Inclusive Book Recommendations for Kids
At Peace of Mind Nannies, we value diversity and inclusion. I recall personally growing up and having many Barbie dolls and characters from books that didn’t reflect my features or identities. As a nanny to several diverse children, I’ve answered their questions about skin color or features and have heard their negative internalized perceptions of beauty standards.
Representation matters and I appreciate the many new diverse books that have come out! Ahead of the holidays, I’d like to recommend some books that center the very identities and themes important to your family and children.
Inclusive Themes
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
Cookies and Cake & The Families We Make by Jennifer L. Egan
A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary
Disabilities
Just Right For You: A Story about Autism by Melanie Heyworth
Do You Want to Play: Making Friends with an Autistic Kid by Daniel Share-Strom
Beautiful story of a child, named Jamie who wants to play with another student, Dylan. The story follows Jamie as she learns how to play with Dylan.
Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down by Lindsey Parker (out April 2021)
Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap: NT is OK! by Claire & Gail Morton
This is one of the few books where the narrative is in the first person. You read the story through the perspective of an Autistic child remarking on the quirks of their neurotypical friend.
Larry the Magical Dinosaur by Ashly Dugan
A story about a dinosaur born with Spina Bifida.
All my Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Danielle Royer & Shaina Rudolph
LGBTQ+
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman
Enjoy a Pride Month Celebration with fun facts about LGBTQ+ history. This book also contains a Parents and Caregivers guide on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.
Donovan’s Big Day by Leslea Newman
Leslea Newman has several books on this theme including ‘Daddy, Papa and Me’ and ‘Sparkle Boy.’
Every Child Deserves… by Philip McAdoo & Family
This is actually the first in a series that centers on foster children and LGBTQ+ families.
Adopting Our Two Dads by Luca Panzini
African American/Black
Sulwe by Lupita N’yongo
This book is powerful! A heartbreaking yet poignant story about colorism and as a result, internalized beauty standards. Dark-skinned children will be affirmed by this book!
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
*There is a Spanish version as well.
I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown
An uplifting story reminding kids to love themselves just as they are!
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
Chocolate Me by Taye Diggs
A book about a young Black boy’s acceptance of their facial features after his classmates tease him.
Latinx/e
Baby’s First Words/Mis Primeras Palabras by Christiane Engel
Singing Colores/Cantando De Colores: A Bilingual Book of Harmony by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein
Inspired by a traditional Spanish song, this fun book is great to sing and dance to with your children.
Where Are You From?/De Donde Eres? by Yamile Saied Mendez
Island Born by Junot Diaz
A great story about a young girl that learns stories of her country, Dominican Republic from her neighbors.
*I suggest this book for school-age children since there is one part that may scare a younger child.
Best Best Colors/Los Mejores Colores by Eric Hoffman
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
A young student notices an environmental issue in her neighborhood and vows to fix it with her community!
Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage by Tracey Kyle
A fun book centered on a little boy celebrating their Mexican heritage by going to a Hispanic Heritage Parade with their family.
Native & Indigenous Peoples
Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk
This book beautifully highlights the Intuit culture and way of life in relation to their surroundings in the Arctic.
Fishing with Grandma by Susan Avingaq & Maren Vsetula
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
This book centers Cherokee culture’s emphasis on gratitude to nature and their loved ones.
First Laugh: Welcome Baby by Rose Tahe & Nancy Bo Flood
A wonderful story about the Navajo culture’s First Laugh Ceremony.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
Enjoy a recipe at the end as well that you can make with your family.
Asians & South Asians
Dear Juno by Soyung Park
Bee-bim Bop by Linda Sue Park
A sweet rhyming book about a Korean dish that also includes a recipe.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi
A beautiful story about Vietnamese culture from the perspectives of two different generations.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
A Korean girl is a new student that has to endure the fear of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her name. She comes up with a fun activity to do with her class that makes her appreciate her name even more!
Ganesha's Sweet Tooth by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes