This book portrays boys and girls of all different races doing everyday things. The story talks about splashing in puddles,  eating ice cream, snuggling up to go to sleep at night, playing in the sun, being happy, and even being sad. Friendship, acceptance, self-esteem, and diversity are promoted in simple and straightforward prose similar to a nursery rhyme.

Race and Culture

Explore unique facial features that make this baby boy (and your child) beautiful.

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Race, culture, character. Black Author

Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in these board books that follows busy moms/dads and their kids throughout their day-eating breakfast, going on a playdate, heading to the pool for a swim, and settling back in at night with a bedtime story and a good-night lullaby. 

LGBT, Acceptance

One egg is blue, one is pink, one is yellow, and one is green. But only three of the eggs hatch, revealing three baby birds who fly away. But the green egg does not hatch. The three birds return to investigate and an adventure happens.

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Race, Culture.

A beautiful message for all ages - It's okay to be a different color. It's okay to dance by yourself. It's okay to wear glasses. It's okay to have a pet worm, it is okay to eat macaroni in the bathtub .... It's okay to be different!

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Tolerance and Acceptance

A cute rhyming book that goes through the baby's day and the different things baby does. On each page you see baby doing something naughty followed by his mother stepping in to say something. The illustrations are cute and the story is funny and relative. 

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Character, Race

A picture book for 2-4 year olds. It features a little girl  with a camera determined to track down an elusive red fox. But foxes are sneaky, and it proves more difficult than she thought. 

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Character. race.

It's the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. Then, George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan.

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Race, culture, religion.

This is a book created by Karen Katz for her daughter Lena who was adopted from Guatemala. The story shows a girl walking around her neighborhood and discovering that there is more than one shade of brown.

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Race, Culture, character 

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This bilingual board book teaches readers simple words in Spanish as they experience the bustling life of a border town. Follow Little Lobo and his dog Bernabe as they deliver supplies to a variety of vendors, selling everything from sweets to sombreros, portraits to piñatas, carved masks to comic books!

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Hispanic, Culture

Big, small, curly, straight, loud, quiet, smooth, wrinkly. Lovely explores a world of differences that all add up to the same thing: we are all lovely.

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Race, culture, LGBT.

An exploration of that feeling when they enter a room and feel very different to everyone else in it. This is a reminder that we are different but our strength is in embracing that and also discovering similarities.

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Race, Culture, Character.

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This book is a perfect lesson of tolerance and how not to judge a book by its cover. It centers around a little girl who tells us about some of these “little bit scary” people she meets in her neighborhood, like the teen boy on a skateboard playing loud music, or her classmate in school who behaves oddly and talks to herself. But as she describes why each of the characters may be perceived to be “little bit scary”, she also defends them by imagining them in far-from-scary circumstances, like the punky boy whom she imagines “kisses his cat on the head and scratches her neck until she purrs”, or the odd classmate who is just like any regular girl after school, learning to ride a bike with her mom’s help.

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Culture, Tolerance

Calvin is one unusual starling! While his siblings and cousins learn to fly, this rare bird lets his imagination soar while reading about pirates, dinosaurs, and other fascinating things. The other birds call him “geeky beaky,” but Calvin just ruffles his feathers and buries his beak in a book. Yet, when it comes time to migrate, poor Calvin suddenly realizes he can't fly!  His sisters, brothers, and cousins carry him into the air. But on their way south, the winds blow hard, the trees bend, and the air starts to smell strange. It's a hurricane, and only Calvin can save the day - because he has read all about it.

Acceptance, Disability, Diversity

Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue! This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self and follow your own path.

Acceptance, LGBT, Race.

When Finklehopper Frog decides to give jogging a try, everyone laughs at his efforts. But Finklehopper learns that it’s best to be himself and do what he loves because that’s the perfect way for him. A charming, wonderful story about accepting who you are and who others are too. My go to reading book for Kinders through 2nd grade.

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Acceptance, Inclusion.

Roxy lives in the forest with her three best friends, who she loves to visit and play games with. Roxy is in a wheelchair, so sometimes it is harder for her to go to the same places and play the same games as the other animals. Roxy and her friends realize that by making a few small changes and working together, they can make the forest a better place for everyone. Roxy teaches us that there are bunches of ways to be more inclusive of those who have a disability so that everyone can join in.

