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25 Activities to Teach and Promote Diversity in the Classroom

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Teaching diversity helps build appreciation for the uniqueness of other people and cultures. It’s a great way to build unity and respect for all people in the minds of children.

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 Children's books that bring diverse voices

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 Children's books that bring diverse voices

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The Everymom's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

The best thing about books is that they can take you anywhere. Books offer us a perspective and experience that we may otherwise never know, and that glimpse into someone else's story can be integral in creating open and accepting minds and hearts.

Children's books are no exception. Not only are diverse children's books important for children of color (they offer them visibility, relatability, and vital moments of representation), but they're important for all children. In a country as multicultural as ours, it's vital to offer children an opportunity to see realities and experiences different from their own.

Reading books with your children that celebrate diversity will help your little ones recognize that what is seen as outwardly different can just be a slight variation in the broad spectrum of humanity-and that different is not bad, but beautiful.

Reading books with your children that celebrate diversity will help your little ones recognize that what is seen as outwardly different can just be a slight variation in the broad spectrum of humanity-and that different is not bad, but beautiful.

Many of us feel overwhelmed in raising kind, loving children in a society that constantly screams about differences, but as parents, our responsibility is to work on changing that from the ground up. Yes, these conversations about acceptance and openness are not easy-most of the time they are complicated, confusing, and very hard to get through. But, we have to keep trying. After all, we are raising the future, and with some hard work, we can make it a wonderful one.
Below, we're sharing 50+ of our favorite children's books that celebrate diversity. Nearly all of the books linked below can be purchased through Bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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50+ Children's Books That Celebrate Diversity

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The Everymom's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love. The best thing about books is that they can take you anywhere.

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What does diverse voices mean in Literature?

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What does diverse voices mean in Literature?

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Under-represented writers. Diverse voices.
If you've been in any way following the children's book market, you'll have (hopefully!) noticed an increase in the number of people talking about diversity. You might have seen tweets where writers talk about their work being #ownvoices. You might have read some of the recent CILIP Reflecting Realities report, with its worryingly low figures. You might even have participated in twitter events such as #DivPit, for diverse authors and illustrators. But even with all this, you might not know what we mean.

When the Darley Anderson Children's Book Agency ran its access month last year, we left our DMs open for questions. We thought we'd get a wide variety of questions, and we did, but we also got many variations on one theme:
What are diverse voices? What stories can I write? Am I diverse enough? Do I count?
Because it's a minefield, isn't it? And there's only so much you can suss out from a bit of online stalking. With so many terms floating around and so many editors and agents calling out for this, we thought it would be helpful to clarify what we actually mean, clear up a few myths, and hopefully encourage you to keep working, writing and submitting.

Firstly, a quick note on terms. As an agency, we've largely used the term under-represented. We want to use a term that's open and reflective of a wide variety of experiences, but this won't be the only term you encounter. Some things are more focused on a specific area - for example, the CILIP report focusses on BAME representation - so it's always worth checking if an opportunity is aimed at a certain group, or at underrepresented voices more widely.

So what's an under-represented voice? We use the term under-represented to refer to any creators who feel that they're underserved in the industry. Take a look at your bookshelf - do you see yourself reflected in the stories there? If not, you might be an under-represented voice.

People who are under-represented might feel like they align themselves with one of these social groups:

Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority groups

People who identify as LGBTQ+

People from a working-class background

People with a disability

People from a religious minority

People who suffer from mental health issues

Immigrants, refugees and second-generation/culture people

You might identify with one or many of these groups - but you might not. You don't have to fit neatly into a box to have something to say, and those boxless people are often ones who have been overlooked in books so far. If you feel that your story is yet to be told, if you fit somewhere outside the straight, white, middle-class space that characters (and authors, and editors, and agents) often fit into, then you're an under-represented voice, and we're looking for you.

I think I am an under-represented voice, so what should I be writing? This is a question that comes up a lot, and for us, it's where the biggest myths are. Here's the secret:
You can, and should, be writing the story you want to read.
That might mean a story that involves some of the issues that come with being in a minority - but it might not. There are plenty of stories out there that are about being Black, or poor, or gay, and there's a place for that, but those aren't the only stories to tell. We believe that every child deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they read, across all stories. That means we want comedy, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, things that are serious and things that are silly, things that make us snort with laughter or burst into tears. When one of our agents puts out a wishlist, we'll detail different types of stories that we're looking for, and it's safe to say that we'd love for any of those to be by an underrepresented writer.

