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For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please visit our FAQ page.

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Analyze your own beliefs and biases related to other's races. Consider how those beliefs and biases impact others, especially young students in the school system. Find and use resources within your reach or community to better your beliefs and correct your biases about other's cultures and race. Take action within your community to help others in recognizing their own cultural comprehension.

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Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

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List of Children's Books that Promote Cultural Diversity

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List of Children's Books that Promote Cultural 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. 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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A New Perspective on How, and Why, to Embrace Cultural Diversity

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A New Perspective on How, and Why, to Embrace Cultural Diversity

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A New Perspective on How, and Why, to Embrace Cultural Diversity

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Lea uses photography to encourage compassion. In her talk, she explores the idea that a diverse community is a welcoming community. She discusses ways to dissolve misconceptions and give communities perspective.

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1. Look at yourself and your families culture
2. By knowing your families culture you will be able to understand and accept other peoples culture.
3. Children follow the actions of their parents.. By showing you are aware of peoples differences and accept those, your child is more likely to become aware also.
4. It is impossible to ignore cultural diversity in today's society.

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How America’s public schools keep kids in poverty

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How America’s public schools keep kids in poverty

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How America’s public schools keep kids in poverty

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Why should a good education be exclusive to rich kids? Schools in low-income neighborhoods across the US, specifically in communities of color, lack resources that are standard at wealthier schools -- things like musical instruments, new books, healthy school lunches and soccer fields -- and this has a real impact on the potential of students. Kandice Sumner sees the disparity every day in her classroom in Boston. In this inspiring talk, she asks us to face facts -- and change them.

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The "opportunity gap" in US public education -- and how to close it

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The "opportunity gap" in US public education -- and how to close it

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Anindya Kundu: The "opportunity gap" in US public education -- and how to close it

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How can we tap into the potential of all students, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds? Sociologist Anindya Kundu invites us to take a deeper look at the personal, social and institutional challenges that keep students from thriving in the United States -- and shows how closing this "opportunity gap" means valuing public education for what it really is: the greatest investment in our collective future.

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1. Accept the fact that schools around the world are more diverse now than they ever were.
2. Accept that other people will have different beliefs, feelings, and race.
3. Teach your child to be thoughtful and eager to learn about new cultures.

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With imagination and power, the award-winning Pinkney duo celebrates MLK's nonviolent struggle for civil rights -- as he transforms America through the spirit of love.

In a rich embroidery of visions, musical cadence, and deep emotion, Andrea and Brian Pinkney convey the final months of Martin Luther King's life -- and of his assassination -- through metaphor, spirituality, and multilayers of meaning.

Andrea's stunning poetic requiem, illustrated with Brian's lyrical and colorful artwork, brings a fresh perspective to Martin Luther King, the Gandhi-like, peace-loving activist whose dream of equality -- and whose courage to make it happen -- changed the course of American history. And even in his death, he continues to transform and inspire all of us who share his dream.

Wonderful classroom plays of Martin Rising can be performed by using the "Now Is the Time" history and the 1968 timeline at the back of the book as narration -- and adding selected poems to tell the story!

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374032 978-0-545-70253-9 0545702534 mlk martin luther king black history african american civil rights

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With imagination and power, the award-winning Pinkney duo celebrates MLK's nonviolent struggle for civil rights -- as he transforms America through the spirit of love. In a rich embroidery of visions, musical cadence, and deep emotion, Andrea and Brian Pinkney convey the final months of Martin Luther King's life -- and of his assassination -- through metaphor, spirituality, and multilayers of meaning.

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I Am Enough is the picture book everyone needs, and it's now a New York Times bestseller and the picture book winner in the Goodreads Choice Awards!

This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another - from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.

'We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.'

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I Am Enough is the picture book everyone needs, and it's now a New York Times bestseller and the picture book winner in the Goodreads Choice Awards! This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another - from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A.

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Staying culturally connected - Parentchannel.tv

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Talk about your own upbringing or stories your parents have told you about their childhoods. If possible, encourage them to spend time with relatives such as grandparents. This is a good way to help them to understand more about their cultural and racial background. Encourage your children to talk about their traditions and your family’s way of life to their friends and peers, so that they grow up proud and aware of their cultural differences.Try and understand if your child has times when they are confused about who they are and listen to them if they need to talk.

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Accept that your children have interests and hobbies that may differ from the ones you are accustomed to. It helps to show you are interested in what they are doing .Celebrate your child's cultural identity. Be prepared for your child to ask you questions about their culture, their color and people that you know.

Think of ways that you can help your child be part of their culture without making it a big deal.

