It’s never too early to teach our children about people’s differences, whether its race, religion, size, abilities and more. Children’s books offer up a great way to share valuable lessons so, in that spirit, we’ve picked out 11 books to add to your summer reading list this year.
Giraffes Can’t Dance, by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. This tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Happy in Our Skin, by Fran Manushkin
The title Happy in Our Skin sums up this book's message well. Readers learn about the beauty in diversity while keeping up with different families spending time together.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr Temple Grandin, by Julia Finley Mosca
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures tells the life story of 71-year-old Temple Grandin who as a child was diagnosed with autism and defied doctors’ expectations by earning her Ph.D. and becoming an authority on animal science and farming.
Why Are You Looking At Me? I Just Have Down Syndrome, by Lisa Tompkins
Inspired by her daughter who has Down syndrome, Tompkins writes about the importance of embracing everyone's differences and taking the time to truly learn about someone.
Winter Candle, by Jeron Ashford
A candle is the focus of this book that celebrates various cultures and religions as it weaves its way through the lives of many families. One family includes the object in their Kwanzaa celebration, another turns to it in place of their usual Havdalah candle and another uses it in their Saint Lucia crown.
Maddi’s Fridge, by Lois Brandt
Although economic differences can be a bit more hidden than others, Maddi’s Fridge doesn’t shy away from the topic of poverty. In this book, Sofia, who has a fridge at home full of food, learns that her friend Maddi has a fridge that’s empty and struggles with whether she should tell her parents.
What’s the Difference? Being Different is Amazing, by Doyin Richards
Doyin Richards, a father of two, breaks down race relations for kids in his book What’s the Difference? Being Different Is Amazing. His message motivates little ones to be aware of and appreciate the differences among people, instead of being “colorblind.”
What I Like About Me! by Allia Zobel Nolan
What I Like About Me helps kids acknowledge their differences and embrace their braces, glasses and many things in between. It also serves as a lesson in self-esteem and asks kids, "What is it you like best about you?"
A Family is a Family is a Family, by Sara O’Leary
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 that 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 stepsiblings, and another has a new baby.
Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! by Maria Dismondy
Kid-favorite beverage chocolate milk serves as a symbol in this book about a growing friendship between a boy and his new classmate who doesn't speak English. Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! illustrates how actions speak louder than words and drives home the importance of celebrating diversity, kindness, inclusion and empathy. Because no matter what language you speak, kindness is the universal language of all. Learn how to celebrate differences in this powerful story and discover how chocolate milk plays a major role in the discovery of the real universal language.
Moses Goes to a Concert, by Isaac Millman
Moses Goes to a Concert is part of a series that follows Moses and his classmates who are deaf. In this particular book, which features American Sign Language, he and his friends learn their teacher has a fun surprise in store.