Does this mean I can write about anything at all? Within reason, the answer to this is 'Yes'. That being said, there's one more thing to consider. Are you the right person to be telling this story?

Being from one under-represented community doesn't mean that you can speak for all under-represented people. This applies in a general sense (being gay doesn't mean you have the same experience as people across all minorities) but also in a more localized one (being gay doesn't mean you know what it's like for everyone who's gay). Think about the specifics of what your experience can bring to your characters, and recognize that you're only bringing one viewpoint to the table. You will never speak for everyone, so just try to speak for yourself.

Hang on, so are you saying I can only write my own story? I thought fiction was making things up! The argument that 'fiction is making things up' is one that we hear a lot. And that's because there's a lot of truth to it - fiction is about making things up, being creative, and telling stories. But there's also a responsibility to tell your stories right.

As an under-represented writer, you've already got a window to a world that's outside of what's normally seen in books, and you might have seen that world represented badly. Without direct experience, it's easy to fall into the traps of stereotypes and to make mistakes.

Writing about an experience you directly understand is what we would call Own Voices - that's when a character shares the same background you do and where you bring something of yourself into your work. Writing about a character outside of your experience can be done, but it needs to be carefully researched. This can work if it's something you've got an understanding of and it's well-researched (and by well-researched I mean speaking to real people rather than just checking in a book) but if you don't understand it, it's dangerous to add it in. We don't want to add to misrepresentation, and we'll avoid any stories that feel tokenistic or overly simplified.

A note on sensitivity readers. If you've been following discussions around diversity, you might have heard some people mention sensitivity readers. These are people who come from a background that you're writing about, but don't have direct experience of. They'll read through your work and point out areas that don't ring true for them, or where you've not got something quite right.

Sensitivity readers can be useful, but we're wary of authors who overly rely on them. If you've got one little thing that needs checking then go for it, but if you find that you couldn't write your book without them or that they're flagging up a lot that needs changing, you should think carefully about whether or not this is the right story to tell.

I've followed your advice, I've written a story that only I could tell, and I think it's exactly what you're looking for. What now? Now's your time to get submitting! If you look elsewhere on this blog, you'll find tons of general advice for new authors and illustrators. All of this applies to you too. Read, revise, re-write, make it brilliant, and then send it to agents following the instructions they lay out on their websites.

If you're comfortable with it, and it's relevant to your work, you can also use the hashtag #diversevoices in the subject line of your email when you're submitting to us. That will let us know that you consider yourself an under-represented writer, and it means that we'll take that into consideration when we look at your submission. This isn't compulsory, and there's no pressure to reveal anything to us you don't want to, but it might help us see your work in the context of your background.
I want more! Where else can I go?
There are some fantastic publishers and initiatives that are being set up to look for, publish and support under-represented writers. Here are some of the people doing a brilliant job of bringing more diversity to the industry:

CILIP. You might have heard the stats on their Reflecting Realities report, but we'd encourage everyone to read the full report. It focusses on the quality of representation as much as the prevalence of it, and should be required reading for anyone trying to improve BAME representation in the industry.

Knights Of bill themselves as an inclusive publisher - they only work with under-represented creators and they have a diverse team too. You can support them by buying their books or even pitching to them yourself through their innovative DM-based pitching system.

Round Table Books. Based in Brixton, the retail arm of Knights Of have an incredible shop stocked with titles from under-represented creators. Have a browse, find a new favourite, and get inspired for your own work.

WriteNow is a writing initiative run by Puffin, which looks to find, mentor and publish more diverse creators. Our own author Rashmi Sirdeshpande is a WriteNow superstar! They're taking a fallow year this year but it's worth looking out for their submissions when they re-open, as their mentoring scheme is invaluable.

Pathways. While WriteNow is focused on authors, Pathways is where to look if you're an illustrator looking for mentorship. It's a two-year program for under-represented illustrators and it's in partnership with 22 publishers and universities. It's new and rigorous, and could be a wonderful challenge.