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Teach child self-awareness, appreciation, and inclusion of diverse cultures, beliefs, and values

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Teach child self-awareness, appreciation, and inclusion of diverse cultures, beliefs, and values

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1. Read to or have child read multicultural books
2. Watch diverse videos and movies
3. Always facilitate opportunities for discussions and questions

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Try to understand their feelings of exclusion or rejection

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It's (past) time to appreciate cultural diversity

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It's (past) time to appreciate cultural diversity

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Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content.

By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy

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Hayley Yeates: It's (past) time to appreciate cultural diversity

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With tart humor, Hayley Yeates makes the case that investing in cultural diversity is just as important as fostering gender diversity.

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Collection of articles and videos on diversity and inclusion

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Collection of articles and videos on diversity and inclusion

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Grades 3-12+

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National Geographic resources support the teaching of geographic thinking, science, culture, mapping, exploration, and storytelling. This collection contains resources to provide learners with background knowledge as they explore issues related to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Topics include: cultural identity and diversity; increasing diversity in the geographic and scientific professions; boundary crossings in science, immigration, genetics; linguistic diversity, mapmaking, and others.

For resources to support more specific discussions about race, racism, or anti-racism, we recommend the web portal at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture: Talking About Race

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Biology, Genetics, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, Storytelling

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources

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National Geographic resources support the teaching of geographic thinking, science, culture, mapping, exploration, and storytelling. This collection contains resources to provide learners with background knowledge as they explore issues related to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Topics include: cultural identity and diversity; increasing diversity in the geographic and scientific professions; boundary crossings in science, immigration, genetics; linguistic diversity, mapmaking, and others.

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List of Books That Promote Cultural Fluency

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List of Books That Promote Cultural Fluency

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Preliminary Information

On the next page you'll be asked to select an Implicit Association Test (IAT) from a list of possible topics . We will also ask you (optionally) to report your attitudes or beliefs about these topics and provide some information about yourself.

We ask these questions because the IAT can be more valuable if you also describe your own self-understanding of the attitude or stereotype that the IAT measures. We would also like to compare differences between people and groups.

On the IAT, you may find it easier to pair certain attributes with one group of people compared to another. Your IAT results may depart from your personal beliefs.

Note: This site is designed for adults, aged 18 or older.

Data Privacy: Data exchanged with this site are protected by SSL encryption. Project Implicit uses the same secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS) that banks use to securely transfer credit card information. This provides strong security for data transfer to and from our website. IP addresses are routinely recorded, but are completely confidential. For research purposes, data without directly identifying information is made publicly available. You can find more information on our Data Privacy page.

Important disclaimer: In reporting to you results of any IAT test that you take, we will mention possible interpretations that have a basis in research done (at the University of Washington, University of Virginia, Harvard University, and Yale University) with these tests. However, these Universities, as well as the individual researchers who have contributed to this site, make no claim for the validity of these suggested interpretations. If you are unprepared to encounter interpretations that you might find objectionable, please do not proceed further. You may prefer to examine general information about the IAT before deciding whether or not to proceed.

If you have questions about the study, please contact Project Implicit at questions@projectimplicit.net. To obtain more information about the study, ask questions about the research procedures, express concerns about your participation, or report illness, injury or other problems, please contact:

Tonya R. Moon, Ph.D.
Chair, Institutional Review Board for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
One Morton Dr Suite 500
University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800392
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0392
Email: irbsbshelp@virginia.edu
Website: https://research.virginia.edu/irb-sbs
Website for Research Participants: https://research.virginia.edu/research-participants

I am aware of the possibility of encountering interpretations of my IAT test performance with which I may not agree. Knowing this, I wish to proceed I am aware of the possibility of encountering interpretations of my IAT test performance with which I may not agree. Knowing this, I wish to proceed using a touchscreen OR using a keyboard.

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On the next page you'll be asked to select an Implicit Association Test (IAT) from a list of possible topics . We will also ask you (optionally) to report your attitudes or beliefs about these topics and provide some information about yourself.

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1. Let them have their own voice and sense of identity
2. Practice problem-solving and decision making
3. Always be a good listener and supporter

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The story of family history and oral tradition is brought to life by artist/illustrator, Michele Wood. The elements neccesary to convey the use of personal history into the creative process is acheived by the perfect match of text and illustration. This title could be brought to use in several arenas of childhood education; art apprectiation, exploration of the creative process, oral history as well as a springboard for discusion on several levels. Folk art books for children such as this and ones by Mattie Lou O'Kelly, etc. are few and far between. This one should insprire a new generation of folk and naive artists.

