# data[].attributes.body
Join Jackson’s Journey is a heartwarming children’s book series that helps young readers explore what it means to be a kind, thoughtful, and inclusive leader. Through everyday moments and big feelings, Jackson learns valuable lessons about empathy, courage, and making space for everyone to belong.

In Being Inclusive, Jackson discovers that being a good friend and leader means noticing who’s left out and finding ways to bring them in. It’s a gentle, powerful story that shows kids how even small actions can make a big difference in making others feel seen, heard, and valued.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp by Paul Russel & Nicky Johnston (EK BOOKS)

# data[].attributes.body
Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when there’s a storm. Learn how Bowen goes from struggling to fit in with his peers to finding his place in the world in this inspirational story about the power of thinking differently.

The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp is the winner of the Speech Pathologist of Australia 2022

Download the Teacher's Notes here

View the trailer here

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Superheroes for a Day by Craig Cormac & Lauren Mullinder  (EK Books)

# data[].attributes.body
In Superheroes for a Day, three autistic friends transform their unique abilities into superpowers to save their school from endless maths. This engaging story normalizes the experiences of Autistic kids in an entertaining and accessible way, making them the heroes and offering a fresh perspective on neurodiversity.

Ages 8+

Download Teacher's Notes here

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Some Families Change by Jessica Galatola & Jenni Barrand (EK Books)

# data[].attributes.body
The book candidly explores concepts such as split families, single-parent households, families with two mums or dads, families that join together, and more, always maintaining sensitivity and sincerity. Children grappling with these changes often harbour difficult feelings. The book validates these emotions, emphasizing that it's okay to feel upset or worried because adjusting to change takes time.

Ages 4-8

Download Teacher's Notes

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Freddy The Not-Teddy by Kristen Schroeder & Hilary Jean Tapper

# data[].attributes.body
Freddy is Jonah’s favourite stuffed toy, but no one knows quite what Freddy is – a funky duck, a peculiar platypus, a punk rock penguin? He’s certainly not a Teddy, but that won’t stop him from being the star of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic in this inspiring story about inclusion, friendship and staying true to yourself.

Ages 3-8

Download Teacher's Notes here

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Pe bypper Masalah and the Kashmiri Princess by Rosanne Hawke and Jasmine Berry (Wombat Books)

# data[].attributes.body
In the present day, the carpet flies Pepper Masalah and Zamir to Kashmir and lands in the aftermath of an earthquake. When Pepper is kidnapped and locked in an animal shelter by some thieves, she meets a woman named Jani, who reminds her of Zamir’s Dadi. Will Pepper and her new friends find a way to escape? Or will Jani’s secret change everything?

Ages 6+

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Pepper Masalah & The Giant Bird by Rosanne Hawke & Jasmine Berry (Wombat Books)

# data[].attributes.body
The carpet is shot at over Afghanistan and the Simurgh (a giant bird from Persian folklore) snatches Pepper from the carpet to feed her young when they hatch. The carpet is disorientated without Pepper and disappears after Zam falls off. He makes the long climb up the mountain to find Pepper. How will they get home to Australia without the carpet? Ages 6+

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Pepper Masalah & The Temple of Cats by Rosanne Hawke & Jasmine Berry (Wombat Books)

# data[].attributes.body
Pepper Masalah and the Temple of Cats is the second in the Pepper Masalah series, a junior fiction story about Bombay/British Shorthair cat, Pepper Masalah, 9-year-old boy, Zamir, and their flying carpet. Author Rosanne Hawk takes them on exciting adventures across the globe, blending culture, legend, history, and myth in an action-packed journey.

Ages 6+

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Pepper Masalah and The Flying Carpet by Rosanne Hawke & Jasmine Berry (Wombat Books)

# data[].attributes.body
Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet is a junior fiction story based on the adventures of a Bombay/British Shorthair cross cat called Pepper Masalah, a 9-year-old boy called Zamir and a flying carpet. Author Rosanne Hawke blends culture, legend, and history throughout the story as Pepper and Zamir are whisked off on exciting adventures around the globe. This is the first junior novel in the series about Pepper Masalah, Zamir and the flying carpet.

Ages 6+

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Voyage By Robert Vescio & Andrea Edmonds (Ek Books)

# data[].attributes.body
Displaced by war and conflict, a refugee family sets out on a voyage into the unknown.

Told in only a few words, this is the powerful story of a family fleeing their war-torn country and making a dangerous trip across the ocean to a new life in a new land.

‘Chaos’ begins the story, as the family escapes.

‘Wild’ is the midway point, as their boat battles through a storm.

