Back to School Reading List – Children’s Books that Celebrate Diversity!
Phew! What a summer this has been. I don’t know about you but gearing up for this new school year has me an emotional wreck for so many reasons. Not only is there a ton going on in the world in general, but a new school year brings a new environment, curriculum, teachers and classmates. Not to mention a lot of nerves.
Although I’m having a tough time as the summer comes to an end, I know how important it is to make sure my daughter feels prepared, empowered, safe and loved as she gets ready for a new school year. I find it absolutely necessary for her new environment to be one of diversity and inclusion that is led by people who will teach self-love, empowerment, and determination.
I try to instill these ideals in my daughter every single day and one way we love to learn is through reading! Here are a few of my favorite books to read with my daughter. They are full of positive affirmations and lessons of self-worth. TBH, I’m even learning from them!
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.”
Even as adults, we can walk into a room and feel like we don’t belong. I understand that it’s inevitable that my daughter will feel that way at one point or another, but I want her to have the courage to push through those feelings and create a space where she does belong. This book is so beautifully written and commends the bravery that there is in being different and unapologetic about it.
All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
“No matter how you start your day, what you wear when you play, or if you come from far away, all are welcome here.”
If it were up to me, I would get this on the required reading list for all elementary schools! I love this book because it depicts children – all kinds of children – thriving at school together. The diversity and inclusivity in this book is just wonderful and really gives young children a sense that they belong exactly where they are.
Children are funny because they can be so unapologetically themselves and free of inhibitions, but they can also be very introspective, impressionable and self-conscious. I am Enough reminds our little ones that whatever they are is exactly enough. There are no standards that they should hold themselves to because all that they are is all they should be.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Representation is so important. This goes back to the factors of diversity and inclusion that I keep saying are crucial for my daughter to experience at school – and in life! Ada Twist is a brilliant African American scientist who encourages curiosity and ambition in little girls who are like her.
I Believe I Can by Grace Byers
This book says everything that I feel when I look at my daughter. I see the whole world in her and her limitless potential. This book offers lessons of encouragement and self-confidence to little boys and girls who are also filled with limitless potential and may not know it (yet).
Alright mamas, time for a little crowdsourcing. What are your favorite children’s books that offer affirmations and exemplify diversity and inclusion? We’re stocking our bookshelves full this fall! Comment below and please let me know!