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Going Back Home: An Artist Returns to... book by Toyomi Igus

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Buy a cheap copy of Going Back Home: An Artist Returns to... book by Toyomi Igus. More than half a century after her family moved North to find a better life, artist Michele Wood returned to the South to see and experience the land where her... Free Shipping on all orders over $10.

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Have a discussion with your child about the following question. 

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Have a discussion with your child about the following question. 

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1. Why do you think people label others and use stereotypes?

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The Impact of Racial Stereotypes on Students of Color

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The Impact of Racial Stereotypes on Students of Color

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Racial stereotypes: What people get wrong about me #NoLabels

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Scholastic and National Geographic Resources:

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Scholastic and National Geographic Resources:

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Recommendations for parents and book suggestions

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Recommendations for parents and book suggestions

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Ages 3-13

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You've heard it before: Kids are sponges! They're constantly observing and forming opinions about themselves and others, which means this is a crucial time to teach them how to value the beautiful diversity in our world. Of course, we all want our kids to be the best global citizens they can be - but sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to start.

"From a very early age, children recognize differences, and it's important that parents, teachers, and educational leaders are mindful of that and play a role in celebrating those differences," says Louie Rodriguez, Ed.D., associate professor of education, society, and culture at the University of California, Riverside. "The earlier we can do that in our homes, schools, and communities, the better we'll be at continuing those conversations as children go from K-12 to higher education."

Here are just a few ways you can teach the value of multiculturalism and inclusivity throughout your child's life, and the books that will help you along the way.

The environmentalist Baba Dioum once said: "In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught."

The same goes for multicultural inclusivity - think about what your child is taught on a daily basis about people of different races and ethnicities, religions, disabilities and abilities, gender identities, socioeconomic status, and so forth. Help her envision a world that actually represents the one she lives in by exposing her to a wide range of books, toys, foods, TV shows, movies, music, experiences, and, of course, people. "There are many different ways you can introduce the idea that we live in a multicultural world, and to provide materials like books where children see both themselves and other types of people reflected," says Rodriguez. (Check out these books that make it their mission to teach kindness and empathy.)

Have honest, age-appropriate conversations with your child about differences he recognizes in others. For instance, if your child points out other skin colors, you might say, "Yes, people do have different skin colors, and that's the beauty of the world we live in."

As your child grows, dive into more in-depth conversations about how others perceive differences, and how all groups can be accepting of each other. "Many people want to emphasize that we're more similar than we are different," says Sandra Graham, Ph.D., University of California presidential chair in education and diversity. "But pretending those differences don't exist isn't very productive, because kids will soon see a lot of evidence that it's not true in real life, and that some differences have really important societal implications."

By the time she's in elementary school, your child understands more about issues she hears about in school or on the news, and she might ask you about current events. Take advantage of time in the car or at the dinner table to have honest discussions about what she wants to know. Get her opinion on what's happening, and ask how she's feeling: What makes her feel happy, uncomfortable, angry, or sad about the situation?

And of course, stay mindful of what's playing on the television in the background at home. "Children's perceptions are constantly being formulated," says Rodriguez. "It's important that we be very intentional about what we're exposing our children to, and discuss any stereotypes when they emerge so they don't get perpetuated."

Kids are more connected with the rest of the world today than ever before, which can increase their exposure to incorrect facts, toxic comments, and cyberbullies. Because it's difficult to monitor internet use, it's important for parents to prepare kids for what they'll see online long before they connect, says Graham.

To do so, you might talk about how some people use the internet to spread extreme views (just think of news article comments or social media rants), and how negative and incorrect stereotypes can be perpetuated online - and the harm those stereotypes do. You can also teach your child how to have a discerning eye for online content written in an intentionally inflammatory way, or how to guess when someone is only telling one side of a story.

This is important to do before any issues potentially arise, whether that be your child being the target of intolerant behavior or witnessing it from others. Get familiar with who you can report bullying to at your child's school, and the policies around it. "Work on creating a relationship with your kid where they feel like they can come forward to talk about it, and encourage them to not be tolerant of this behavior," says Farha Abbasi, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Michigan State University.

On the other hand, we can do everything we can as parents to teach good behavior, but at some point your child might be the one to say something hurtful and unaccepting toward someone else. "Talk to them about it by first establishing a safe environment and saying, 'I love you, I trust you, and I am just trying to understand why you reacted this way,'" says Abbasi. "Then you can ingrain in them that it's not acceptable behavior." Along with taking the appropriate disciplinary steps, have a serious conversation with her about the right ways to handle disagreements (if that's what spurred her remarks), role-playing conversations if needed - and ask her to sincerely apologize to anyone she's hurt. These books about bullying can help start a conversation.

