As a mother of two children who are Chinese and Mexican, I enjoy buying books that celebrate diversity, inclusion and understanding. After all, every family is different. Here are 10 great books to teach kids about diversity and how it makes our world special.
“We are different, we are the same‘ by Bobbi Kates and Joe Mathieu
A Sesame Street classic, this book teaches children how we can have many of the same emotions and feelings even though we may look different on the outside. Sprinkled with pictures of our favorite characters, the authors also include pictures of children from different backgrounds.
“Families, families, families!‘ by Suzanne Lane
What makes a family? Of course, there are many answers to this question. Suzanne Lane tells children about the many different ways a family can create a family that doesn’t always include both a mother and father. The message? Love makes a family.
“Just ask!: Be different, be bold, be you‘ by Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael Lopez
Who better to teach your child a lesson than a US Supreme Court judge? Maybe not. This children’s book by Sonia Sotomayor tells the story of children with disabilities and encourages other children to “just” ask questions instead of guessing.
“a boy like you‘ by Frank Murphy and Kayla Harren
In this book children learn that sports, cars and superheroes don’t make boys. The authors teach us that boys can have any profession, have all emotions, and are all unique.
“All are welcome‘ by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you look like, everyone is welcome in this book. The authors tell the story of a classroom where children from different backgrounds come together to be friends.
“The colors of usby Karen Katz
Karen Katz, a beloved children’s book author in our family, tells the story of a little girl who learns that her skin color isn’t just “tan” — her skin is unique and “tan” can come in all shades. With lots of colorful adjectives, Katz knows how to use her creativity to teach children a lesson.
“Mama’s Khimar‘ by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn
Does your child like to dress up? My kids do! And that story reminded me of my own kids who love going to my closet to get my shoes and more. In this story, a Muslim-American girl has fun trying on her mother’s khimar, a traditional headscarf.
“Pink is for boys‘ by Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban
This book breaks the stereotype that pink is only a girl’s color by telling kids that anyone can like any color. Kids will see characters come to life in this book as we learn that colors, hobbies and more are unique to each person, not gender.
“Julian is a mermaid‘ by Jessica Love
This book celebrates individuality and tells the story of Julián, who dreams of dressing up as a mermaid with long, beautiful hair. Your children will learn about self-love and appreciation and how to own them.
“How we do it: A day in the life of seven children from all over the world‘ by Matt Lamothe
Take a trip around the world and meet children from different countries in this book by Matt Lamothe. Children learn that the world is bigger than them and how differently people spend their days.
Can you recommend a good children’s book? Tell us about it in the comments.
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San Diego Moms comes out every Saturday. Do you have an idea for a story? Email [email protected] and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.