The FAB Prize is run by Faber in partnership with the Andlyn Agency and is open every year for BAME writers and illustrators. They've had a lot of success and several past winners are now published by Faber.

And finally, you can come back to us. We know that publishing is a strange old industry, and it feels like a lot of it is hidden behind some big, impenetrable doors. We want to yank those doors open and make things clearer, so if you have questions about any aspects of this industry, do let us know. We'll try to answer them in future posts, and you might also find some useful advice in our previous posts.
A massive thank you to Eishar Brar from Knights Of for helping out with this post!

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What we mean when we talk about Diverse Voices

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Own Voices. Under-represented writers. Diverse voices. If you've been in any way following the children's book market, you'll have (hopefully!) noticed an increase in the number of people talking about diversity. You might have seen tweets where writers talk about their work being #ownvoices. You might have read some of the recent CILIP Reflecting Realities...

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Using Diverse and Inclusive Text In your classroom webinar

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Using Diverse and Inclusive Text In your classroom webinar

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Using Diverse and Inclusive Texts in Your Classroom

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Tips on building a diverse text in your classroom library

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Tips on building a diverse text in your classroom library

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How you proceed from there-by removing the book from your library altogether or using it as a tool for learning-is up to you and your school or district leaders. In certain cases, you might want to label a book for your students as one that portrays negative stereotypes. Encourage your students (should they choose to read these stories) to talk about how these books stereotypically represent diverse communities and how they could be written in a more inclusive manner that reflects our culture today.

If you haven't read the story yourself or are unsure of how your own experiences may influence your perspective, do research online to find out what reputable sources are saying about the book. For example, the San Francisco Public Library put together a resource of several books containing negative stereotypes that the library continues to circulate for research purposes and because of public demand.

The bottom line: books that aren't telling the stories of marginalized people respectfully can be used to spur conversations about why these texts can be offensive. Note that there are many diverse books published in recent years that represent cultures in positive ways and are worth considering.

2. Include as Many Unique Perspectives as Possible

When you think about diversity for your library selection, be inclusive of many life experiences. While it's important to find stories that feature every race and culture, it can also help to include books featuring children with disabilities or nontraditional family structures, for instance. Students who deal with mental health issues would benefit greatly from reading about kids their age facing similar challenges.

Not sure where to get started? Here's a checklist that covers the many characters and perspectives that should be featured prominently in your library.

3. Consider the Stories That Feature Diverse Characters

While your students can benefit from knowing about the difficult moments behind the history of diverse communities, consider also having them read stories about diverse people in fun, casual settings. Ideally, your diverse classroom library will reflect both of these scenarios.

For example, you might add books to your library featuring Asian characters that focus on difficult and emotional subjects, such as immigration or Japanese internment camps, as well as about Asian children doing fun and exciting things, like battling magical creatures or playing in a band at school. This wide range of subject matters can help reinforce to your students that everyone is equal, and everyone deserves a wonderful life.

4. Ask for Help from Your Class

Another great way to build a diverse and inclusive library designed for your classroom is to include your students and their parents in the process. You might ask everyone in your class-whether through an online poll or by carving out time during the day-to share what kinds of stories they'd love to read. While not every family may be able to contribute, you can give them the option to donate any diverse books they have at home.

For instance, you can ask students to list specific titles or even just give a general description of stories they crave. Not only will your students get the chance to share what they're excited to read about, but they will also feel important and included. It's a win-win situation all around!

Including the parents in the conversation can also offer an inside perspective from someone who knows what would benefit their child. For example, their child may be struggling with anxiety and would benefit from reading stories centered around that topic. With this additional information and input, you'll be able to build an inclusive library filled with diverse stories covering a wide range of people and perspectives.

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6 Tips for Building a Diverse Classroom Library

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How you proceed from there-by removing the book from your library altogether or using it as a tool for learning-is up to you and your school or district leaders. In certain cases, you might want to label a book for your students as one that portrays negative stereotypes.

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Culturally Responsive Teaching

By using culturally inclusive texts to spark conversation, teachers can help young learners get the most out of these books.

You've diversified your classroom library-now what?