Challenge your child to think critically about the curriculum he's learning in school. For instance, is there a point of view that might be missing from his history book? Are his English class book report assignments limited in terms of diverse characters?

You may even teach him that sometimes it's OK to gently (and respectfully) challenge how something is taught, says Jodi Marie Thesing-Ritter, executive director for equity, diversity, and inclusion at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. "It can be a good critical thinking exercise to go online with your child and pick out diverse books together to donate to their classroom," she says.

Whether you decide to donate to your child's school or enhance your own home library with books about diversity, these multicultural children's books will get you started. (Browse our full list of multicultural children's books.)

1. We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands - Award-winning illustrator Rafael López celebrates young people throughout the world with this stunning, rhythmic read-along that lifts up unity and friendship.

2. Why Am I Me? -In this poetic tale, two very different characters unknowingly ask the same question: "Why I am I me?" Your child will become absorbed in gorgeous illustrations that emphasize the many different qualities human beings share.

3. Hidden Figures -Inspiration abounds in this awe-worthy true tale about the four brilliant black female mathematicians who helped NASA launch men into space.

See other multicultural book recommendations for ages 3 to 5.

1. She Dared: Malala Yousafzai - Children and adults around the world have been inspired by the incredible story of Malala, a Pakistani girl who was attacked for advocating for girls' rights and education. Still, she persevered, and eventually became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize winner.

2. American Girl: A Girl Named Helen -When Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing at a very young age, her parents hired a teacher to help her understand the world around her. This book tells children the remarkable story of how Helen defied expectations and became a legendary activist for Americans with disabilities.

3. This Is Just a Test -David Da-Wei Horowitz gets caught in the middle of cultures, friends, and his Chinese-Jewish-American family in this hilarious, heartwarming tale about a multicultural preteen living during the height of the Cold War.

See other book picks that celebrate diversity for ages 6 to 10.

1. The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano -Evelyn is 14 years old and living in Spanish Harlem in 1969, a fiery time when young Puerto Rican activists protest in the streets. Meanwhile, her sassy Abuela has moved from Puerto Rico to live with her family. Tempers flare and loyalties are tested as Evelyn learns important truths about her Latino heritage, and the young people who shaped a nation.

2. - Dara had always lived a sheltered life with her single mom, until she digs up her birth certificate. She's shocked by what she learns: Her mother is transgender, and transitioned when Dara was a baby. As a result, Dara embarks on a life-changing, revealing journey to learn about her extended family-and about understanding and acceptance.

3. Pinned - In this tale of self-discovery and friendship, Autumn and Adonis couldn't be more different, except for one thing: They are both dealing with a disability. Outgoing Autumn has a learning disability that makes reading a painful struggle, while shy, book-loving Adonis uses to a wheelchair. Told in alternating voices, this story explores how aspects of ourselves that some consider weaknesses are actually assets that forever change us and those we love.

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The Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids About Diversity

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You've heard it before: Kids are sponges! They're constantly observing and forming opinions about themselves and others, which means this is a crucial time to teach them how to value the beautiful diversity in our world. Of course, we all want our kids to be the best global citizens they can be - but sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to start.

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Establish a growth mindset with your child. 

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Establish a growth mindset with your child. 

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1. Acknowledge and embrace imperfections.
2. View challenges as opportunities.
3. Replace the word 'failing' with 'learning'.

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Uncover the true intent of the microagression by asking..  

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Uncover the true intent of the microagression by asking..  

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1. What do you mean by that?
2. I don't get it, why are you saying that? Then, allow them to explain.

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Abstract:

"While race and culture remain important variables in how young people experience schools, they are often misunderstood by educators and school personnel. Building on three studies that investigated schools successful in closing the achievement gap, Tyrone Howard shows how adopting greater awareness and comprehensive understanding of race and culture can improve educational outcomes."--Jacket.

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Why race and culture matter in schools : closing the achievement gap in America's classrooms

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Get this from a library! Why race and culture matter in schools : closing the achievement gap in America's classrooms. [Tyrone C Howard] -- "While race and culture remain important variables in how young people experience schools, they are often misunderstood by educators and school personnel. Building on three studies that investigated ...

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How to teach kids to talk about taboo topics

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How to teach kids to talk about taboo topics

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Transcript of "How to teach kids to talk about taboo topics"

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TED Talk Subtitles and Transcript: When one of Liz Kleinrock's fourth-grade students said the unthinkable at the start of a class on race, she knew it was far too important a teachable moment to miss. But where to start?