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In the #1 New York Time

We should celebrate every child's one-of-a-kind strengths as well as teamwork and acceptance of differences

Everything can be made more beautiful when we share our talents and abilities

We should lend a helping hand and do our best to take care of one another

s

Parents, libraries, classroom story times, and discussions about diversity and being a good human being

Households that enjoy watching Chip and Joanna on Magnolia Network and HGTV's Fixer Upper

bestseller The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, Joanna Gaines and illustrator Julianna Swaney celebrate how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. The book follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, to fill the sky with beautiful colors, we discover that the same is true for life--it's more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated.
Together with Joanna, you and your kids will take a journey of growth and imagination as you learn in full color that:

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is a vibrant picture book perfect for:

With plenty of pink, a bounty of blue, orange and green and yellow too, this vibrant hot-air balloon adventure celebrates every child and teaches kids that we are in this together. "You're one of a kind, and it's so clear to see: The world needs who you were made to be."

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juvenile nonfiction / inspirational & personal growth

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juvenile nonfiction / social topics / friendship

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juvenile nonfiction / social topics / self-esteem & self-reliance

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juvenile nonfiction / social topics / values & virtues

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joanna gaines; chip gaines; magnolia; fixer upper; waco

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texas; julianna swaney; we are the gardeners; hot air balloon; balloon festival; creativity; talent; teamwork; design; maker; friendship; acceptance; diversity; beauty; strengths; skills; art; sky; fly; self-esteem; virtues; tolerance; kindness books for children; picture books; preschool; books for preschoolers; kindergarten; books for 5 year olds; friendship books for kids; kindness books; social emotional books for kids; childrens books by age 5 – 8

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juvenile nonfiction/social topics - self-esteem & self-reliance

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juvenile nonfiction/social topics - values & virtues

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social topics - self-esteem & self-reliance

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juvenile nonfiction / inspirational & personal growth

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juvenile nonfiction / social topics / friendship

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juvenile nonfiction / social topics / self-esteem & self-reliance

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juvenile nonfiction / social topics / values & virtues

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juvenile nonfiction/social topics - self-esteem & self-reliance

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juvenile nonfiction/social topics - values & virtues

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The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be [Gaines, Joanna, Swaney, Julianna] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

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Topic: Blind/low vision/Braille

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Comment: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

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The Secret Code (A Rookie Reader) [Rau, Dana Meachen, Weissman, Bari] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Secret Code (A Rookie Reader)

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Topic: Physical disability/prosthetic limbs

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Wendelin Van Draanen ("Van Draw-nen") has written more than thirty novels for suitable for young readers to adults. She is the author of the 18-book Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes mystery series, and wrote Flipped which was named a Top 100 Children's Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ and became a Warner Brothers feature film.

Her latest novel, The Peach Rebellion, is suitable for teens and adults. It is the story of three young women from very different backgrounds who collide, then forge a partnership that shocks their families but unites their community.

Her book for teen and adult writers, Hope in the Mail, is part writing guide, part memoir, and is designed to encourage aspiring writers to "dream big, work hard, and not give up."

Her other stand-alone titles include Wild Bird, The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones, Runaway, Confessions of a Serial Kisser, Swear to Howdy, and The Running Dream which was awarded ALA's Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience.

Van Draanen has also created two four-book series for younger readers. The Shredderman books--featuring a boy who deals with a bully and adapted by Nickelodeon as a TV movie--received the Christopher Award for "affirming the highest values of the human spirit," and The Gecko & Sticky books, which are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers.

Van Draanen has two STEM-based picture books, a MG novel, and a graphic novel for Flipped all in the works for 2023 & 2024.

A classroom teacher for fifteen years, Van Draanen is married to Mark H. Parsons, also an author (Road Rash, The 9:09 Project). They have two sons. Find her on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter at @WendelinVanD

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The Running Dream (Schneider Family Book Award - Teen Book Winner)

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Amazon.com: The Running Dream (Schneider Family Book Award - Teen Book Winner): 9780375866289: Van Draanen, Wendelin: Books

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Topic: Learning Disabilities

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If you are buying this book because you want to help your child with their hand writing issues don't bother. It is nothing but an advertisement for a particular kind of pencil. Was of no help, should be taken off the site.

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terrific teddy's writing wars (understanding learning differences) (volume 3)

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juvenile fiction / social issues / special needs

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Terrific Teddy's Writing Wars (Understanding Learning Differences) (Volume 3)

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Terrific Teddy's Writing Wars (Understanding Learning Differences) (Volume 3) [Forgan Ph.D., Jim, Barge, Rob] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Terrific Teddy's Writing Wars (Understanding Learning Differences) (Volume 3)

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Topic: Deaf/Hard of Hearing/ Sign Language

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children's / teenage fiction & true stories

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juvenile fiction / disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction/concepts - senses & sensation

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juvenile fiction/disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction/performing arts - music

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kids concept; learning kids; children with disability; children disabilities; children with disabilities; kids books; books children; young childrens books; children books disabilities; books for young children; picture books for toddlers

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juvenile fiction / disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction/concepts - senses & sensation

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juvenile fiction/disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction/performing arts - music

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children's / teenage fiction & true stories

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Amazon.com: Moses Goes to a Concert (9780374453664): Millman, Isaac, Millman, Isaac: Books

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Topic: Tourette's Syndrome

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juvenile fiction / health & daily living / general

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juvenile fiction / health & daily living / general

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Adam and the Magic Marble [Buehrens, Adam] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Adam and the Magic Marble

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Topic: Down Syndrome

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Lisa (not getting friends updates) Vegan

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We'll Paint the Octopus Red book. Read 80 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. As six-year-old Emma anticipates the birth of her new b...

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Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder (Grades 4-7)

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Topic: General Inclusion

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The Big Umbrella : Kids Books Read Aloud by Books With Blue

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Topic: General Inclusion

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Topic: Cranio-facial differences (Grades 3-7)

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Discover and share books you love on Goodreads.

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Topic: Stuttering/Speech differences

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2015 Schneider Family Book Award Winner calls, "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation" as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themselves. This real-life story with tender illustrations by Catia Chien explores truths not defined by the spoken word.
* "A candid and deeply resonant account of a hard-fought battle against societal stigma, and an embrace of one's true talent and calling." -Publisher's Weekly, starred review Speaking for the animals he loves gives one boy's life hope, purpose, and truth in this gorgeous picture book autobiography. Time Magazine

Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion-their voice-but he stutters uncontrollably.

Except when he talks to animals...then he is fluent.

