Equity and Diversity Resources for Kids
Books are a wonderful way to introduce big ideas and important topics to children. They are essential items in the toolkits of parents, caregivers and educators and can be used as discussion starters to gently ease into conversations with young readers. When you create a supportive environment to talk about differences and similarities, you can help kids make sense of the world.
Celebrating equity and diversity is important for the development of healthy attitudes. We can all learn from different perspectives in positive ways. Reading widely can help children understand and challenge biases and racism, shaping them to become well-informed, engaged and empowered individuals.
A simple way to help children learn about diversity is by explaining to them that there are differences between all sorts of things. Here are some examples of things that fit within one category but are different from each other:
Flowers: rose, tulip, poppy
Dogs: German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, French Bulldog
Shapes: triangle, square, hexagon, circle
Like these examples, there are differences between people, including our race, ethnicity, skin tone, religion and gender. Our differences make us unique and special, and they add to the beauty and diversity of the world.
Stories have the power to show us how to accept ourselves and others. Topics like justice, race, inclusivity, tolerance, and empathy are not beyond children. Here are some excellent titles to begin the conversation.
Please note: All book descriptions are directly from the TPL catalogue.
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
This engaging little book carries huge messages as it inspires hope for the future, and calls children to action while teaching them a love for books.
We Are All Equal by Shannon Weber
Activists assemble! We Are All Equal explains what it is to be a citizen, how important it is to treat and be treated, as equal within society, and how you can use your voice to champion equality.
ABC Pride by Elly Barnes
Introduces little readers to the alphabet through the colourful world of Pride. Children can discover letters and words while learning more about the LGBTQIA+ community and how to be inclusive.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
Illustrations and simple, rhyming text introduce readers to a school where diversity is celebrated and songs, stories and talents are shared.
I am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo
Shares a story of loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.
Can Bears Ski by Raymond Antrobus
Dad Bear takes Little Bear to see an “aud-i-olo-gist,” and Little Bear learns that he has been experiencing deafness and will start wearing hearing aids.
All About Diversity by Felicity Brooks
This joyous exploration of difference helps young children learn to respond in a kind and equal way to everyone regardless of shape, size, age, physical and mental ability, gender, race, beliefs, language, culture, national identity and background.
That’s Not My Name by Anoosha Syed
Mirha questions her name after her classmates continually pronounce it wrong on the first day of school so her mother helps her to learn the significance of her name and to be proud of it.
Skin Like Mine by Latashia Perry and Bea Jackson
An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry.
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change by Robin Stevenson
Throughout history, activists have worked, marched, and stood up for equality and justice—and many had moving relatable childhood stories. Kid activists share these stories and more through engaging biographies.
Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani
Every morning Papa combs through his daughter's waves but her favourite style is when he combs her hair in a tight bun on the top of her head, just like the joora he wears every day under his turban. They call this their hair-twin look!
We Are Together by Britta Teckentrup
Celebrate the power of love and friendship in this beautiful book featuring vibrant artwork and peek-through pages.
We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Jane Kates
Illustrations and simple rhyming text show that while the body parts of various human and Muppet characters may look different, they have similar uses.
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and Leslie Staub
Despite the differences between people around the world, there are similarities that join us together, such as pain, joy and love.
A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman
Young Aria returns to school after recovering from an accident and being fitted with a prosthetic leg, but the school has no furniture and sitting on the floor is too painful. A sensitive author’s note addresses the author’s experience growing up in Afghanistan during the civil war and the legacy of landmines.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
After Unhei moves from Korea to the United States, her new classmates help her decide her name.
111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl by Rina Singh
A boy grows up to bring positive change to his village in India. Sundar manages to convince the people of his village to welcome every girl born by planting 111 trees.
Looking for more diverse children's books? Check out these reading lists:
Black History Month | Mois de l'histoire des Noirs
Reading with Pride | Families 2SLGBTQ+
Written by Ashley and Amanda
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