Now more than ever, I think it’s important for us to ensure that we have a range of diverse books for children. And that’s both at home and in school.
I recently read some statistics from the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Children’s Book Center. In 2018 that the representation in children’s books is the following;
- 50% White
- 27% Animals/other
- 10% Black
- 7% Asian / Pacific islander
- 5% Latinx
- 1% Native American
Granted we’re now in 2020, 2 years ahead. But I have a feeling that the stats probably haven’t changed a huge amount. With the Black Lives Matter movement going on right now, it’s really made me take a step back and take a long, hard look at myself.
Am I doing enough in my power to ensure that I am teaching my students everything they need to grow up loving and respecting everyone around them? Our students all learn in different ways. But one of the strongest ways that my students learn, like many others, is through reading books and having story time in the classroom.
So, this last week, I went through my library of picture books. I wanted to make sure that I have a range of diverse books for my students to access. And I want my students to be able to see themselves and others around them represented in the stories that we read.
I know it can feel like finding a needle in a haystack when you’re trying to find new books for your classroom library. Which ones will your students like? How do you know which ones to get? So, I thought I’d put together a list of some that I’ve decided to add to my book collection. You can also find a huge bunch on Instagram. I’m doing my best to share as many learning opportunities as possible right now in my Instagram stories to help us all.
Just Like Me
From Vanessa Brantley-Newton, the author of Grandma’s Purse. This is a collection of poetry filled with engaging mini-stories about girls of all kinds: girls who feel happy, sad, scared, powerful; girls who love their bodies and girls who don’t; country girls, city girls; girls who love their mother and girls who wish they had a father.
Mae Among the Stars
When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.
She wanted to be an astronaut.
Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”
The Power of Her Pen
Ethel Payne always had an ear for stories. Seeking truth, justice, and equality, Ethel followed stories from her school newspaper in Chicago to Japan during World War II. It even led her to the White House briefing room, where she broke barriers as the only black female journalist. Ethel wasn’t afraid to ask the tough questions of presidents, elected officials, or anyone else in charge. Thus, earning her the title, “First Lady of the Black Press.”
I Am Enough
This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
Whoever You Are
Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. But inside, they are alike. Available for the first time as a board book, this is an inspiring celebration for all children, whoever they are.
Under the Love Umbrella
From this award-winning creative duo comes a book about the wonder of ever-present love. A stunning celebration of the joy and comfort that is always with us.. Wherever we roam in the big, wild world.
Who’s under your Love Umbrella?
It’s Your World Now
So go and play and live and learn. It’s your world now, this is your turn to think and ask and make and do. The world is magic, just like you! A beautiful and funny celebration of the world and the potential of each and every child.
The Day You Begin
There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you. There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
I Am Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren’t fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn’t allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin.
Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first black player in Major League Baseball. His bravery changed African-American history. And led the way to equality in all sports in America.
The Big Bed
From the creator of the Honest Toddler blog. The Big Bed is a humorous picture book about a girl who doesn’t want to sleep in her little bed. So she presents her dad with his own bed – a camping cot! – in order to move herself into her parents big bed in his place.
A Likkle Miss Lou
Louise Bennett Coverley, was an iconic poet and entertainer. She’s known for popularizing the use of patois in music and poetry internationally. As well as helping to pave the way for artists like Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley to use patois in their work. This book tells the story of Miss Lou’s early years. When she was a young girl growing up in Jamaica.
The King of Kindergarten
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements… Then wake up to start another day.
Not Quite Snow White
Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance–and she’s pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role.
But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play the role.
Kindness Rocks
Little Clara enjoys painting cute messages on rocks and leaving them for people to read. One day a turtle feeling down and out passes by Clara’s house. Upon seeing the messages on the rocks he is rejuvenated and rushes home to share the messages with his friends.
Lizard from the Park
When Leonard takes a shortcut through the park, he finds an egg and takes it home, where it hatches into a lizard (or so Leonard thinks). Leonard names his new pet Buster and takes him all around the city: on the subway, to the library, to a baseball game, and more.
Hidden Figures
In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.
That is My Dream
Follow one African-American boy through the course of his day as the harsh reality of segregation and racial prejudice comes into vivid focus. But the boy dreams of a different life–one full of freedom, hope, and wild possibility, where he can fling his arms wide in the face of the sun.
L is for Love
Valentine’s Day is a time to reflect on the themes of love and friendship, and what better way to introduce toddlers to these concepts than with a new ABC volume from artist Greg Paprocki. The book’s 26 fully illustrated pages take aim just like Cupid’s arrow at lovebirds, sweethearts, BFFs, and secret admirers. Part of the BabyLit Alphabet Series.
Shaking Things Up
Fresh, accessible, and inspiring, Shaking Things Up introduces fourteen revolutionary young women—each paired with a noteworthy female artist—to the next generation of activists, trail-blazers, and rabble-rousers.
Kindness Makes Us Strong
Whether we share a toy or rescue an animal, all acts of kindness – no matter how big or small – make our community stronger!
I’m always looking to add more books to my library, and I hope that this list of diverse books for children is helpful for you. If you have a book that you love, be sure to let us know in the comments down below.
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