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Disability, Inclusion, Acceptance.

A picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids. It follows a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

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Culture, Race, Religion, Acceptance.

Parker Looks Up follows Parker, along with her baby sister and her mother, and her best friend Gia and Gia’s mother, as they walk the halls of a museum, seeing paintings of everyone and everything from George Washington Carver to Frida Kahlo, exotic flowers to graceful ballerinas. Then, Parker walks by Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama…and almost passes it. But she stops...and looks up!
Parker saw the possibility and promise, the hopes and dreams of herself in this powerful painting of Michelle Obama. An everyday moment became an extraordinary one…that continues to resonate its power, inspiration, and indelible impact. Because, as Jessica Curry said, “anything is possible regardless of race, class, or gender.”

Culture, Race.

Keyana’s Mama pulls as she combs her hair and it hurts. In this book her Mama explains how different  African American hair is and that  can change it as often as they  like. Keyana's, mother in the book, uses different illustrations for different hair styles such as "or I can part your hair into straight lines and plant rows of braids along your scalp, the way we plant seeds in our garden. Then wait and watch them grow." Her mom teaches Keyana valuable lessons In taking great pride for the way she wears her hair. Also a valuable lesson into how to feel pride and comfort in your own hair/skin.

Race, Culture, Acceptance.

Written by former NFL player Matthew A. Cherry; this is a lovely story about a Dad who steps up when Mom is away to do his daughter’s hair. Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When mommy does Zuri’s hair, she feels like a superhero. But when mommy is away……. Luckily Dad is ready. He loves his daughter and he is ready to do anything to make his daughter and her hair happy.

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Race, Culture, Acceptance.

In the spirit of ‘Hair love’ this book celebrates a young Asian girl who notices that her eyes look different from her friends. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She has eyes like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self love and empowerment. 

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Race, Culture Acceptance.

This little Mary has STYLE! Fashionista Mary helps some of childhood's most beloved characters go glam. From the kid who lives in a shoe (and dons some fab footwear, too) to Jack, who breaks his crown but gets a great new one, Mary's school friends look fantastic in their finery. But are they now too well dressed for recess? Not to worry— a beautiful spin on rhymes with a fun twist especially at the end.

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Culture.

This is a book about a boy named Ben who has cerebral palsy. In the book, we can follow his adventure on the beach. He runs, flies and plays with his family. Everything happens in his mind but he is always joyful and with a big smile on his face. The book inspires to live one’s life to the fullest despite the physical problems one may have. It brings awareness about people with cerebral palsy – Ben may be in a wheelchair but he has a great imagination that gives him wings and freedom. He also has this amazing energy that inspires everybody and brings light to the world.

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Disability, Acceptance, Inclusion.

In All My Stripes, Zane the zebra feels different from the rest of his classmates. He worries that all they notice about him is his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes — the unique strengths that make him who he is! A great book to help children understand about autism and inclusion.

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Special Needs, Autism, Inclusion, Acceptance.

All the different types of families come together as one big family to create a garden on the roof of a tower block. There’s even a musician to sing to the people and plants!

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Culture, Race

Being smart is more than just one thing; it’s not just being good at taking tests or doing math or getting good grades in school. No, a person can be smart in lots of ways! They can be smart at making crafts or drawing pictures, or dancing, or being brave. They can be smart at caring for others, especially when that person is hurt or shy. They can be smart at imagination, play, music, tea parties, or even blowing bubbles. Even simply sitting still and being quiet; this is something smart, too. Rest assured, not everyone has to be smart in the same way – and sharing all the different ways we are smart makes the world better every day. is a tribute to all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are

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Acceptance. Tolerance, Special Needs.

Harpreet Singh, a young Sikh, loves colors and uses them to express his feelings. In fact, he has a color for everything: yellow for when he feels sunny, pink for celebrating, red for a boost of courage. He takes special care of his colorful patkas (the head covering worn by Sikh boys). But when his parents announce that the family will be moving, all the bright, happy colors go out of Harpreet's life, replaced by blue when he feels nervous, gray when he feels sad, and white when he feels shy and doesn't want to be seen. Harpreet wears white all the time in his new school, where he sits alone, not making any friends. One day, he finds a lost hat, and returns it to a girl in his class, the beginning of a new colorful, fun friendship. A simple yet sensitive story about a child coming to terms with things beyond his control resonates across cultures.