Follow the life of the man Publishers Weekly Best Book Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015 Winner of the 2015 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award 2015 Green Earth Book Honor book

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Amazon.com: A Boy and a Jaguar: 9780547875071: Rabinowitz, Alan, Chien, Cátia

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Topic: Diversity, Persistence, and Dedication

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g.p. putnam's sons books for young readers

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people & places - united states - african american

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children’s / teenage fiction: biographical fiction

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children’s / teenage fiction: general fiction

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children’s / teenage general interest: dance

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children’s / teenage general interest: places and peoples

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juvenile fiction / biographical / general

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juvenile fiction / biographical / united states

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juvenile fiction / people & places / united states / african american

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juvenile fiction / performing arts / dance

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juvenile fiction/people & places - united states - african-american

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juvenile fiction/performing arts - dance

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juvenile fiction/social themes - self-esteem & self-reliance

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people & places - united states - african american

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people & places - united states - african-american

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social themes - self-esteem & self-reliance

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teenage general interest: places and peoples

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books for young black girls;little black girl books;books for little black girls;black girl magic;black girl books;books for black girls;african american children's books;diverse books;diversity;award winning childrens books;coretta scott king award books;misty copeland;ballet books for little girls;misty copeland book for kids;ballet books for girls 4-8;misty copeland book;hair book;diverse kids books;second grade books for boys;black boy joy;ballerina books for girls 3-5;dance;picture books

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diversity; african american children's books; diverse books; award winning childrens books; coretta scott king award books; books for young black girls; little black girl books; books for little black girls; black girl magic; black girl books; books for black girls; african american children's books ages 6-8; dance; misty copeland; ballet books for little girls; misty copeland book for kids; ballet books for girls 4-8; misty copeland book; hair book; diverse kids books; second grade books for boys; black boy joy

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juvenile fiction / biographical / general

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juvenile fiction / biographical / united states

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juvenile fiction / people & places / united states / african american

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juvenile fiction / performing arts / dance

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juvenile fiction/people & places - united states - african-american

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juvenile fiction/performing arts - dance

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juvenile fiction/social themes - self-esteem & self-reliance

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people & places - united states - african-american

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social themes - self-esteem & self-reliance

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children’s / teenage fiction: biographical fiction

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children’s / teenage fiction: general fiction

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children’s / teenage general interest: dance

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children’s / teenage general interest: places and peoples

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Firebird [Copeland, Misty, Myers, Christopher] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Firebird

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Topic: Physical differences

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This book is intended for an adult to read it to a child, rather than for independent reading, and will be especially good for children ages 5-8. If yThis book is intended for an adult to read it to a child, rather than for independent reading, and will be especially good for children ages 5-8. If you're reading this book to a child, though, I'd say you can really read it to a child of any age. Hearing a variety of words as early as possible is extremely beneficial to young children (check out 1,000 books before Kindergarten), and children as young as three or four will probably be developing an understanding of concepts like bullying and kindness. ...more (less)

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This book is intended for an adult to read it to a child, rather than for independent reading, and will be especially good for children ages 5-8. If yThis book is intended for an adult to read it to a child, rather than for independent reading, and will be especially good for children ages 5-8.

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Topic: Creativity for those who don't feel creative

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Topic: Differences, Rejection, and Acceptance

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Boy Who Grew Flowers PB, The [Jen Wojtowicz, Steve Adams] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Boy Who Grew Flowers PB, The

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Recommendation from Karen- All the Ways to Be Smart

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Recommendation from Karen- All the Ways to Be Smart

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Brookland Infant and Nursery School Home Learning

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Books for PJ Library are chosen from among the very best of Jewish children's books. A committee of writers, early childhood professionals, and Jewish content specialists seek out compelling stories, captivating illustrations, and diverse perspectives on Jewish customs and practice. Through an extensive evaluation process, the committee selects books for every age group. Many of the books selected to be included in PJ Library have received awards including Caldecott Medals and the Sydney Taylor Book awards, given to the best of Jewish children's literature.

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Jewish Children's Books and Music | PJ Library

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Books for PJ Library are chosen from among the very best of Jewish children's books. A committee of writers, early childhood professionals, and Jewish content specialists seek out compelling stories, captivating illustrations, and diverse perspectives on Jewish customs and practice. Through an extensive evaluation process, the committee selects books for every age group.

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PJ Library Jewish Children's Books- Resource from Josh

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PJ Library Jewish Children's Books- Resource from Josh

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Books for PJ Library are chosen from among the very best of Jewish children's books. A committee of writers, early childhood professionals, and Jewish content specialists seek out compelling stories, captivating illustrations, and diverse perspectives on Jewish customs and practice. Through an extensive evaluation process, the committee selects books for every age group. Many of the books selected to be included in PJ Library have received awards including Caldecott Medals and the Sydney Taylor Book awards, given to the best of Jewish children's literature.

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Jewish Children's Books and Music | PJ Library

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Books for PJ Library are chosen from among the very best of Jewish children's books. A committee of writers, early childhood professionals, and Jewish content specialists seek out compelling stories, captivating illustrations, and diverse perspectives on Jewish customs and practice. Through an extensive evaluation process, the committee selects books for every age group.

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Recommendation from Karla- Incredible You! 

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Recommendation from Karla- Incredible You! 

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Recommendation from Karen- Demonstrating pride in cultures and appreciation for cultural diversity 

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Recommendation from Karen- Demonstrating pride in cultures and appreciation for cultural diversity 

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Recommendation from Laurette- A story about a child cared for by grandmother

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Recommendation from Laurette- A story about a child cared for by grandmother

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My Grandma Loves Me ! [Kitchen, Gloria Ann, Gray, Randy E., Demby, Kyri S.] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. My Grandma Loves Me !

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Racial Equity Training- Recommendation from Tessa

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Racial Equity Training- Recommendation from Tessa

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The Groundwater Approach - Racial Equity Institute

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Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a "groundwater" problem, and we need "groundwater" solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change.

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Recommendation from Tessa- introducing children to new language and to culture

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Recommendation from Tessa- introducing children to new language and to culture

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Under My Hijab by Hena Khan, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel | Lee & Low Books

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This lovely book from the author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns invites readers to understand and appreciate the hijab and the Muslim women who decide to wear it.

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Lauretta Shared Interest in Growing Library of Linguistically and Culturally

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Lauretta Shared Interest in Growing Library of Linguistically and Culturally

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Recommended finding out the book titles that parents and families are reading to reinforce them in after-school setting

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Resources for LGBTQ and Gender Inclusive Schools | Welcoming Schools

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How can educators intervene when students tease boys who like pink? What is the best way to support LGBTQ families? Find tips to intervene in bullying and more.

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At a glance

Culturally responsive teaching is a rich, intentional approach woven into every aspect of student learning.

It focuses on the assets students bring to the classroom rather than what students can't do.

It raises expectations and makes learning relevant for all students.

Culturally responsive teaching is a research-based approach to teaching. It connects students' cultures, languages, and life experiences with what they learn in school. These connections help students access rigorous curriculum and develop higher-level academic skills.

Our brains are wired to make connections. It's easier for our brains to learn and store information when we have a hook to hang it on. That hook is background knowledge. Students bring this knowledge to the classroom every day.

But for students of color, English language learners (ELLs), and other underserved student populations, those assets are often overlooked. When that happens, educators miss the chance to use them to support learning. (See recent work by Zaretta Hammond for the neuroscience behind this.)

Culturally responsive teaching values and reflects the assets of all students. By doing that, it raises academic expectations for all learners. It also sends the message that multiculturalism is an asset.

Dive deeper

The benefits of culturally responsive teaching

How culturally responsive teaching, UDL, and SEL work together

For educators: Culturally responsive teaching in the classroom

For educators: How to partner with families

About the author

About the author

Educators Team at Understood is made up of passionate writers, editors, educators, and subject matter experts who have worked in classrooms and with students who learn and think differently.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Karla Vigil, MAT is the chief executive officer and co-founder of the

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Culturally responsive teaching is a rich, intentional approach woven into every aspect of student learning. It focuses on the assets students bring to the classroom rather than what students can't do. It raises expectations and makes learning relevant for all students. Culturally responsive teaching is a research-based approach to teaching.

