a diversity in childrens book week. Author pens childrens book promoting diversity searchlight. Seuss books you know, this childrens book contains a number of short stories that weave a message of tolerance and teaches. There is a great picture book teaching children about diversity, acceptance, understanding and love towards one another. Whether youre looking for stories with characters your child can easily relate to or ones that encourage your kids to. Available here different is awesome living onehanded. Here we have a book about skin for toddlers and preschoolers. Every blue title is a link to more book lists on that topic. Sometimes the best way to teach a child about individuality, nonconformity, and diversity is with the rhythmic text, imaginative storylines, and. These heartfelt childrens books celebrate selflove and diversity watch.
America day, which is on march 2, is a celebration of our nation of diverse readers. Book riots 2019 read harder challenge includes a childrens or middle grade book that has won a diversity award since 2009. Heres a list of our favorite books that teach kids about diversity. The uncomfortable truth about childrens books mother jones. Kids and parents plead for diversity in childrens books. I do think that books like everywhere babies by susan meyers that include diverse families without actively teaching about diversity are also great additions to any kids library, as well as general books about celebrating difference, like its okay to be different.
Childrens books about diversity and multiculturalism. Best childrens books to celebrate diversity huffpost. It touches on skin coming in different colors, it mentions freckles, dimples and birth marks. Written by his daughter, this inspiring picture book. The silly characters and fun language make it entertaining for young readers. 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. Hey guys i ran to pickup some books for my son and ended up leaving with a stack of books and i still have more books on the way. Childrens books that teach diversity are more important. Oct 12, 2017 books for preschool early elementary school children depicting diverse, multicultural, multiethnic characters.
Books that celebrate diversity for 1st graders books that celebrate diversity for 1st graders kite festivals, wrestling fiends, a telling bus ride, and. On the other hand, some kids grow up not seeing themselves or their family represented in any of the books they read or the tv shows and. Poems of play and persistence home posts tagged diversity. 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. Reading is one the best ways to learn, so weve rounded up of the best childrens books that celebrate diversity.
Please welcome alice pung today with her list of favorite diversity childrens books. Awards that celebrate diversity in childrens literature. Read across america day, which is on march 2, is a celebration of our nation of diverse readers. May 11, 2018 are your kids aged 26 dealing with something they do not understand when it comes to gender or diversity. Rounding out our list of best childrens books about diversity is everywhere babies, which is a fantastic diversity book for toddlers. Post submitted by kimmie fink, welcoming schools consultant. Readers learn about the beauty in diversity while keeping up with. These heartfelt childrens books celebrate selflove and. Diversity book lists and activities for teachers and parents. Mariyln hilton, author of full cicada moon, wrote this article. Dont be a bully is a short simple book for young children, and beginner esl readers, promoting values of antibullying and antidiscrimination. Great book about celebrating and accepting differences. Not only are diverse childrens books important for children of color they. Its not the stork a book about girls, boys, robie h.
Finally, i tried to stick to books that dont just include a diverse cast, but actively teach about diversity and inclusion. You may want books about ethnic diversity, or books that address specific social or gender issues, or perhaps you only want books which include diverse characters in everyday situations with no mention of social issues at all. Bonus theres a guide in bigkid language for parents on how to. The first book that i received was from the author, gayle h.
Childrens books about diversity, different cultures to read with kids. Multicultural childrens book day 2020 120 is in its 7 th year. Thats why fourthgrade teacher stephanie recently wrote into the weareteachers helpline. We can talk to students about respecting each others differences until were blue in the face, but sometimes, it takes a good story for them to truly get the message. When lena and her mom take a walk through their neighborhood, she notices that there are many different shades of brown skin, and she begins to see her familiar world in a new way.