We have been inundated with information telling us we need books that allow our students to see themselves in the text. We have created Amazon Wish Lists, DonorsChoose projects, and everything in between to make it happen. Now what?

Unfortunately, for a number of teachers, that's that. All of these books will sit in the pretty bins that have been color-coded and labeled just for them. A student may glance at them every now and again, maybe even thumb through one during independent reading time. As far as these teachers are concerned, they have done their part.

But in reality, the real work has just begun.

Classroom libraries should include culturally inclusive texts. More important, though, teachers should be using these texts to affirm and challenge students in real and intentional ways.

How do we do that?

It starts with read-alouds. Instead of dropping the books in a bin in your classroom library, put them in your daily lineup. We know that students benefit from being read aloud to on a daily basis, so be conscious of the books you're choosing to read. Think about how texts can be tied into your existing curriculum. Teaching about drawing conclusions? This skill can be applied to many books, and I am sure that one of your diverse texts will fit the bill. Consider using different texts even when introducing math or science concepts. It may take a little more time to prepare the lesson, but it will be worth it to allow students another opportunity to see themselves in literature.

Let's not stop there. Take things a step further by allowing students to really discuss the texts. Every day, students surprise us with how insightful and perceptive they can be in their thinking. Give your class time to make connections to the characters and the story line. Allow them to talk about parallels they see with their own lives, or even more important, highlight those that they do not see. In his book Visible Learning for Teachers, John Hattie, director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute, writes that student discussion has a considerable effect on student achievement. Let's push the envelope and allow for authentic discussions that will affirm students and teach them how to affirm others.

Making Space for Courageous Conversations

Don't be afraid to have a discussion about race in your classroom. Of course, you'll want to tread lightly with a group of first graders. But if you are in a grade level that can handle it, don't be reluctant to let it happen. Fourth and fifth grade would be a great time to begin having some of these more mature conversations. Now, more than ever, most of us are aware of the inequities inherent in our society; this includes our kids. Sometimes we can be naive to the fact that our students from different backgrounds are forced to grapple with racial issues every day. The classroom should be a place where students are comfortable and able to discuss such things. Allow your read-aloud to be the springboard that students need to facilitate difficult dialogues.

I understand that for some of us, this may be easier said than done. When we think about potential pushback from parents or administrators, the idea of a courageous conversation can be daunting. But don't let that stop you. Instead, plan for it. We know that there are likely to be some raised eyebrows. So think about your rationale for the discussion ahead of time. Maybe you are drawing connections to a protest that a student saw in their neighborhood or helping explain why we keep seeing a certain slogan. Back up your decision by citing the relevance to your students. Students learn best when they are engaging with topics that they feel connected to. So be ready to highlight those connections.

Lastly, use your library to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. Books already help us to make real-life connections to what we are learning. Think of how much more you will be able to do this when using diverse texts. Choose titles that deal with current events and address topics in the news. Let your literature open the door to the world around you.

The best part about all of this? It can be done virtually. Don't wait until you are back in the classroom to pull out all of your diverse books. We are charged with the task of creating a community that fosters social and emotional well-being in all of our students; that task has not been put on hold just because we are not physically together. Use the time you have now to get started. Morning meetings are a great place to embed mini lessons that support social and emotional growth. Consider choosing a diverse text each week and building a discussion around it. Every discussion does not have to be long and drawn out. But each one should be intentional and inclusive.

Whether it's over Zoom, Google Classroom, Canvas, or some other platform, find a way to read to your students. Find a way to foster classroom discussions and build community. Find a way to have those courageous conversations that ultimately help us make sense of the world around us. As teachers, we must do what we can to ensure that our students feel affirmed in who they are, and we must challenge them to learn to do the same for others.

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Going Beyond a Diverse Classroom Library

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Culturally Responsive Teaching By using culturally inclusive texts to spark conversation, teachers can help young learners get the most out of these books. You've diversified your classroom library-now what? We have been inundated with information telling us we need books that allow our students to see themselves in the text.

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How do we teach diverse text in the classroom and why it matters?

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How do we teach diverse text in the classroom and why it matters?

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Teaching Students to Select Diverse Texts | Study.com

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Getting students to choose diverse texts can be a challenge for any teacher. This lesson offers you some strategies for expanding students’...