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This is enough.

The deep, gaping wounds in our country stemming from centuries of racist ideology and practices have resulted in the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and too many others from the Black community at the hands of law enforcement. The dehumanization that stems from "othering" one another has led us to this painful and pivotal moment in our history. Our Black family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, fellow citizens are suffering and not safe, and treated as if they don't matter. For those of us outside this community, the time to act is now.

The GGSC Education Team stands by the Black community-seeing and supporting every member in their full humanity.

We are committed to doing our part in eradicating dehumanization in our society by promoting, practicing, and embracing research-informed anti-racist practices and beliefs. We start by acknowledging systemic barriers like poverty, inequitable opportunities, and racist institutional policies. These barriers exist not only in society broadly, but are deeply ingrained in our school system as well. Though such barriers may seem insurmountable, we must work toward dismantling them; we must also change the hearts of people-starting with ourselves by unearthing unconscious biases, stereotypes, and racist thinking.

To that end, the GGSC Education Team commits to:

Applying an anti-racist lens to our work in social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and ethical development.

Acknowledging the limits of our awareness as educators and researchers.

Engaging in continuous and lifelong learning in our field to address racism in our work as teachers and researchers.

Embracing a strengths-based, student- and healing-centered approach to learning and development that serves as a counter to deficit thinking and exclusionary discipline practices.

Incorporating trauma-sensitive practices and approaches in our work to foster safety and a sense of belonging in classrooms and schools.

Acknowledging implicit bias as a barrier in anti-racist education by engaging in and promoting practices that enhance self-awareness and social awareness.

Prioritizing teacher burnout as a potential barrier to anti-racist education by providing science-based practices for developing educators' social-emotional competence, well-being, and resilience.

Deepening empathy, compassion, and relationship skills by offering practices for staff and students designed to build trust and bridge differences.

We strive for intellectual humility-both personally and professionally. We also humbly stand next to educators around the country and the world who are taking action to undo the racism within themselves, encouraging their colleagues to do the same, and teaching and supporting their students in forming anti-racist identities.

We have compiled a list of resources to assist educators in this crucial work, and invite you to share your reflections and learning with us so that we may all become better human beings.

As UC Berkeley professor john a. powell wisely said at the GGSC's recent Bridging the Divides conference:
We are conflicted inside ourselves, which we almost never talk about, and we project that out. Part of the struggle is not just "getting along" or "fixing the other person," but getting along with different aspects of ourselves. So this becomes not just a political or psychological journey, but a profoundly spiritual journey.

We are committed to this journey.

(Photo by Allison Acosta is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Resources to Support Anti-Racist Learning

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This is enough. The deep, gaping wounds in our country stemming from centuries of racist ideology and practices have resulted in the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and too many others from the Black community at the hands of law enforcement.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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Affirming Cultural Identity

Students who feel a strong sense of belonging find greater success in school. Develop the skills to connect with and validate students from diverse backgrounds.

Introduction

Introduction to Affirming Cultural Identity

Strategy 1: Develop a Culturally Responsive Stance to Teaching

Cultural Responsiveness is a fundamental philosophical outlook on education; teachers can take concrete steps to adopt a stance that values students.

Strategy 2: Build Cultural Competence through Valuing Students

A sense of belonging grows from feeling like you are important and your voice matters in a community. There are several actions teachers can take to communicate to students that they are valued and welcome in school.

About this book

Editors

Created by

Madhu Narayanan

See all editors >
{[ liked ? 'liked' : 'like' ]}

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BELE Library - Affirming Cultural Identity

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Affirming Cultural Identity Students who feel a strong sense of belonging find greater success in school. Develop the skills to connect with and validate students from diverse backgrounds. Introduction to Affirming Cultural Identity Cultural Responsiveness is a fundamental philosophical outlook on education; teachers can take concrete steps to adopt a stance that values students.

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Diverse BookFinder | Identify & Explore Multicultural Picture Books

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Are you looking for multicultural children’s books? We’ve got you covered! You can search our circulating collection of picture books (2002-present), explore our quick lists, then borrow our books from your own library through interlibrary loan. We believe that too many children are left out of main…

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This resource guide was created in direct response to the multiple requests made by educators, parents and students. Like Marley Dias, so many of you have asked for books with black girls as the main characters. And because of you, we have received thousands of books. Here we are sharing with you the first 700 book titles. We have not yet catalogued all the books. As a small organization with only two full-time staff, our resources are limited. Beginning in April, each month we will provide you with updates of new book titles.

This resource includes words of welcome from Marley Dias, Creator of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign. It also includes comments from Dr. Lauren Wells, Chief Education Officer, City of Newark who offers us tips on how we can foster and promote reading and literacy among our children.

As the President and Co-Founder of GrassROOTS Community Foundation, I have added a few words and call to action to the guide. My charge to parents and caregivers is a simple one: listen to your children, encourage them as well as promote their reading and literacy skills. Reading is a pathway to freedom and liberty. As caregivers it is our responsibility to develop the imagination of children so that they can dream, create and structure opportunities for freedom and equity.

We have reviewed the titles and descriptions of books to ensure that they fit the criterion of having a black girl as the main characters. We have also catalogued the books by reading level. This time-consuming task would not be possible without your financial donation to hire some interim part-time staff. We could not do it without all of you who donated, our volunteers and the librarians from West Orange Public Library.

Each month we will update the list and continue to serve as an information repository for Black Girl Books.

If you know of a black girl book, not listed here, please send us a copy so we can add it to our collection. We would like to see this list grow. Our address is:

GrassROOTS Community Foundation
59 Main Street
Suite 323
West Orange, NJ 07052

Financial donations are always welcomed. All donations are tax-deductible.

Thank you.

Welcome to the #1000blackgirlbooks Resource Guide. I started this campaign because I wanted to read more books where black girls are the main characters. With your help we have collected over 11,000 books; many of them are have the same title, but we do have lots of unique ones as well. This guide includes 1000 of those books and more is coming.

Love,

Marley Dias
Founder
#1000BlackGirlBooks

Sadly, in today's society we often lack the imagination to deal with some of the most deeply rooted social issues. Family and work obligations as well as our biases can stunt our imaginations; however, as adults it is our charge to foster the imagination of our youth. Marley Dias has an active sociological imagination. She imagined a world where black girls are the main, not minor, characters in children's books. She thought she was dealing with a personal matter, but she quickly learned from the outpouring response from the public that her personal problem is in fact an engrained social issue. Children's literature in the United States and abroad is homogeneous and exclusionary. Black girls are underrepresented and in many cases missing. Girls of color are almost completely absent relative to the majority culture.