‘Beauty’ is the sight of a green, beautiful land ahead of them.

‘Safe’ is the beginning of their new life in their new home.

Ages 4-8

Download the Teacher's Notes here

View the trailer here

# data[].attributes.body
Using questions canvassed from children as her framework, writer, engineer and broadcaster, Yassmin Abdel-Magied gives clear context to the racism that persists today and shows how to recognize, resist and disrupt racist conversations and attitudes. Yassmin creates a safe space for exploring an emotive and important topic. Her friendly, assured tone de-stigmatises any feelings young readers might have, while illustrations and infographics from Aleesha Nandhra provide a fresh way for readers to approach this complex issue. Ideal as a way to open the conversation with readers aged 9 and up, nurturing compassion, encouraging ways to create change and giving them the confidence to challenge inequality and strive towards racial justice for everyone.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism__9781406393712

# data[].attributes.body
When eleven-year-old Matt finds Cliff, a hurt, neglected dog abandoned in the bush, he knows the brave little pup needs saving. He wants to help. But can he?

Lately, Matt has had way more bad days than good days. The pieces of his life just don’t seem to fit together any more and he doesn’t understand why. He's finding it impossible to concentrate at school and has lost interest in the activities he used to love. Plus, he’s tired all the time.

Matt's too afraid to share what's really going on in his own head with anyone. His friends and family will never understand . . . maybe it's not only Cliff who needs saving.

# data[].attributes.body
A story about friendship, courage and self-belief. Addie’s story was born from Elle McNicoll's own experiences of neurodiversity and her commitment to seeing greater representation in children’s books.

A Kind of Spark tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there’s more to the story of these ‘witches’, just like there is more to hers. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her and her autism, and make her voice heard?

# data[].attributes.body
While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes – and even more importantly – what will she think about how Julian sees himself?

# data[].attributes.body
When Jingwen moves to Australia, he feels like he’s landed on Mars. Making friends is impossible, since he doesn’t speak English, and he's stuck looking after his little brother Yanghao. But Jingwen knows how to make everything better. If he can just make all of the cakes on the menu of the bakery his father had planned to open—and complete the dream he didn’t have time to finish—then everything will be okay. Sure, he’ll have to break his mother’s most important rule about not using the oven when she’s at work, keep his little brother from spilling his secret, and brush up on his baking skills, but some things are worth the risk.

In her debut novel, Remy Lai captures with humour and heart, what it means to want desperately to belong and just how powerful one wish can be.

# data[].attributes.body
So this is what happens when you're a Dianne Bates fan, and accidentally discover a book by the same name by an American writer, who is apparently popular and writes for Disney. Also, this is what happens when you cut and paste the wrong url into the MANTLE Diverse Books Primary, so that the review is for the book by the same title but a different author. Just keeping everyone on their toes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read reviews from the world’s largest community for readers. Watch out - here comes big bad Bruce! He and his gang are cruising down the highway on their H…

# data[].attributes.body
What you see is what you get, or is it? Can you judge a book by it's cover? I don't think sol

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Watch out - here comes big bad Bruce! He and his gang are cruising down the highway on their H...

# data[].attributes.body
Diverse authors, Mum and daughter team Celeste and Turia have created a delightful picture book about Koko the coconut crab. I think there are lots on Christmas island, and maybe also on the island Celeste is from. Enjoy, and read more about and written by these remarkable authors

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
KOKO and the COCONUT | 🦀 Kids Book Read Aloud

# data[].attributes.body
It's OK to Be Different is an awarding winning children's picture book celebrating children who have the courage to be themselves, and accept others as they are. Young readers are drawn in with clever rhymes and cheerful illustrations making this a fun read aloud kid's book that children and adults can enjoy over and over again.

# data[].attributes.body
Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful - and very awkward - hearing aid.
The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear - sometimes things she shouldn't - but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.

# data[].attributes.body
Ebo: alone.

His sister left months ago. Now his brother has disappeared too, and Ebo knows it can only be to make the hazardous journey to Europe.

Ebo's epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his sister.

# data[].attributes.body
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

# data[].attributes.body
When their parents have to travel to Beirut unexpectedly, twelve-year-old Akeal and his six siblings are horrified to be left behind in Melbourne with the dreaded Aunt Amel as their babysitter. Things do not go well, and Akeal's naughty little sister, Huda, hatches a bold plan to escape. After stealing Aunt Amel's credit card to buy plane tickets to Lebanon, Huda persuades her reluctant favorite brother to come with her. So begins Huda and Akeal's hair-raising and action-packed journey to reunite with their parents half a world away, in a city they've grown up dreaming about but have never seen.