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Culture, Acceptance, Religion.

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. While Unhei is trying out some new names, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choice, the name jar mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.

Culture, Acceptance, Race.

​Straight hair - curly , big families - small families, big bodies - small bodies - this book gives lots of examples of differences with fun illustrations and helps kids appreciate the ways they are alike and affirm their individual differences. Extra tips for the adults to help reaffirm the attributes introduced in the book.

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Inclusion.

Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. The boy and his tiny pet elephant show them just what it means to be a true friend and the joy of having a pet (or friend) even if it is different.

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Inclusion. 

Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance. Chrysanthemum believes her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. Find out what it will take to make her blossom again.

Inclusion, acceptance.

Matt’s autism doesn’t keep him from having fun! Even when he struggles in social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys love playing sports watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. By working together, a best friend’s understanding and compassion change Matt’s frustration into excitement. No matter where they go—from the basketball court to the playground swings to the neighborhood pool—the two friends enjoy spending time with each other.

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Inclusion, Special Needs

By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn’t matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn’t matter how many legs you have. Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room.  Even worth reading with your older child to see if they spot the metaphor. A lovely story about inclusion and a great conversation starter.

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Inclusion.

No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
This list about diversity would not be complete without this lovely classic. It has beautiful  artwork and tone, but was one of the first if not the very first full-color picture books to feature a small black hero.

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Character, Race. 

Morris has a great imagination. He paints amazing pictures and he loves his classroom's dress-up center, especially the tangerine dress. It reminds him of tigers, the sun and his mother's hair. The other children don't understand--dresses, they say, are for girls. And Morris certainly isn't welcome in the spaceship his classmates are building--astronauts, they say, don't wear dresses. One day Morris has a tummy ache, and his mother lets him stay home from school. He stays in bed reading about elephants, and her dreams about a space adventure with his cat, Moo. Inspired by his dream, Morris paints a fantastic picture, and everything begins to change when he takes it to school.

LGBT, inclusion.

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 finds new ways to be strong.

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Culture, Religion. 

A beautiful, joyful ode to fry bread and Native American culture and the deep meaningfulness and cultural importance of traditional foods and also the way such foods are not just one thing, but sort of continue to grow and have a life of their own as those who carry their traditions. It points out notable features in the illustrations, such as the father's Seminole tattoos and what they mean, and giving background information about the history of Native Americans in this country. Even contains a recipe.

Culture, Acceptance

When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways — but the same in the one way. The one which matters most of all. One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One is full of step-siblings, and another has a new baby. As one-by-one, classmates describe who they live with and who loves them — family of every shape, size and every kind of relation — the child realizes that as long as her family is full of caring people, her family is special.

Acceptance, LGBT, Race

Brontorina has a dream. She wants to dance. But Brontorina is rather large, too large to fit in Madame Lucille s dance studio. Brontorina does not have the right shoes, and everyone knows you can’t dance without the proper footwear. Still, Brontorina knows, deep in her heart, that she is meant to be a ballerina.  A story of determination and confronting being different head on.

Acceptance Inclusion.

A story of three immigrant students Maria is from Guatemala, Jin is from Korea, and Fatima is from Somalia. All three are new to their American elementary school, and each has trouble speaking, writing, and sharing ideas in English. Through self-determination and with encouragement from their peers and teachers, the students learn to feel confident and comfortable in their new school without losing a sense of their home country, language, and identity.

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Race, Inclusion, Culture.

Thuy is Vietnamese American and she has two moms. She walks home one winter afternoon, angry and lonely after a bully's taunt her. Then a bird catches her attention and sets Thuy on an imaginary exploration. What if she could fly away like a bird? What if she could sprint like a deer, or roar like a bear? Mimicking the footprints of each creature in the snow, she makes her way home to the arms of her moms. Together, the three of them imagine beautiful and powerful creatures who always have courage - just like Thuy. 

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Culture, race, inclusions, LGBT.

Lily and Salma are best friends. Almost everything they do is the same but lunchtime is different. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus. A small difference which has huge consequences until friendship brings them back together and everyone in their class.

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Culture, Religion, Acceptance. 

Being asked - where are you from? Can make a child feel excluded and confused. This book uses the wisdom of a grandfather (Abuelo) to find the real answer.

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Religion, Culture, Inclusion, Hispanic. 