As caregivers of children we must nurture our children's imaginations and equip them with the resources so they can be emboldened to act. The GrassROOTS Community Foundation through Super Camp enhances girls' sociological imagination and teaches them confidence grounded in the knowledge of history and self-hood so that they feel confident enough to feel like they can create change in their communities. Each year GrassROOTS encourages girls to develop a social action project. We choose the words social and action carefully. We want our children to understand themselves as social actors, connected to the world. In addition, we teach our girls that to achieve justice they must ACT. The #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign is Marley's 2015 social action project. As Marley's mom and the President of GrassROOTS Community Foundation, I have learned first hand what can happen when we foster and promote children's love of reading, educate them about their community, and their desire to create social change as well as fan the flames of their sociological imaginations.

Dr. Janice Johnson Dias
President & Co-Founder
GrassROOTS Community Foundation
#investingirls

A love of reading is the most important legacy we can offer to our children and our students. Reading opens windows to new ideas, peoples, places, and experiences. Reading also provides mirrors for students to see themselves and their lives reflected in the characters they meet in books. Reading builds vocabulary and background knowledge, empowering children with the tools needed to express themselves and think about the world around them. Nurturing joyful reading in children primes their brains for lifelong learning and develops important social emotional skills like stamina, reflection, and empathy. As we build readers, we must make reading pleasurable and help children understand that reading is a skill that builds over time.

Here are a few tips for parents and educators to create environments that invite children to confidently embrace and fall in love with stories and books.

Tips for parents:

Model reading. Read, read, read to your child, with your child, or in front your child every day.

Immerse your child in books. Transform your entire home into a reading zone by placing books in every room.

Affirm your child's culture, language, and race by choosing books and stories with characters, places, and experiences that reflect their background.

Awaken your child to new ideas, places, people, or experiences in books and stories by asking them questions and always answering the question they have.

Empower your child by allowing them to choose books to read, whether based on what interests them or on book covers and titles.

Arm your child by always leaving home with books. When your child gets older ask them if they have a book before leaving for school, the doctor, or a long ride.

Cultivate your child's use of language and words. Talk with your child about what is happening in their lives and the world around them.

Build your child's ability to make connections. When you watch television or movies, make connections to characters or ideas in books you have read together.

Expand your child's reading beyond fiction. Children have great curiosity about events taking place in the world, plants, animals, and people. It's never too early to expose them to historical fiction or non-fiction books.

Advocate for curricula, partnerships, books, and resources for classrooms and schools that are culturally relevant and responsive.

Tips for educators:

Model reading. Read, read, read to your students, with your students, or in front your students every day.

Immerse school culture in talk about books. Book talks over the intercom, book clubs, social media chats, and school-wide read alouds are a few ways to do this.

Affirm your students' culture, language, and race by integrating books and stories with characters, places, and experiences that reflect their backgrounds into the curriculum.

Awaken students as participants in their own learning by having them create reading goals for themselves, for example, minutes of reading, chapters read, and reading new genres.

Empower students by allowing them to choose books based on what interests them or on book covers and titles.

Arm your students with the power of their own language and stories by providing them with multiple ways to make personal connections to the texts they read.

Cultivate independent reading by creating comfortable reading spaces throughout schools. Classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, and cozy nooks in hallways are all fair game.

Build classroom libraries of interesting, appropriate, and relevant fiction and non-fiction texts.

Expand your reading beyond fiction. Students have great curiosity about events taking place in the world, plants, animals, and people. Use historical fiction or non-fiction books as tools to capture this interest.

Advocate for curricula, partnerships, books, and resources for classrooms and schools that are culturally relevant and responsive.

Dr. Lauren Wells
Chief Education Officer
City of Newark

Donations are the heart of the campaign. Because we value reciprocity, we donate the books we receive to schools and community members who need them. Children deserve to have windows and mirrors to the world. Please complete the form below.

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This resource guide was created in direct response to the multiple requests made by educators, parents and students. Like Marley Dias, so many of you have asked for books with black girls as the main characters. And because of you, we have received thousands of books.

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Despite the demand for diverse children's books, the publishing industry continues to lag in addressing the diversity gap in their children's book publications. That's why it's so important to highlight the diverse children's books that do manage to be published. These books are inspiring, beautiful, sweet, powerful, daring, subtle, and everything in between. I can't wait to read them to my own little one.

Woke Baby by Mahogany L. Browne, Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III (January 4)

This is the perfect board book for all the liberal babies out there. Imagine it shelved between Feminist Baby and A is for Activist. The author is a poet, and the illustrator a recipient of the John Steptoe Award for New Talent. I can't wait to give this to my own woke baby, so she can point at all the pictures and then eat it.

Superheroes Are Everywhere by Kamala Harris, Illustrated by Mechal Renee Roe (January 8)

Senator Kamala Harris AND superheroes! This picture book serves as both a biography of Senator Harris by exploring the real life superheroes in her life and as an inspiring message to children that they can help make change happen too. All the heart eyes.

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If the title is any indication, this is going to be a beautiful and lyrical book. A companion to The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred, which I've never read but I want to now, it's a playful, bilingual (English and Spanish) reinterpretation of "The House That Jack Built."

A picture book about a groundbreaking librarian? Yes please! I've never heard of Pura Belpré until now, but apparently she was New York's first Puerto Rican librarian, and she supported and championed bilingual literature.

I love both Leonora Carrington's art and her novels. Such wonderfully strange and beautiful work. This would be perfect for anyone wanting to introduce their children to her art, which is so fun and bizarre and I can easily imagine children coming up with their own strange stories to describe what's happening.

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan, Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel (January 22)

A sweet picture book about all the different ways a little girl's family wears a hijab, and also her relationship with them.

The Girl And The Wolf by Katherena Vermette, Illustrated by Julie Flett (February 5)

Julie Flett is one of my favorite illustrators, and based on the cover illustrations, this looks like it'll be a retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood," though the description only mentions that a little girl lost in the woods receives help from a wolf.

This alphabet board book features awesome women, which is pretty awesome. It's by the same author/illustrator team-up who produced Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes.

The collage artwork on this cover looks amazing. Though I'm a folklore fiend, I'm mostly unfamiliar with Yiddish/Jewish folklore, which makes this even more interesting to me.

Lubna and Pebble By Wendy Meddour, Illustrated by Daniel Egnéus (March 5)

A timely book about being a refugee. I actually teared up reading the few pages Amazon provides in its preview. A pebble is Lubna's best friend. *sniffle sniffle* I'm betting this one will win some awards.

Another by Christian Robinson (March 5)

The simple, geometric artwork looks adorable, and no wonder since it's coming from the award-winning Christian Robinson, who is best known for his artwork in Last Stop on Market Street. Another is the first book he's authored.

I know I'm not the only one who fell in love with Katherine Johnson after watching (or reading) Hidden Figures. This simple biography is perfect for introducing children to this amazing mathematician and woman.

A super adorable book that compares babies with animals, which they are, as all we parents know.

Mango Moon by Diane de Anda, Illustrated by Sue Cornelison (April 1)

This one sounds like another tearjerker. It's told from the perspective of a little girl as she struggles to come to terms with her father being deported, and what life without him will be like.

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard, Illustrated by Laura K. Horton (April 1)

Sophia decides to fast for Ramadan, but breaks her fast too early when lured by the smell of delicious cookies. Because...cookies. I feel you, girl. This looks like a sweet and pretty picture book.

