10 Diverse Picture Books Every Classroom Needs
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated March 8, 2024
Favorite Diverse Picture Books
With so much hurt and chaos going on in our world, a need for love, acceptance, and tolerance is paramount. As educators, it’s imperative that we guide our students in acknowledging and embracing diversity. At the same time, we need to show them the ways that their individual uniqueness makes them both powerful and special. This practice fosters a greater sense of open-mindedness towards others. Also, it aids in nurturing self-acceptance, encompassing both strengths and areas for growth.
A valuable approach to accomplishing this is by incorporating diverse picture books into your classroom library and integrating them into your read-aloud routines. This strategy provides a remarkable means to achieve these objectives.
Affiliate links are included in this post for your shopping convenience. If you choose to order any of these diverse picture books through these links, Amazon will provide me with a small kickback (at no additional cost to you) that I will put toward the costs of keeping this blog up and running.
Top Ten Favorite Diverse Picture Books
In this post, I will present a compilation of diverse picture books that actively emphasize the significance of our individuality and celebrate the distinctive qualities within those who encompass our lives. It’s important to note that this list is not comprehensive; rather, I’ve deliberately selected stories that hold a special place in the classroom, while simultaneously showcasing a rich array of diversities.
These featured picture books not only serve as windows into diverse experiences but also act as mirrors, reflecting the multifaceted nature of our world. Through these stories, students are encouraged to recognize their own uniqueness while fostering a deep appreciation for the differences that enrich our global community.
We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
The beautiful story of We Are Water Protectors is inspired by Indigenous led movements across North America. The rhythmic language tells the story of a young Ojibwe girl. In the story, she works to protect the water supply of her people.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about activism. It shows the importance of protecting our environment. The story clearly shows how the people of earth are all interconnected. No matter how different we are, we all need to work together to take care of our earth. All of our lives depend upon the resources it provides.
Not All Princesses Dress In Pink – Jane Yolen
I will admit that I am a bit biased here, as Jane Yolen has long been a favorite author of mine. Not All Princesses Dress in Pink is a true “Girl Power” story. It works to prove that girls can truly be whoever they want to be. Some girls like jumping in mud puddles, some like wearing tiaras, and some like both. All are wonderful choices, as long as you are true to yourself.
I love how this story takes away the whole “Tom Boy” stereotype, and instead focuses on the beauty of individuality and being true to oneself. The story is a timely affirmation that all girls are beautiful and powerful and strong, and makes a wonderful addition to your collection of diverse picture books.
All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold
In All Our Welcome, we follow a day in the life of students who attend a school where everyone is welcome and differences are celebrated. It can lead to some great class discussions about individual differences, and the ways we can learn from and appreciate the uniqueness of others.
The Sandwich Swap – Queen Raina
Queen Rania’s The Sandwich Swap is a beautifully illustrated story that tells the tale of two best friends. Lily and Salma are united in their similarities until they realize that they both bring different sandwiches to school for lunch. In the story, the two friends must come together and find ways to appreciate their differences.
This story has a beautiful message about the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance, and how we can’t let the small things pull us apart; friendship is far more powerful than our differences. When it comes to diverse picture books, this one is a must-add to your reading rotation.
Spaghetti In A Hotdog Bun – Maria DisMondy
Maria Dismondy’s Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun tells the story of a girl named Lucy who is bullied on the playground at school because she is different. When her bully ends up needing her help, Lucy proves to be a true hero. Through her actions she shows readers that kindness is always the right choice.
This story is great for class discussions about individual differences, and the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding.
Interested in trying this book with your class? I have a complete Interactive Read Aloud unit to go along with the story in my TpT shop. You can check it out be clicking here or on the images below.
We’re All Wonders – R.J. Palaccio
In We’re All Wonders by R.J Palaccio, readers follow Auggie, a young boy with a facial deformity. Even though he looks different, Auggie feels like a regular kid. He struggles when others only see his differences.
This is a beautiful story to talk about kindness and empathy, and taps into every child’s need to truly be seen and belong.
This story was written by R.J. Palaccio to share the story of Auggie with younger readers. If you are looking for a longer but still super wonderful read aloud, I highly suggest you check out Wonder, the novel version of Auggie’s story. I have a novel study to go along with this amazing story available in my TpT shop – you can snag a copy here or by clicking on the image below.
The Name Jar – Yangsook Choi
In The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi we follow a young girl from Korea on her first day at an American school. Fitting in and the fear of her name being mispronounced trouble Unhei. This leads her to try selecting a name with a more American resonance from a glass jar. However, she encounters difficulty as none of the names appear to suit her. Through this process, she confronts her struggle and ultimately gains a profound realization about the value of embracing her distinctiveness. This heartwarming journey underscores the significance of being true to oneself.
All the Ways To Be Smart – Davina Bell
Davina Bell’s All the Ways to be Smart is the perfect introduction to discussions about self esteem and individual differences. Through fun illustrations and rhyming text, students learn that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The things that make us different also make us special.
Whoever You Are – Mem Fox
In Whoever You Are by Mem Fox the reader is shown images of children all over the world. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike.
This is another wonderful picture book that discusses the importance of diversity in ways that are accessible to younger students.
Islandborn -Junot Diaz
The beautifully illustrated Islandborn by Junot Diaz introduces us to Lola, the central character of the narrative. Lola is prompted by her teacher to delve into her personal history. Lola finds herself grappling with the challenge of recalling the island she once migrated from. As the storyline unfolds, Lola’s journey is one of rediscovery. Through memories from her friends and family, Lola is brought back to the island. She is able to remember all of the things that make her past beautiful, and heartbreaking, and special.
This story brings up talking points on the importance of remembering the past while being an active part of the present. It goes well with a study of student’s individual families, and discussions about where students come from and what makes them special.
Looking for More Diverse Picture Books?
Check out the “bookshelf” section of my blog by clicking here. In this section I share lots of fun book suggestions that are kid approved and perfect for upper elementary and middle school learners.
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