Julian’s Abuela is an important person in his life and when Julian decides to dress up the reaction of his Abuela portrays family love and the beauty of being oneself.

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LGBT, Inclusion, Acceptance, Hispanic.

Don't Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability by Pat Thomas

The Skin I'm in: A First Look at Racism a First Look at Racism by Pat Thomas.

Everyone Matters: A First Look at Respect for Others by Pat Thomas (Age 4-7)

When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her. But as the day ends and the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there.

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Hispanic, Culture, Race, Male role model, Character.

For today's elementary readers about what it means to be a citizen and the positive role they can play in society. Includes beautiful illustrations and intriguing, rhyming text.

Stella lives in the segregated South; in Bumblebee, North Carolina in the post depression era. Some stores she can go into. Some stores she can't. Some people are nice, some are not. To Stella, it sort of evens out.  But one  night, Stella is wandering around outside with her brother when she should be home in bed and they witness something they're never supposed to see. As Stella's community - her world - is upended, by the Ku Klux Klan’s arrival she decides to fight fire with fire. And she learns that ashes don't necessarily signify an end.

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History, Culture, Race.

Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico--she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances--Mama's life, and her own, depend on it.

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Culture, Race.

The story of Sally Heming’s son James Madison Hemings and his childhood at Monticello Shown from his perspective he exposes the many contradictions in Jefferson’s life and legacy. Though Jefferson lived in a mansion, Hemings and his siblings lived in a single room. While Jefferson doted on his white grandchildren, he never showed affection to his enslaved children. Though he kept the Hemings boys from hard field labor—instead sending them to work in the carpentry shop. He listed the children in his “Farm Book” along with the sheep, hogs, and other property. An author's note includes more information about Hemings, Jefferson, and the author's research.

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Slavery, Race. 

Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. All the time he dreams about freedom, but that dream seems farther away than ever when he is torn from his family and put to work in a warehouse. Henry grows up and marries, but he is again devastated when his family is sold at the slave market. Then one day, as he lifts a crate at the warehouse, he knows exactly what he must do: He will mail himself to the North. After an arduous journey in the crate, Henry finally has a birthday -- his first day of freedom. 

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History, Race, Culture, Slavery.

Born into slavery, Lilly Ann secretly learned to read and write from her master’s children—and then read everything she could. Wishing to share her knowledge with others, she secretly taught hundreds of other enslaved people despite the great risks.

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Slavery, Race, Culture, Courage

This book is ideal for elementary school kids, the easy to read book follows Harriet Tubman’s life from being born a slave to her freedom and leading others to freedom as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She later worked as a suffragette and spy during the Civil War.

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History, Slavery, Race, Courage, Culture.

Learn all about Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut. She was also a chemical engineer and doctor; she served in the Peace Corps as a doctor and then as a general practitioner before applying to NASA’s astronaut program and eventually going to space. Also See Meet Katherine Johnson. 

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Race, Character.

Jackie Robinson was the first black major league baseball player in 1947. This trailblazing American was Most Valuable Player during his career and also was a leader in the Civil Right Movement. Your young reader will enjoy this book about one of sport’s greatest players.

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Race, Culture, Character.

This inspiring memoir was adapted from the adult version written by football star, NASA astronaut, and professional dream chaser, Leland Melvin. Read his remarkable journey from his shortened NFL career to orbiting Earth on the International Space Station. His story focuses on how he used his creative problem-solving skills and positive attitude to reach his dreams even when they are not the original dreams.

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Race, Culture, Character.

These books teach us about the amazing black women and men who broke barriers and fought injustice to realize their dreams and make the world a better place. Some we have not heard of but not all which makes this book special: Doctor Harold Moody, Diplomat Kofi Annan, Activist Paul Stephenson, Architect Sir David Adjaye, Comic book author Dwayne McDuffie, Musician Prince.  Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. 

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Race, Culture, Role Models. Black Author.

A jazzman has to be let go because he lost his hearing but he finds a friend at the school for the deaf where he is learning sign language. Riding the subway to class, they start singing about all the songs they love. A bass player named Rose joins in and soon they've got a little sign language band. And in no time they're performing for audiences in the subway.

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Acceptance, Disabilities.

She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, lovely art by Alexandra Boiger. This book encourages readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, no matter their backgrounds they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Persistence is power. It celebrates thirteen American Women who have helped shape the country Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor and one other…....