# data[].attributes.body
Meet Zadie Ma, a girl who writes magical stories that sometimes come true. Her dearest wish is to have a dog of her own, so she starts to write the story of a poor unwanted dog called Jupiter, who’s just waiting to be rescued by a loving girl like Zadie. Can Zadie bring to life her most important story of all . . . the one where she finds Jupiter, the dog of her dreams?

# data[].attributes.body
In his signature style, Oliver creates a fabulously diverse and heartfelt duo in Thao and Kadir and their sometimes hilarious and sometimes heart-wrenching dilemmas of culture and belonging in a remote rural community. Throw in some slam poetry and it might just end in a lifelong friendship and a whole lot more understanding.

# data[].attributes.body
Twelve-year-old Ming Qong is convinced that girls must have changed the world, even if they are rarely mentioned in history books.

So when Ming gets the chance to go back in time, she imagines herself changing destinies from a glittering palace or an explorer's ship. Instead, she ends up in Australia in 1898, living a tough life as Flo Watson on a drought-stricken farm.

# data[].attributes.body
Eleven-year-old Alberta Bracken is having a terrible summer. After a bike-riding accident, caused by the local bully, her arm's in a cast so she can't do her most favorite activity: boogie boarding at the local beach. And her little sister Clementine is EXTREMELY ANNOYING.

So when budding filmmaker Mikki Watanabe suggests they start a YouTube channel about the secret life of trees - Alberta is ALL IN. And when they discover their trees are earmarked for removal by the local council it's suddenly a race against time to save them.

# data[].attributes.body
The story of an African American father and his daughter, Zuri, learning to love (and style!) her beautiful kinks, curls, and coils brings a lasting message of love, acceptance, and empowerment.

# data[].attributes.body
Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she’s in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the “cool” girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more “American.” Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized.

# data[].attributes.body
The night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, making mooncakes with Ah-Ma, was the last time Peijing Guo remembers her life being the same. She is haunted by the magical image of a whole egg yolk suspended in the middle like the full moon. Now adapting to their new life in Australia, Peijing thinks everything is going to turn out okay as long as they all have each other, but cracks are starting to appear in the family.

# data[].attributes.body
Meixing Lim and her family have arrived at the New House in the New Land. Her parents inherited the home from First Uncle who died tragically and unexpectedly while picking oranges in the backyard. Her mama likes to remind Meixing the family never could have afforded to move here otherwise, so she should be thankful for this opportunity.

Everything is vast and unknown to Meixing in this supposedly wonderful place. She is embarrassed by her secondhand clothing, has trouble understanding her peers, and is finding it hard to make new friends. Meixing’s only solace is a rundown greenhouse, that her uncle called his glasshouse, at the far end of her backyard that inexplicably holds the sun and the moon and the secrets of her memory and imagination.

# data[].attributes.body
Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.

At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before.

# data[].attributes.body
‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’  is a funny and captivating book about dying, bullying, facing fears, revenge and living your best life.
I love the design of this book, with the quirky drawings and fun text graphics that are sure to engage the reluctant readers.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a great book about celebrating diversity and the power of a good teacher librarian.
Written in diary entry style, this book has diversity of cultures within the school, a project for Harmony Day, overcoming obstacles to get along with those we don’t like and an environmental message.
Perfect for Stage 3

# data[].attributes.body
A little girl arrives at a settlement camp with her family and a few suitcases. Before long, she finds a sprouting seed growing inside her suitcase and lovingly begins to nurture and look after the seed, like a new friend. She waters it, talks to it and takes it to the light. As the seed grows and grows, so does Amira's happiness, her friendships and her way of life. The seed becomes a powerful symbol for hope and happiness.

# data[].attributes.body
For those born in Australia, it’s easy to take citizenship and its responsibilities for granted. But there is much more to being an Australian citizen than having a passport and the right to vote.

# data[].attributes.body
Asiya loves to visit Nanu’s house where she can rummage through Nanu’s katha chest filled with quilts. There are stories in each of the quilts that her Nanu has collected through the years, all about the bold and brave women in Asiya’s family. Among all of the games and exciting things at Nanu’s house, Asiya thinks these hidden histories are the grandest treasure.

# data[].attributes.body
Sometimes you go for clothes that are comfy-careless or just-blend-in fine. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something more chic-a-bam! Lipstick that shimmers. Knee-high boots for steppin’ out on the town. Fancy-frolic in feathers. Whatever you wear, find something you love and fast-make it your thing. Wear your wardrobe however—chic-a-boom! You’re a fashionista! Alive with bold, vibrant, minimalist illustrations, Maxine Beneba Clarke’s freeform text celebrates the joy of expressing yourself through fashion.

