Does talking to children about individual differences teach discrimination? Absolutely not! In fact, it teaches them to look past those differences and accept others for who they are. If you’re like me, you’ve probably struggled to find age-appropriate picture books to add to your inclusive classroom library, but look no further! Here is my list of 20 must-have picture books that celebrate differences in appearance, interest, abilities, culture, and more. My students and I love #19 so much that it could have a post of its own!
Picture Books That Celebrate Differences in Appearance
1 – Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly
This inclusive picture book models that differences are not bad and should be celebrated. When Geraldine moves to a new school, she feels out of place because none of the other kids look like her. Soon, she is labeled “The Giraffe Girl” and spends her time hiding alone until she meets another outcast named Cassie. This story follows the girls as they help the other kids see past their differences and make new friends.Â
2 – When Charlie Met Emma by Amy Webb
A beautiful story about two young children that become friends despite their physical differences. At first, Charlie thinks Emma is “weird,” but that changes once he learns that some people are different on the outside, and others are different on the inside. This story will show your students that different is not weird and teach that differences are what make us unique.Â
3 – We’re All Wonders by R.J Palacio
Inclusive picture books like this, promote friendship, positive self-esteem, individuality, and choosing kindness. This story follows Auggie, a boy who looks different from the other kids, as he shows his classmates that everyone is different in their own way. Not only will your students be captivated by the colorful illustrations, but the heartfelt and relatable message will keep them engaged from cover to cover.Â
4 – Brontorina by James Howe
A short story that is all about inclusion. Brontorina is a dinosaur that wants to be a ballerina, but the other kids tell her that she’s too big. This story paints a beautiful picture of Brontorina’s journey to becoming a ballerina and her friends’ determination to transform their dance class into a space big enough for everyone.
5 -Young students often have questions about people that look or act differently than they do.
Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor
A must-have picture book about people with all kinds of abilities and disabilities that shows students that it’s okay to ask questions. This story includes characters that speak about their daily routines as they navigate through life with unique challenges.Â
Culturally Inclusive Picture Books
6 – Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki
This inclusive picture book is about two boys who are pen-pals, writing to each other from different countries. Although Elliot and Kailash talk about enjoying similar activities in their letters, the illustrations show how those experiences differ based on where they live. Students love the illustrations in this book because they can visualize living in another country as a kid their own age.
7 – The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
A beautiful story about Unhei, a young girl from Japan who moves to the United States with her family. When she begins attending her new school, Unhei decides that her name is too difficult to pronounce and needs a new one. By the end of this story, Unhei realizes that her name is the only one that truly fits. This story will show your students that they can be proud of who they are and where they come from.Â
8 – This is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe
Thie book paints the picture of how seven boys from different countries around the World live their lives. The boys take turns talking about what their houses look like, what they wear to school, what they eat, and more. I love how relatable this story is as it shows how kids from different countries live similar lives with slight differences.
9 – Many kids experience being a new student at a new school, and some even come from other countries.
I Am New Here by Ann Sibley O’Brien
O’Brien shares the stories of 3 students that move to the United States from Korea, Somalia, and Guatemala. Although Jin, Fatimah, Maria struggle to read, write, and speak in English, they show bravery and determination as they make friends and participate in class. Adding this excellent story to your library is a must.
10 – The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
This powerful story follows two sisters during their first day of school. This day is extra special because Asiya, the oldest of the two girls, wears her hijab to school for the first time. Despite the stares and comments from other students, Faizah is fascinated with the ocean blue hijab, and Asiya wears it with pride. This is an excellent story to read aloud to your students when teaching about cultural differences.
Books That Defy Gender Norms
11 – We all know that children of any gender enjoy painting their nails.
I Love My Colorful Nails by Luis AmaviscaÂ
This heartfelt story is about a boy who gets teased at school for having his nails painted, an unfortunate reality that many boys face during their first few years of school. Luckily, Ben’s parents encourage him to do what makes him happy no matter what anyone else says. Sadly, Ben chooses to hide his love for colorful nails to avoid being teased at school, but by the end of this story, all of Ben’s classmates accept him for who he is.