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Gender, race.

This picture book biography tells the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who bicycled across Ghana--nearly 400 miles--with only one leg. With that achievement he forever changed how his country treats people with disabilities, and he shows us all that one person is enough to change the world.

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Race, Culture, Character, Disabilities, Perseverance.

Marley Dias, started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign at the age of 13, in this book she speaks to kids about her passion for making our world a better place, and how to make their dreams come true. She is joined by award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Marley Dias. They  explore activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good.  Marley shows kids how they can galvanize their strengths to make positive changes in their communities, while getting support from parents, teachers, and friends to turn dreams into reality. Focusing on the importance of literacy and diversity, Marley offers suggestions on book selection, and delivers hands-on strategies for becoming a lifelong reader and good citizen.

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Race, Culture.

Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story in this picture-book. A beautifully illustrated book which is not about the Dreamers that politicians talk about. It is about immigration, having a baby and trying to fit in. She learns English by looking at picture books in the library. She has never seen so many beautiful books. She left behind nearly everything she owned, but he brought her strength, her work, her passion, her hopes and dreams...and her stories.

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Hispanic, Race, Culture, Perseverance 

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. Age and language need not be a problem.

Culture, Race, Acceptance.

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andre Beaty

Rosie may seem quiet during the day, but at night she's a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal--to fly--Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. But when her contraption doesn't fly but rather hovers for a moment and then crashes, Rosie deems the invention a failure. On the contrary, Aunt Rose insists that Rosie's contraption was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit.

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Race, Culture, Character, Role Model, Gender.

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Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they’re sometimes surprised by his materials—who could forget the tower he built of dirty diapers? When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up! 

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Character, Role Model

Sofia becomes a community activist after her grandfather injures himself on a mountain of trash. She decides that the community needs to get rid of the unsightly mess... and have a park instead. But just having an idea isn't enough. After consulting with her neighbors, she sets off for City Hall to try to make things official, only to run up against bureaucracy. Will Sofia be able to achieve her goal ? Read it to find out.

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Gender, Race, Courage.

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Turns out the Super Soaker was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for this very cool toy. A great example that sometimes your path does not always send you in the direction you think but that persistence is the key.

A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. 

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Character, Role models, Growth mindset. 

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

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Slavery, Civil Rights, Race, Perseverance.

Omar's parents decided it would be a good idea to move house and that means a move to a new school for poor Omar. The class bully thinks he is the perfect target. This tale is told in a fast paced fun narrative broken up with different fonts and sketchy illustrations. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid lover will love this one.

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Race, Inclusion, Diversity, Religion.

This powerful story of four African-American female mathematicians at NASA who helped achieve some of the greatest moments in our space program is a great read for your tween. These remarkable women were known as “human computers,” and made all of their calculations using pencils, slide rules, and adding machines; these calculations would ultimately launch rockets and astronauts into space. They had to endure separate bathrooms and work in a male dominated sphere but kept on working in pursuit of the space dream.

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Race, Culture, Character, Role Model.

Raye Montague was set on becoming an engineer after touring a submarine as a young girl. She overcame racism and sexism in every step of her career, including keeping her greatest accomplishments a secret for many years. Read the pioneering mathematician’s story about how she changed the course of ship design forever.

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Race, Culture, Character, Role Model.

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August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get over Auggie’s extraordinary face. Wonder begins from Auggie’s point of view, but switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. In this book you are likely to both laugh and cry. It is a wonderfully written book great to get children to empathize with others who do not look like they do. 

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Acceptance, Disabilities, Inclusion.

Isabel and her sister are promised freedom upon the death of their owner, but instead they become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

Slavery, Race, Culture, Character.

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Reading Level: Age 10 and Up

“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. This time she finds a great teacher who sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.

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Acceptance, Special Needs, Inclusion.

Eleven-year-old Riley has a lot of worries he believes in the whispers, magical fairies that will grant you wishes if you leave them tributes. He wishes bullies at school would stop picking on him. He wishes Dylan, his 8th grade crush, liked him, and Riley wishes he would stop wetting the bed. But most of all, Riley wishes for his mom to come back home. In the story she disappeared a few months ago, and Riley is determined to crack the case. Riley is not happy with the investigation and goes on a camping trip with his friend Gary to try to find his Mother he doesn't realize the trip will shake the foundation of everything that he believes in forever.

