Best Books on Inclusion and Diversity

A heartwarming tale of a new kid in school struggling to find acceptance in an unfamiliar culture. When Unhei moves to America from Korea, she worries about fitting in with her new classmates who struggle to pronounce her name. In an effort to make things easier, she decides to choose a new name, but her classmates decide to help her out by filling a jar with potential options. However, as Unhei learns more about her own identity and the meaning behind her name, she discovers the courage to embrace her heritage and introduce herself as Yoon-Hey. The Name Jar is a touching story about the importance of cultural understanding, self-acceptance, and friendship.

Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with this heartwarming picture book! Follow a group of students through a day in their school, where kids of all backgrounds and traditions are welcomed with open arms. See hijabs, yarmulkes, and baseball caps play side-by-side and learn from each other. The perfect encouragement for all kids to embrace their unique identity and celebrate the differences that make our community stronger.

A heartwarming story about a young boy and his grandma who ride the bus across town every Sunday after church. CJ begins to question why they don't have a car or iPod like his friends, but his grandma helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine and the world around them.

A heartwarming picture book that celebrates the diversity of pets and the power of friendship. When a boy's pet elephant is rejected by the local Pet Club for being different, he sets out to show them that true friends come in all shapes and sizes. With imaginative storytelling and charming illustrations, this book captures the magic of unconventional friendships and the joy of pet ownership.

A moving story about finding courage to connect with others, "The Day You Begin" by a National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Rafael Lopez explores the feeling of being different and the bravery it takes to step into the unknown. Through lyrical text and dazzling art, readers are reminded that we all feel like outsiders sometimes, but by sharing our stories, we can find connection and acceptance.

A lyrical and stunning picture book, I Am Enough encourages self-love and kindness towards others. The talented Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo offer an important message for readers of all ages: we are here for a purpose and are more than enough. An ideal gift for mothers, daughters, and graduates, this book is a heartwarming addition to any library.

Empower parents and kids to uproot racism with this National Book Award-winning author's 9x9 picture book, now with added prompts to help recognize and reflect on bias in daily life. Follow Antiracist Baby's nine easy steps for building a more equitable world in this playful yet thoughtful book filled with bold art. Perfect for initiating critical conversations about antiracism with readers of all ages who are dedicated to forming a just society. Featured on Good Morning America, NPR, CBS This Morning, and more!

This New York Times bestseller by Ijeoma Oluo takes an unflinching look at race in America, covering everything from intersectionality to white privilege. With empathy and clarity, Oluo provides readers with the tools to engage in honest conversations about racism, even in difficult situations like confronting a friend's racist jokes or discussing white privilege. A must-read for anyone looking to educate themselves on race in America and take productive anti-racist action.

This delightful and enduring children's book teaches us that despite our differences on the outside, we are all very much alike on the inside. With the help of Elmo and Sesame Street friends, kids and adults will learn that it's our unique qualities that make the world a special and interesting place. This charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences and what truly matters - perfect for toddlers and adults to read together.

A colorful and humorous book that teaches children about acceptance, understanding, and confidence. The author reassures young readers that it's okay to be different and tackles important topics such as needing help, different skin colors, and talking about your feelings. Perfect for young children beginning to read, it encourages individuality and self-esteem while celebrating multiculturalism and diversity.