12 – Allie’s Basketball Dream by Barbra E. Barber
A great story to keep in your classroom library when teaching students about self-determination. Allie is a young girl who loves to play basketball, but all of the kids at school tell her that basketball is for boys. Despite the negative comments and lack of support from her classmates, Allie is determined to prove them wrong. Eventually, she helps everyone realize that basketball is a game that anyone can play.
13 – Trust me when I say that your students will fall in love with the captivating illustrations in this inclusive picture book.
Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza
Lucia is a young girl who enjoys playing superheroes with her classmates at recess and even has a bright red cape of her own in this inclusive picture book. Although Lucia lands all the superhero tricks with ease, the boys at school try to tell her that girls cannot be superheroes. By the end of this story, Lucia proves all of her classmates wrong by becoming a luchadora after having a heartfelt conversation with her Abuela. This is another excellent story to keep in your classroom to remind students that their gender does not determine what they can become.
14 – Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine BaldacchinoÂ
This book is about a boy named Morris, who has a wild imagination. Morris enjoys playing in his classroom’s dress-up center and especially loves to wear the beautiful tangerine dress. Soon, the other kids begin teasing Morris, making mean comments, and excluding him throughout the day. Soon, he discovers that it doesn’t matter what other kids think or say because he is proud to be Morris Micklewhite.Â
Other Inclusive Picture Books
15 – Â The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton
This inclusive picture book is about Brian, a boy who feels invisible at school because no one seems to notice him. Brian isn’t invited to birthday parties or picked for games at recess, and sometimes, his teacher forgets that he is even in the classroom. This story follows the “invisible boy” as he makes friends and finds a way to stand out in class. The illustrations do a great job of allowing students to imagine how it would feel to be invisible at school, and you can use this story to guide conversations about friendship, kindness, and emotions.
16 – Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison
A short story about Doug, a boy who does NOT like to be hugged. The bright illustrations and fun rhymes make this story engaging for young students as they learn about setting and respecting personal boundaries. During this story, Doug offers alternatives to hugging that do not make him feel uncomfortable, like high-fives. Don’t Hug Doug is the perfect picture book to teach young students about the importance of consent and personal boundaries.
17 – Your students will fall in love with this inclusive picture book.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
This story follows a boy and his pet elephant, who is often excluded from pet-friendly establishments. When the two try to visit the local Pet Club, a sign on the door reads “strictly NO elephants.” Soon, the boy realizes that excluding specific animals for no reason is not right, and he sets out to make a change. By the end, they create a club of their own that welcomes children and animals of any kind.
18 – Red: a Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
A lovely story that will teach your students about the importance of staying true to who they are. “Red” is a blue crayon that was accidentally given red crayon wrapping. While everyone tries to make him color red things, like fire trucks and strawberries, “Red” knows that something is wrong. No matter how much the other supplies try to help, “Red” is no good at coloring red things, and learns that he should stick to coloring blue things if that’s what makes him the happiest.
19 – My top pick for the #1 must-have picture book to promote inclusion.
The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart
Purple People are hard-working, ask questions, use their voice, and stay true to who they are. This beautifully written story has colorful and silly illustrations that will keep your students engaged as they follow step-by-step instructions on becoming Purple People. The assumption is when blue and red people come together to create a society that celebrates every individual and their differences, they mix and become purple.
20 – A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary
A class of young students who take turns sharing what makes their families unique. As adults, we know that every family is different. However, children often assume that every other family is just like theirs. This inclusive picture book includes students who share about their divorced parents, biracial parents, disabled parents, having several siblings, two moms or dads, living with grandparents, and more. This is the perfect story to read to your students when teaching about family differences.
There are so many well-written inclusive picture books. These books teach students about individual differences and encourage them to be respectful toward all people. Sadly, countless students do not learn these essential social skills at home, and it is our job as teachers to help them understand that differences are not only okay but should be celebrated. Do you have any inclusive picture books that should be added to this list?
Written by – Madison Patten
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