LGBT, Tolerance, Acceptance

Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think of life before the war. It's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through town. When the Jews of Denmark are "relocated," Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be one of the family. Soon Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission to save Ellen's life. 

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Perserverance, Anti-semitism, Persecution

Zoe Washington is an avid baker and loves music. The book contains a recipe ( a Fruit Loops cereal cupcake)  and a playlist of the songs mentioned within. But she is worried not about her baking internship or proving to her parents that she is capable of staring on the Food Network’s Kids Baking challenge. She is worried about what to write to the father she’s never met, hadn’t heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who’s been in prison for a terrible crime? He says he is innocent. Zoe sets out to find the truth. Not easy when everyone seems to be covering something up. Zoe  is curious, ambitious and smart. You will find yourself cheering her along as she tackles some real world struggles. 

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Race, Culture, Character

Instead of the art school he wished for, seventh grader Jordan Banks is enrolled by his parents into a prestigious private school known for its academics. 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 and soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Graphic Novel.

Race, Culture, Character.

A wonderful autobiographical collection from Jaqueline Woodson, .Raised in South Carolina and New York, she always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. 

Civil Rights, Race, Culture, Character.

What is Gender? How Does it Define Us? and Other Big Questions by Juno Dawson (10 years and up)

What's the difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be defined by your gender? Are there only two genders? This informative book helps readers to explore these questions and more, explaining that there are differences of opinion and that answers are not always straightforward. A range of views are on hand from people who have thoughtfully considered the concept of gender in their own lives. Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards, the book encourages readers to think for themselves about the issues involved. 

Gender

This book discusses what it means for people to have to leave their homes, and what happens when they seek entry to another country? This book explores the history of refugees and migration around the world and the effects on people of never-ending war and conflict. It compares the effects on society of diversity and inter-culturalism with historical attempts to create a racially 'pure' culture. It takes an international perspective, and offers a range of views from people who have personal experience of migration. There is also a role-play activity asking readers to imagine themselves in the situation of having to decide whether to leave their homes and seek refuge in a new country.

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Tolerance, Culture, Race, Adversity.

This book tackles racism head on - in a way 10 year plus readers can understand. It explores the history of race and society. How racism came about, the damaging effects of stereotyping and the benefits of positive representation. The authors talk sensitively about how to identify and challenge racism and how to protect against and stop racist behavior.

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Race, Culture, Tolerance. 

A  picture book retells the February 1st 1960 story when four friends staged a peaceful protest at Woolworth's ‘white only‘ lunch counter by ordering a doughnut and coffee, with cream on the side. Their sit-in became a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality and the growing civil rights movement.

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History, Civil Rights, Race, Culture.

Fifty of the foremost diverse children's authors and illustrators-share answers to the question, "In this divisive world, what shall we tell our children?" Art, prose and poetry lend a voice and encouragement to our children guiding  them as how to navigate a world when it seems bleak, and prejudice and racism runs rampant?

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Race, Diversity, Tolerance.

The text and illustrations portray the successes (and losses)  of Venus and Serena, how they supported each other and how racial and cultural barriers can be broken. A story relevant to a young audience, but doesn't not hide the struggles they faced.

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Character, Race, Culture.

This book allows young readers to discover the history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the gay civil rights movement--a movement that continues to this very day. In the early-morning hours of June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn was raided by police in New York City. Though the inn had been raided before, that night would be different. It would be the night when members of the LGBTQ+ community protested and demanded their equal rights as citizens of the United States. Narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself, and featuring dynamic illustrations.

LGBT, Tolerance, History.

A story telling the history of the Pride flag allows young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker - to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.

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LGBT, History, Tolerance.

This is a novel about a 12 year old girl named Quijana - she is biracial and trying to navigating between the Anglo and Guatemalan sides of her family, a burgeoning crush and a cool new friend, and trying to figure out what's going on with her little brother, who is becoming remote and hard to reach, all while trying to determine just who she is. She used to say she was Pangaea. Unsplit. Not half white or half Latina. But that was before her Guatemalan cousins moved to town and before her dad asked her to speak some Spanish.Now she has some work to do to discover who she is. 