Babymoon by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal (April 2)

An endearing picture book that explores all the wonder in the first week a newborn is home. It does not include breastfeeding bewilderment, sleepless nights of baby being wide awake, and the horror of realizing a baby eats every two hours starting at the beginning of the feeding, not the end. However, the book is all the better for leaving those moments out, haha. It looks truly beautiful.

I'm so happy to see a book that combines the powers of science and art. Too often I see these divided as if they're completely separate things, and I love the premise of a little girl who wants to be a scientist, but needs her artistic family's help to create her first science experiment.

Ojiichan's Gift by by Chieri Uegaki, Illustrated by Genevieve Simms (April 2)

I have a soft spot for stories about grandparents. In this picture book, Mayumi cherishes the time she spends with her grandfather raking his stone garden. But how can she keep the garden alive when he's gone to live in an assisted living facility?

Produced by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, this board book celebrates diversity and racial identity. A trait is paired with each letter of the alphabet, along with a question for children to consider.

Be Brave, Be Brave, Be Brave by F. Anthony Falcon, Illustrated by Trisha Mason (April 16)

Based on a true story, F. Anthony Falcon recalls the perilous birth of his son in the midst of Hurricane Harvey in Corpus Christi, TX, as well as his desire to explore and reconnect to his Native American heritage. He describes to his son what it means to be a Native American man today through a list of precepts, each ending in "be brave."

The Little Red Stroller by Joshua Furst, Illustrated by Katy Wu (April 16)

This is a story of a stroller that's passed from family to family as children outgrow its need and gift it to another young community member. As a mom that depends on hand-me-downs, I love the concept of how a simple stroller can strengthen community ties.

I Will Be Fierce by Bea Birdsong, Illustrated by Nidhi Chanani (April 23)

A little girl views an average day as a fairytale quest, and she's certainly going to conquer it. This is also how I view an average day. 🙂

Home is a Window by Stephanie Ledyard, Illustrated by Chris Sasaki (April 23)

The story of a multiracial family that moves from one beloved and familiar home to a new, unfamiliar one, but one that has the potential to be equally loved.

She Spoke by Kathy MacMillan and Manuela Bernardi, Illustrated by Kathrin Honesta (May 1)

Y'all, this is a noise book! You can press buttons and actually hear sound clips of famous women speaking! Honestly, I'm going to enjoy this book just as much or more than my daughter. Each page has a stunning picture of a woman, a biography, and then a corresponding sound clip. It includes biographies of Dr. Maya Angelou, Malala Yousafzai, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and so many more.

A primer that celebrates LGBTQ+ families by exploring the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe. It describes parental love and also the love a child holds for their parents. This is a much needed book.

The illustrations on the back and front of this book get so many heart eyes from me. This book explains gender identity in straight-forward, sweet terms that's helpful for both the child and the parent.

Where Are You From by Yamile Saied Méndez, Illustrated by Jaime Kim (June 4)

Another book with a grandfather, a little girl asks everyone where she's from, but none of their answers seem correct. Until she asks her abuelo, who gives her an unusual and poetic response.

If you haven't heard of them, I Look Up To... is an amazing board book series that explores the lives of inspiring women in simple, child-friendly language. In their next installment, Membrino and Burke look up to Malala Yousafzai.

How To Read A Book By Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet (June 18)

Kwame Alexander of The Crossover fame writes a poem celebrating books in this must-read picture book illustrated by another award-winner, Melissa Sweet.

Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz, Illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova (June 18)

During a family dinner at her grandmother's house, Leila learns about her heritage and discovers ways to love herself just the way she is.

Looking for more diverse children's books? Check out these posts:

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30 Must-Read Diverse Children's Books From The First Half Of 2019

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Despite the demand for diverse children's books, the publishing industry continues to lag in addressing the diversity gap in their children's book publications. That's why it's so important to highlight the diverse children's books that do manage to be published. These books are inspiring, beautiful, sweet, powerful, daring, subtle, and everything in between.

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Book List from Cooperative Children's Book Center

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Book List from Cooperative Children's Book Center

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< Back to booklists
©2023, 2020 Cooperative Children's Book Center

June 2020: We've received a number of requests from around Wisconsin for books addressing systemic racism. But just as important, we know, thanks to Black colleagues and book creators, are books that go beyond pain narratives and celebrate Black lives.

We also know that the work of seeking out and sharing books about Black experience is the responsibility of all of us doing work related to connecting young readers with books, not just of Black librarians and educators. But it's important to know there are other wonderful curated lists available. Here are two to start with:

If you're interested in purchasing books on any of these lists, check out this list of Black-owned bookstores.

By all means share the books on this list with white children, too; as a matter of course and intention sharing diverse books is essential. But if you are also looking specifically for books about race and racism, we have also created Race and Racism: Selected Books for Children and Teens.

Most of the books for this list are among titles we've recommended for our annual best-of-the-year list, CCBC Choices. It is far from exhaustive; there are many other books we've recommended, and many other books available for children and teens acknowledging that Black Lives Matter by celebrating and affirming Black identity and speaking the truth of Black experiences.

Can't find what you're looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes subject access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.

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ccbcbooksearch_booklists] Can't find what you're looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes subject access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff. Finding CCBC-recommended books video tutorial.

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In a vibrant, multicultural society, representing the richness of students' lives in a class or school library takes a conscious effort. 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, to use the metaphor that Rudine Sims Bishop popularized, both windows and mirrors in the library-books that reflect their lives, and ones that give them insight into the lives and experiences of people who aren't like them.

No book shelf is going to represent the fullness of this nation. From the descendants of people who arrived here more than 15,000 years ago to the newest immigrants, we're simply too much. But the inclusive set of books below-many of which were recommended by multiple teachers-span all grade and Lexile levels up to 1140L, and include award winners and best sellers, books that have stood the test of time and newer options. We hope they reflect human diversity in the broadest sense, addressing race and ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, and other special circumstances.

Grades pre-K to 2

Deena Misses Her Mom
Deena is a formerly well-behaved girl who has been lashing out in school ever since her mom was sent to jail. Deena's story-sensitively illustrated by Leslie Jindalay Pyo-was written by high school students Jonae Haynesworth, Jesse Holmes, Layonnie Jones, and Kahliya Ruffin to reflect the lives of the children they were tutoring in Washington, DC. Parental imprisonment is a shockingly common occurrence in America: More than 5 million children in the U.S. have had at least one parent in jail.

Grades 3 to 5

Grades 6 to 8

The Arrival
A sepia-toned marvel, The Arrival conveys in images-there is no dialogue-a man's journey from his troubled home country to a new one. Artist Shaun Tan places the reader in the immigrant's shoes by using an invented alphabet on the signs in the strange new world he enters-the language is as impenetrable to the reader as it is to the protagonist.

Ghost
A National Book Award finalist, Jason Reynolds's Ghost is the story of an African American middle school runner with the talent to qualify for the Junior Olympics-if he can learn to control his temper. Money is tight and his father is in jail, and Ghost has been having a lot of what he calls "altercations." This is the first in a series of books about the members of a track team.

George
George is a transgender fourth grader who wants to try out for the lead role in the school production of Charlotte's Web so that her mother will see her as a girl. Alex Gino presents George's struggles with both bullying and the painful reassurance that she will "turn into a fine young man." George won a Stonewall Book Award-and made the American Library Association's 10 Most Challenged Books list in 2016 and 2017.