# data[].attributes.body
Learning to kick a football in a suburban schoolyard. Finding your feet as a young black dancer. Discovering your grandfather’s poetry. Meeting Nelson Mandela at your local church. Facing racism from those who should protect you. Dreading a visit to the hairdresser. House- hopping across the suburbs. Being too black. Not being black enough. Singing to find your soul, and then losing yourself again.
Welcome to African Australia.

# data[].attributes.body
When you live in a village at the edge of the no-go desert, you need to make your own fun. That's when you and your brothers get inventive and build a bike from scratch, using everyday items like an old milk pot (maybe Mum is still using it, maybe not) and a used flour sack. You can even make a license plate from bark if you want. The end result is a spectacular bike, perfect for whooping and laughing as you bumpetty bump over sand hills, past your fed-up mum and right through your mud-for-walls home.

# data[].attributes.body
In this joyful exploration of the Black Lives Matter motto, a loving narrator relays to a young Black child the strength and resonance behind the words. In family life, through school and beyond, the refrains echo and gain in power, among vignettes of protests and scenes of ancestors creating music on djembe drums.

# data[].attributes.body
My Dad has a shadow that's blue as a berry, and my Mom's is as pink as a blossoming cherry. There's only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it's both and it's none.

A heartwarming and inspiring book about being true to yourself and moving beyond the gender binary.

# data[].attributes.body
My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity.

Inspired by the author’s own little boy, ‘Shadow’s’ main character likes princesses, fairies and things ‘not for boys’...he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide. This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting.

# data[].attributes.body
Eva squeezed Suri's hand. "What's there? What can you see?" "What can I see?" Suri looked out over the wall. "Oh, it's beautiful, let me tell you all about it." A moving tale of the power of the human spirit.

# data[].attributes.body
Cartwheel moves to a new country with her auntie, and everything is strange: the animals, the plants—even the wind. An old blanket gives Cartwheel comfort when she’s sad—and a new blanket just might change her world.

This multicultural story of friendship is about leaving home, moving to a foreign and strange place, and finding a new friend. It's a story for all who have experienced change. Irena Kobald’s poetic text, paired with Kate Greenaway medalist Freya Blackwood's powerful paintings, renders an emotional and heart-warming story about two children from diverse backgrounds coming together to become new friends.

# data[].attributes.body
What journeys we have travelled,
from countries near and far!
Together now, we live in peace,
beneath the Southern Star.

Inspired by the plight of immigrants around the world, Mem Fox was moved to write this lyrical and rhyming exploration of the myriad ways immigrants have enriched her home country of Australia. Young readers everywhere will see themselves—and their friends and neighbors—in this powerful and moving picture book.

# data[].attributes.body
On the first day of school ... Alex hopes she will make a friend, Salma wants to learn to write NOW, Stephen is a little bit scared, and Penny is as wriggly as a tadpole. But what is that puppy dog, Josh, up to?

A story book for parents to read with young children about to begin school, or for older children to read when they are remembering their first days at school.

# data[].attributes.body
Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can't wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Maybe then she'd be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily.

Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly--even if it takes a hundred tries.

# data[].attributes.body
It goes without saying that all children believe their parents to be strange. Mine were unusual for a different reason . . .

One boy’s parents travel from far-off lands to improve their son’s life. But what happens next is unexpected. What does it mean when your parents are different? What shape does love take? And what happens when your parents sacrifice a part of themselves for you?

# data[].attributes.body
When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts at a new school, he knows he’ll have to introduce himself to lots of new people. He trips over his long name and decides to shrink it down to the shorter, simpler Zim. The nickname works fine for introductions, but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.

# data[].attributes.body
One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers

# data[].attributes.body
With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions for even the youngest readers. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, this entrancing volume is equally at home in the classroom as it is being read to a child on a parent's lap.

# data[].attributes.body
From a crescent moon to a square garden to an octagonal fountain, this breathtaking picture book celebrates the shapes-and traditions-of the Muslim world.

# data[].attributes.body
It’s picture day and Faizah can’t wait to wear her special red dress with matching hair ribbons, passed down from her mother and sister. Faizah’s teacher starts the day by asking her students to envision the kind of world they want, inspiring Faizah and her friends to spend the day helping one another in ways large and small.

But when it’s time for sibling pictures, Faizah realizes that she and her older sister, Asiya, don’t match like her classmates do with their siblings. With help from her classmates inspired by Asiya’s hijab, Faizah finds that acts of kindness can come back to you in unexpected ways.

# data[].attributes.body
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.