Hispanic, Race, Indentity

This deals with the difficult but important issues of police brutality - suitable for middle school and high schoolers. Be drawn into the characters and create empathy and compassion. I would recommend all Jason Reynolds books. 

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Race, Identity.

The novel takes place in Lorain, Ohio (Morrison's hometown), and tells the story of a young African-American girl named Pecola who grows up during the years following the Great Depression. Pecola prays for her eyes to turn blue so that she will be as beautiful and beloved as all the blond, blue-eyed children in America. In the autumn of 1941, the year the marigolds in the Breedloves' garden did not bloom. Pecola's life does change- in painful, devastating ways. It was banned from some schools for being sexually explicit.

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Race, Culture, Self Acceptance

Told through historical fiction - Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston are Thomas Jefferson's children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, and while they do get special treatment - better work, better shoes, even violin lessons - they are still slaves, and are never to mention who their father is. The lighter-skinned children have been promised a chance to escape into white society, but what does this mean for the children who look more like their mother? As each child grows up, their questions about slavery and freedom become tougher, calling into question the real meaning of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

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Historical, Slavery, Race, Culture.

Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy League—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.

Character, Race, Culture.

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Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Starr  is the only witness - what she does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life. Find out what she does.

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Adversity, Race, Culture, Character.

Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least make it out of her neighborhood one day. As the daughter of an underground rap legend who died before he hit big, Bri’s got big shoes to fill. But now that her mom has unexpectedly lost her job, food banks and shutoff notices are as much a part of Bri’s life as beats and rhymes. With bills piling up and homelessness staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it—she has to make it.

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Character, Race, Culture.

It is 1962 in Mississippi - three women Skeeter a white  recent graduate, Aibileen a wise black maid raising her seventeenth white child who is grieving the loss of her son and Minny, Aibileen’s best friend come together for a  project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

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Civil Rights, Adversity, Race, Culture, Character.

Black Enough is a star-studded anthology edited by National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi that will delve into the closeted thoughts, hidden experiences, and daily struggles of black teens across the country. From a spectrum of backgrounds—urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more—Black Enough showcases diversity within diversity.

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Race, Culture, Tolerance, Diversity.

Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend, Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit, and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.
 

LGBTQ, Tolerance, Acceptance.

"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering," announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood. Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.

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Character, Race, Culture.
 

Kwame Alexander also wrote - the Booked and Rebound another relevant book

Meet 29 feisty females—some world famous, some little known—in this collective comic biography. 

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Gender, Character.

This novel begins with a fugitive billionaire and the promise of a cash reward. But Turtles All the Way Down is more than a story with a strange beginning It is about lifelong friendship, the intimacy of an unexpected reunion, Star Wars fan fiction, and tuatara.  Aza Holmes is a young woman navigating every day one day at a time increasingly feeling overwhelmed by her own thoughts. This opens up the topic of mental health without flinching. Many readers claim it has helped them with their own internal battles.
 

Mental Health, Character. Special Needs

This was a reworking of Ibram X. Kendi Stamped From the Beginning, told in a way that is accessible for a younger/teen audience.
Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. A historical journey from then to now, showing the reader why racism still exists. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited. A fast-paced written narrative shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas--and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

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Race, Adversity, Tolerence, Culture.

 I have included this as it shows main characters with great illness and adversity falling in love. The main character Hazel has never been anything but terminal with a brain tumor but her life changes when she meets  Augustus Waters at Cancer Kid Support Group. This is a beautiful heartwarming and heartbreaking story about love, similarities and differences. 

Main Character, Disabilities.

The story of three young people from different backgrounds but each are displaced and will go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers–from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But for each of them, there is always the hope of tomorrow.

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Tolerance, Grit and Race

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

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This is a story of a girl named Eury who comes back to the Bronx after losing everything  in Hurricane Maria--and by an evil spirit, Ato. She fully expects the tragedy that befell her and her family in Puerto Rico to catch up with her in New York. Yet, for a time, she can almost set this fear aside, because there's this boy . . .

Pheus is a golden-voiced, bachata-singing charmer, ready to spend the summer on the beach with his friends, serenading his on-again, off-again flame. That changes when he meets Eury. All he wants is to put a smile on her face and fight off her demons. But some dangers are too powerful for even the strongest love, and as the world threatens to tear them apart, Eury and Pheus must fight for each other and their lives.

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This a retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice. 

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Hispanic, Culture.