Grades 9 to 12

Bless Me, Ultima
A classic of Latino literature, Rudolfo Anaya's coming-of-age tale is an exploration of faith-Antonio, the young protagonist, makes his First Communion in the Catholic Church but also finds a spiritual guide in Ultima, an elderly curandera, or healer, who helps him explore indigenous traditions of New Mexico.

The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas's debut novel was a sensation when it was published in 2017, remaining on The New York Times best-seller list for 50 weeks. It centers on the killing of an unarmed black teen by a white police officer, a shooting witnessed by 16-year-old Starr, whose days are split between her black neighborhood and mostly white suburban school. The killing of her friend Khalil drives those two worlds farther apart than ever.

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22 Diverse Book Choices for All Grade Levels

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Suggestions from teachers who are working to offer students at every grade level book choices that represent their lives.

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Parents and other caregivers are seeking resources to help them hold children through the current, terrible wave of racialized violence, which is exacerbated by the tensions and vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As scholars, writers, and parents who use books to connect with our children and spark conversations with them, we've developed this book list to help engage the broad range of emotions and needs of diverse children in our multiracial society. In some cases, we've highlighted worthy, albeit lesser-known titles. Some are older books, some are newer, and a few will publish later this year but are available for pre-order now. This list skews heavily towards #ownvoices books and is arranged alphabetically by title.

Please use these books to help you do the work of making the world a safer, more equitable place for all children.

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20 Picture Books for 2020: Readings to Embrace Race, Provide Solace &...

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As scholars, writers, and parents who use books to connect with our children and spark conversations with them, we've developed this book list to help engage the broad range of emotions and needs of diverse children in our multiracial society.

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LEE & LOW's unique book collections include delightful, child-centered stories that support literacy learning for soon-to-be, beginning, and fluent readers. Appealing texts and pictures by outstanding authors and illustrators of diverse backgrounds engage young readers and support their efforts as they begin their journey to becoming successful, independent readers. Specially curated for today's classroom, LEE & LOW offers extensive, engaging, and culturally responsive book collections that all children can identify with and enjoy.

Want help building your own customized classroom collection? Get in touch with us to build a custom school order.

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Pre K, Kindergarten, Grade 1 - 2 Books | Lee & Low Books

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LEE & LOW's unique book collections include delightful, child-centered stories that support literacy learning for soon-to-be, beginning, and fluent readers. Appealing texts and pictures by outstanding authors and illustrators of diverse backgrounds engage young readers and support their efforts as they begin their journey to becoming successful, independent readers.

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Based on "Ten Quick Ways to Analyze Children's Books for Racism and Sexism." Updated in 2013.*
Children's books continue to be an invaluable source of information and values. They reflect the attitudes in our society about diversity, power relationships among different groups of people, and various social identities (e.g., racial, ethnic, gender, economic class, sexual orientation, and disability). The visual and verbal messages young children absorb from books (and other media) heavily influence their ideas about themselves and others. Depending on the quality of the book, they can reinforce (or undermine) children's affirmative self-concept, teach accurate (or misleading) information about people of various identities, and foster positive (or negative) attitudes about diversity. Children's books teach children about who is important, who matters, who is even visible. Consequently, carefully choosing quality children's books is an indispensable educational and child-rearing task.

It is important to offer young children a range of books about people like them and their family - as well as about people who are different from them and their family. All of the books should be accurate and appealing to young children. Fortunately, there are some good anti-bias children's books, which are available as a result of the ongoing activism of many individuals and groups over many years. However, while choices have improved over past decades, the lack of quality multicultural kid's books currently being published has frustrated many communities. The number of children of color in the United States continues to rise, but the number of books published by or about people of color stays the same or even decreases.

Check the Illustrations

Look for Stereotypes: A stereotype is an oversimplified generalization about a particular identity group (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, ability/disability), which usually carries derogatory, inaccurate messages and applies them to ALL people in the group. Stereotypes dehumanize people. So, too, does misinformation. ( See Box 1 below for a list of common, harmful stereotypes).

Unfortunately, all of us absorb socially prevailing stereotypes about a range of people, even if we do not consciously subscribe to them. To alert you to stereotypes in children's books, as well as other media, it is useful to list all the stereotypes you know about various groups of people as precondition for critically reviewing children's books. The books you choose should depict people compassionately and as real human beings. Also consider if images depict all people as genuine individuals with distinctive (rather than stereotypical) features. Books containing stereotypes require you to engage children in critical thinking, but should probably be eliminated from your collection.

BOX 1: Common Harmful/Undermining Stereotypes

Strong, independent girls and women are "manlike"

Book-loving or nonathletic boys and men are "effeminate"

Latino men talk funny, are lazy, gang members, or wear oversize sombreros

Latina women are earth mothers or subservient

African American men are gang members, oversexed, or underemployed

African American women are too independent, oversexed, or "welfare moms"

Arab and/or Muslim men are terrorists

Arab and/or Muslim women are voiceless and passive

All Muslims are Arab / All Arabs are Muslim

American Indians live in teepees, carry bows and arrows, or are half-naked in winter

American Indians were only significant in the past (read)

Disabled people are not independent or are to be pitied

Disabled people must "overcome" their disabilities rather than just live with their disabilities

LGBTQ+ people are invisible

Poor people are invisible

Poor people are depicted as passively needing help from others

AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) are depicted as the "model minority"

AAPI are exotic or their food is exotic/abnormal

All AAPI know martial arts or are meek and compliant

AAPI are portrayed with slanted eyes or just lines to represent eyes

Jewish people are all Zionists (read)

Jewish people are wealthy and yield undue influence in the financial and political world

Look for Tokenism: This is the "one only" message. Regularly seeing only "one" person of any group in a book teaches young children about who is more or less important. Examples of tokenism include books with only one African American child among many white children or having only one book about children with disabilities among many other books. Tokenism also becomes stereotypical. It only allows children to see one view of a group of people, rather than the diversity that exists among all groups.

Look for Invisibility: What children do not see in their books also teaches them about who matters and who doesn't in our society. Invisibility in their storybooks - as well as in textbooks as they get older - undermines children's affirmative sense of themselves and reinforces prejudiced ideas about people who are not seen (See Box 2 for examples of groups who tend to be invisible). The booklists on this website include a great variety of books with groups who are often excluded. (The titles are vetted by Teaching for Change.)

BOX 2: Examples of Groups of People Who Are Often Invisible in Children's Books or Mainstream Media

Families who live in rural areas

Blue-collar workers

Musicians, artists, and writers

Families with two dads or two moms

Single mothers or fathers

Homeless families

Families with an incarcerated parent

People of Middle Eastern descent

Families who practice Islam

Transgender adults and children

Check the Story Line and the Relationships Between People

Even if a book shows visual diversity, the story line may carry biases related to how it handles power relationships among people of various identities. Are whites or male characters the central figures with people of color or female characters in essentially supporting roles? To gain acceptance and/or approval does a child of color, a girl, or child with a disability have to exhibit extraordinary qualities or be the one to understand, forgive, or change? Are the achievements of girls and women based on their own initiative and intelligence, or are they due to their looks or relationship with boys/men?

