Summer book recommendations about diversity for all ages
By Lindsey D.
SmartSitting Diversity and Inclusion Council Education and Resources Advocate
Photo: www.nea.org
Lindsey D., SDIC Education and Resources Advocate shares book recommendations for summer reading to help you and your children gain perspective on more diverse experiences, both historically and in society today.
Early Childhood:
A Little Book About Activism, by Courtney Ahn, is the newest board book in the ‘a little book about’ series for children ages 0-4. It is never too early to teach your little one about care, empathy and community. Be sure to check out other books by this author here.
Our Skin, by Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison, is a book for children ages 2-5, which teaches children about race and racism. Check out the next three books in the series coming out this summer on consent, body image and gender here.
School Age:
Not so Different, by Cyana Riley, is a picture book for children ages 4-7 years old. It encourages children to embrace their differences, celebrate diversity, and learn from one another. This another great book that you can use to kick off conversations about diversity at home.
STAMPED (for kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You, is a book that Sonja Cherry-Paul adapted for children ages 6-10 years old. It was adapted from the New York Times bestselling Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You (ages 12 and up) by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. This book takes readers through the history of racism and antiracism in America. It teaches children how to identify and “stamp out” racist thoughts in their own lives.
High School/ Young Adult:
We Are Not Free, by Traci Chee, is a book for children ages 10-14. The book raises awareness of multicultural history in America through a story about second-generation Japanese American citizens, whose lives are changed during World War II when over 100,000 people of Japanese ancestry are removed from their homes.
Almost American Girl, by Robin Ha, is a graphic novel for children ages 12 and up. It is a memoir about a girl who moves from Seoul. She experiences culture shock and isolation upon moving to the United States as a child.
Do you have book recommendations on books about diversity?
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