Are people of color, women, low-income families, or people with disabilities depicted as needing help or in passive roles, while whites, men, and "able-bodied" people are in leadership and action roles? How are problems presented, conceived, and resolved? Who typically causes a problem and who resolves it? Your book collection needs a balance of different people in "doer" roles.

Look at Messages About Different Lifestyles

Do the lives of people of color or people living in poverty in the story contrast unfavorably with the norm of white, middle-class suburban life? Are negative value judgments implied about ways of life that differ from the dominant culture or economic class (e.g., people are to be pitied, or the story is about one person who "gets out" of the less desirable way of life)? Do images and information go beyond oversimplification and offer genuine insights into the lifestyle of the characters in the story? Does the setting reflect current life - or past assumptions about life? Does your book collection depict diversity among people within a specific racial/ethnic group, such as a range of family structures, living environments, socioeconomic conditions and types of work, and male/female roles within the family? (Remember that every racial/ethnic group has diversity, including people who self-identify as white).

Consider the Effects on Children's Self and Social Identities

In addition to specific books, also examine your book collection. Do your books reinforce or counteract messages that teach children to feel inferior or superior because of their skin color, gender, family income, able-bodiedness, or type of family structure? At school, will all of the children you serve see themselves and their family's way of life reflected in your book collection? Will all children of color, including those with mixed heritage, girls, and children from the many types of family structures, children living in poverty, and children with disabilities see one or more characters with whom they can readily and positively identify? If they are visible in your book collection, are the illustrations and information accurate and respectful? Does your overall collection balance the backgrounds of all the children in your program? Does it also show diversity within the social indentity groups to which the children belong (e.g., a range of ways to be female and male, families reflecting different kinds of jobs within a racial/ethnic group). Does your book collection also include a balance between diversity within your classroom and beyond your classroom?

At home, does your book collection reflect diversity among the groups to which your family belongs? Does it have stories about people like you who have contributed to creating a more just world? Does it also include a range of books showing diversity beyond your family and neighborhood?

Look for Books About Children and Adults Engaging in Actions for Change

To fully develop a strong sense of self and a disposition toward cooperation and fairness, children need to know how to stand up for themselves and others when faced with unfairness. They also need to know about people from all social identity groups who have - and are currently - working for justice for all. In addition to previous criteria, here are more items to consider: The story line should be about children and adults working together, rather than perpetrating the myth that change happens because of special, individual people who do it by themselves. Does your book collection include a balance of people who have made important and honored contributions to American life as well as the world community - and not just the traditional white, male "heroes?" Do some of your books about important people include struggles for justice? Do they show people who were/are poor or from racial/ethnic groups of color? Are people with disabilities engaged in these struggles for justice?

Consider the Author's or Illustrator's Background and Perspective

All authors write from a cultural as well as from a personal context. In the past, most children's books were by authors and illustrators who were white and members of the middle class. As a result, a single cultural and class perspective dominated children's literature. There are now excellent books by people of color from a range of backgrounds - although not nearly enough. Consider the biographical material on the jacket flap or back of the book. What qualifies the author or illustrator to deal with the subject? If the book is not about people or events similar to the author or illustrator's background, what specifically recommends them as creators of the book? What is the author's attitude toward her/his story characters? Are the images accurate and do the illustrators respectfully render the people in the story? Do you have books reflecting a balanced range of author and illustrator identities and experiences?

Watch for Loaded Words

A word is loaded when it in any way demeans or makes people invisible because of any of their identities. One example is the generic use of the word "man" to stand for women as well as men (although the opposite never occurs). This traditional terminology is now questioned by many because of its sexist implications. Here are some examples of ways to avoid sexist language: community instead of brotherhood; firefighters inserted of firemen; human family instead of family of man; ancestors instead of forefathers; chairperson instead of chairman. Examples of adjectives applied to people of color that carry racist messages include: "savage," "primitive," "superstitious," "backward," "inscrutable" and "treacherous." Always consider the context in which a word is used and to whom it applies.

Look at the Copyright Date

Copyright dates indicate the publication year, not the time of its writing, which might be two to three years before the copyright date. Although a recent copyright date is no guarantee of a book's relevance or sensitivity, copyright dates are useful information. More children's books began to reflect the reality of a pluralistic society and nonsexist and non-ableist perspectives in the 1970s. Since then, the range of accurate, respectful, and caring books reflecting diversity has increased significantly (unfortunately the diversity of books published in the United States still does not accurately reflect the actual diversity of the people living here). When considering new books for your collection, begin with most recently published ones and then continue with descending copyright dates.

Assess the Appeal of the Story and Illustrations to Young Children

Although these guidelines focus on the messages about diversity and equality reflected in children's books, it is also important to take quality into account. Be sure the book is a "good read." If children find the story or illustrations boring, a book will not hold their attention, even if the book adds a specific kind of diversity you need. Check for active, interesting story lines where different kinds of people are integral to the people in the story, not the main topic. For example, in A Chair for My Mother, a young child tries to save money to get a comfortable chair for her waitress mother. Although the book shows a single parent, working-class family, and a resourceful girl, it is not didactic. Also look for illustrations that are colorful and recognizable to young children. Although they enjoy a range of styles, illustrations that are too subdued or abstract may not hold their attention.

Check for age appropriateness. Most booksellers list any picture book as appropriate for early childhood even if the story line is really for primary grade children. Sometimes a book for older children will work if you simplify the story or "tell" the story rather than read it. In some cases, this is the only way to get books that present specific groups of children (e.g., stories with Cambodian children or children with learning disabilities). Some additional issues to consider:

Many children's books use animal characters instead of people and there are some excellent books that explore diversity with animal characters (e.g., And Tango Makes Three or A Coyote Solstice Tale). Children enjoy these. However, such books are not a substitute for exploring issues of diversity and anti-bias fairness with people as the main characters.

Some early childhood teachers wonder if it is necessary for every book in their collection to show diversity. Every book needs to be accurate, caring, and respectful. However, you will want individual books about specific kinds of people (e.g., a biracial family or a family with adopted children). Diversity becomes essential in the balance of your book collection, where you want to avoid invisibility or tokenism of any group.

Folk and fairy tales have long been a mainstay of children's literature. In the cultures from which they come, folk and fairy tales were used to teach important lessons and values related to their culture of origin. Children love them in their original versions - not their commercially sanitized adaptations. However, folk and fairy tales also carry messages that convey sexism, classism, and racism and must be used thoughtfully as part of introducing young children to diversity and anti-bias values of quality and fairness.

Overuse of folk tales to "teach" about a specific ethnic/cultural group leads to misinformation and confusion. They are about animals and occasionally people from a mythical past and are designed to teach core values and beliefs in their culture of origin. They are not about how people actually live in contemporary society - and that is what young children need to understand. Information and images about how people really live now is what enables young children to build connections to people who are from different cultures while countering stereotypes that children have already absorbed (e.g., how American Indians really live).

Finally there is the somewhat sensitive issue of what to do about "classic" or "well-beloved" children's books. Many of these are wonderful as children's literature, but unfortunately they often convey values of sexism, racism, ableism, or even colonialism. People who love the books that pose this dilemma argue that it is OK to use them because they "reflect their times," which they imply somehow excuses their biased messages. For example, I adored the Babar series of books as a young child and was unpleasantly shocked to realize as an adult how much the images and story lines reflected messages of European colonialism in Africa. I chose not to use them with my own children, wanting them to learn accurate information about how people in Africa really live. Not sharing childhood favorites may sadden some, but it is far better than the harm caused by reinforcing messages of racism and colonialism.
In a nutshell - as you choose books or critically examine your current book selection, always keep in mind the power of books - their words and their images - to nurture or, conversely, to undermine a child's sense of self, positive attitude toward others, and motivation to act for fairness.
Additional Resources

Louise Derman-Sparks is an internationally respected anti-bias educator and author (along with Julie Olsen Edwards) of Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. She has co-authored several additional books with Dr. Carol Brunson Day (Teaching/Learning Anti-Racism), the ABC Task Force ( Anti-Bias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children), Dr. Patricia Ramsey (What If All the Kids Are White?), and Dr. John Nimmo and Debbie Leekeenan ( Leading Anti-Bias Early Childhood Programs: A Guide for Change). She speaks throughout the United States and abroad, and served on the NAEYC Governing Board from 1998 to 2001. Louise has a lifelong commitment to building a more just society for all people. Her children Douglass and Holly, now grown, were her inspiration. A Pacific Oaks College faculty member for 33 years - when its mission and pedagogy reflected anti-bias education principles - Louise is now retired.
*In 1980, the Council on Interracial Books for Children published the book Guidelines for Selecting Bias-Free Textbooks and Storybooks. A shorter version of the book in pamphlet form, "Ten Quick Ways to Analyze Children's Books for Racism and Sexism," followed. One of the first guides written for teachers and families, it became an invaluable tool for hundreds of thousands of people. Both the book and pamphlet have been out of print for several years. Rethinking Schools published their adaptation of the original Guidelines in 1994.

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Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books - Social Justice Books

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By Louise Derman-Sparks Based on "Ten Quick Ways to Analyze Children's Books for Racism and Sexism." Updated in 2013.* Children's books continue to be an invaluable source of information and values. They reflect the attitudes in our society about diversity, power relationships among different groups of people, and various social identities (e.g., racial, ethnic, gender, [...]

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Racism is a topic of conversation all families should talk about. Far too often, the burden of talking about race falls only on parents with black children. This conversation must start by adults being honest with ourselves-processing our own conscious and unconscious thoughts and biases-and then engaging our children in the conversation.

As people across the nation are speaking against racism and advocating for sustainable change in our country now, our students and children are noticing. It is never too soon to talk to young people about racism, and reading is a great way to start the conversation.

Reading for children is a valuable way to gain new perspectives and develop empathy. Reading also benefits children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, mental health and overall wellbeing.

It's important to have diverse books for children to read. As you read diverse books, encourage questions and honest conversation. You may not have all the answers, but you can create space to process thoughts and feelings together.

This resource list includes books that model and celebrate cultural differences. Each book creates a space for conversation about diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Children's Books that Model Differences

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Responding to Racism Resources - Friendzy

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Racism is a topic of conversation all families should talk about. Far too often, the burden of talking about race falls only on parents with black children. This conversation must start by adults being honest with ourselves-processing our own conscious and unconscious thoughts and biases-and then en

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NAA Resources Focused on Teaching About Race and Anti-Racism

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NAA Resources Focused on Teaching About Race and Anti-Racism

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Many afterschool professionals and leaders are looking for resources to build their knowledge about racism and to learn more about how to effectively address racism and integrate anti-racist practices into their work.

Below is a list of recommendations from Dr. Jamie Freeny and the Center for School Behavioral Health at MHA of Greater Houston-an excellent starting point for doing this work.

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS:
Start with learning more about yourself by taking Harvard University's implicit bias test. Additionally, Teaching Tolerance's Teaching About Race, Racism, and Police Violence discusses specific instances of racial inequity at the hands of the police and provides talking points for educators. It also includes free professional development opportunities around race and how it affects youth.

Vanderbilt University's Teaching Race Pedagogy and Practice is full of definitions of commonly used terminology in relation to race and race relations, as well as step-by-step guides for how to integrate lessons about race and race relations into lesson plans.

SEL Skills Needed to Discuss Race in the Classroom, shared by Berkley's Greater Good Magazine, highlights implicit bias, self-management, and social awareness as skills needed in order to meaningfully engage with race in the classroom. The article author, Dr. Eva, includes integrating these concepts into lesson plans and provides resources for learning more.

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS AND PARENTS:
You're not alone when it comes to not knowing how to effectively talk to young people about subjects like racism. In this The Hechinger Report article, experts answer kid's tough questions about race and racism. Similarly, this video from NYU Langone Health child and adolescent psychologist, Dr. Yamalis Diaz, shares how talking about racism can impact young people's relationships and provides parents with guidelines for these discussions.

For even more conversation, this PBS KIDS for Parents video features parents, educators, and child development and trauma experts talking about how to talk with young children about racial injustice and violence against Black people.
Courtesy of NAA.

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resources for learning and teaching about race and anti-racism

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Resources for Learning and Teaching About Race and Anti-Racism

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Many afterschool professionals and leaders are looking for resources to build their knowledge about racism and to learn more about how to effectively address racism and integrate anti-racist practices into their work. Below is a list of recommendations from Dr. Jamie Freeny and the Center for School Behavioral Health at MHA of Greater Houston-an excellent starting point for doing this work.

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Edutopia Article Focused on Ways to Teach Students About Bias, Diversity, & Social Justice

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Edutopia Article Focused on Ways to Teach Students About Bias, Diversity, & Social Justice

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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Multiculturalism in the Classroom | Scholastic

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These teaching tips and resources focus on the topic of multiculturalism and diversity. Find helpful articles, rich lesson plans, and a variety of books to promote cultural sensitivity and introduce students to cultures other than their own.

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Infographic Shows the Essential Need for Increasing Representation in Children's Stories

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Infographic Shows the Essential Need for Increasing Representation in Children's Stories

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An Updated Look at Diversity in Children

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Using numbers from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, this infographic—updated from 2015—illustratesrepresentation in children’s literature. The quantity of diverse books may have gone up, but thatdoesn’t necessarily indicate accuracy and quality oftitles.

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WNDB Non-profit Organization Dedicated to Increasing the Number of Books Featuring Diverse Children

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WNDB Non-profit Organization Dedicated to Increasing the Number of Books Featuring Diverse Children

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Illustration by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Who We Are We Need Diverse Books™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature tha…

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Website with Book Lists to Elevate Black Authors' Voices 

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Website with Book Lists to Elevate Black Authors' Voices 

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Children's Books Providing Education and Information on Mental Health, Social Emotional Wellbeing, and Difficult Transitions or Life Events

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Children's Books Providing Education and Information on Mental Health, Social Emotional Wellbeing, and Difficult Transitions or Life Events

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Magination Press Children Books - Magination Press - APA

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Browse and find children's books to help parents, teachers, caregivers, and counselors in all areas of child psychology. Order from APA with free US domestic shipping.

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ALSC Book Lists Emphasize Social Justice, Diversity, and Offer Stories to Inspire Conversations 

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ALSC Book Lists Emphasize Social Justice, Diversity, and Offer Stories to Inspire Conversations 

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Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)

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Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)

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A division of the American Library Association