by Rachel Isadora, $8, Amazon.com. Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Everywhere she goes, the family is eating (or preparing) rice for their dinner, showing that no matter how different we may seem, there are plenty of similarities too. Books represent some of the first opportunities children have to explore the world. Yes, it’s 2020, but honestly, how are we doing on racism these days? Then a current sweeps him to the surface of the ocean, where he discovers he’s actually a unicorn! Teaching our kids about diversity is perhaps more imperative than ever. One of the few children’s books that features modern Native American characters, Thunder Boy Jr. is a sweet and funny tale that explores identity, culture and the relationship between a boy and his dad. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this children’s book offers a look into modern Native American life, following a year of celebrations and experiences as the Cherokee community expresses gratitude for the blessings and challenges that each season brings. A Mother for Choco has a sweet plot that explains adoption in an age-appropriate way for preschoolers. And what better way to positively introduce children to diverse stories and characters than through picture books? And isn’t that something we want for all humans, including our kids? Walk into a children’s clothing section of any large retailer, and you’ll notice how gendered the boys and girls departments can be, despite the fact that lots of boys love pink and many girls love trucks and tools. The post 12 Kids Books That Feature People of Color appeared first on Fatherly. Every house she visits contains families with different ethnic heritages, including a Puerto Rican grandmother, a neighbor from Haiti and emigrés from China. Families, Families, Families is one of the best children’s books about diversity for preschoolers. Another children’s book about respect, Thunder Boy Jr. tells the story of a little boy who doesn’t want to be named after his dad. Books with Characters of Color While people of color are still underrepresented in books for kids and teens, we've found lots of great reads with diverse main or supporting characters in all sorts of genres, including mystery, fantasy, romance, adventure, sci-fi, graphic novels, historical fiction, novels in verse -- … For your reading pleasure, we've compiled a list of free kids books that you can download: Free children's books downloads - lots and lots of free to download PDFs. Combining great illustration with classic themes like love, growth and possibility, these are excellent books to read to children of all backgrounds. Another great pick for children’s books about race is The Skin You Live In, written specifically for little kids. wandering.britt/Instagram A teacher from New Jersey is sharing some amazing books to read to kids about race. Hardcover $10.15 $ 10. “Traditional” families feature heavily in children’s literature, but if you’re looking for the best children’s books with same-sex parents, Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me are two classic board books featuring two moms and two dads. A rhyming book that celebrates all different skin colors—from “butterscotch gold” to “cookie dough rolled”—it makes a point to reinforce the message that the person within is what matters, not how someone looks on the outside. They’re a fun way to introduce little ones to important concepts early on and a great conversation-starter for parents as you talk to your kids about difference, privilege, respect, empathy and inclusivity. It’s silly and sweet and sure to become a favorite in other interfaith homes. with Jack Hartmann. And for all children, reading about kids who don’t look like them can foster social and emotional intelligence and expand their worldview. Buy it: It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr, $8, Amazon.com. Kids will get a kick out of the bright colors and silly illustrations while simultaneously learning to celebrate themselves for who they are. By L.A. Pintea Perhaps that’s why Sesame Street’s We’re Different, We’re the Same story is one of the most beloved children’s books about diversity. Buy it: Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers, $11, Amazon.com. The 50 Best Books for 11- and 12-Year-Olds 15 Classics That 8- to 12-Year-Olds Say Are Worth Reading Today 21 Middle Grade & Chapter Books to Dive Into This Fall 2020 Popular Topics Books Boys Love Books Girls Love Action & Adventure This Mom Created Coloring Books That Feature Kids With Disabilities Sue Nuenke has been giving away stickers featuring kids with disabilities since 2007. Funny and heartwarming, it’s an engaging read for youngsters but can be read on multiple levels, making it one of the best children’s books about gender identity. One Crazy Summer book. Fascinating for both kids and adults alike, this story is our top pick among children’s books about culture. Get Free 1 or 2 day delivery with Amazon Prime, EMI offers, Cash on Delivery on eligible purchases. In this story, the father is Jewish and the mother is Indian, so they celebrate Hanukkah not with the traditional latkes, but rather by frying dosas. Put author Marti Dumas' books for middle grade readers on your list, and children's author Zetta Elliott's books (for kids of all ages), too! For ages: 5 to 9 (but skews younger) One of James Baldwin's most important book of essays, The Fire Next Time explores themes of race, religion and identity. 1-16 of over 100,000 results for "kids books" Skip to main search results Amazon Prime. Buy it: The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler, $16, Amazon.com. Is a must-have addition to any preschooler’s bookshelf. As she drapes herself in all of the many colorful scarves, her imagination takes flight. A little girl named Carrie canvases her San Francisco neighborhood in search of her little brother, who’s late for dinner. A rhyming book that celebrates all different skin colors—from “butterscotch gold” to “cookie dough rolled”—it makes a point to reinforce the message that the person within is what matters, not how someone looks on the outside. ), but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t be red. Download The Appto explore more tools like Planner+ and Food Safety. The CCBC tracks how many books are published by and about people of color every year. Courtesy Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Courtesy Little Brown Books for Young Readers. Because if there’s one thing this world needs, it’s more powerful, smart little girls. And that's good news because, according to the 6th Edition Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, 47% of parents want books featuring people of color. For ages: 3 to 7 Plus, when we learn about, play with and work with people of different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, abilities, religions, and perspectives, we do challenging mental work that enhances creativity. He eventually meets Mrs. Bear, who takes him home to join her brood of other animals, none of whom look anything alike, but who form a loving family nonetheless. Titular character Marisol McDonald is a Peruvian-Scottish-American with red hair and brown skin who prefers mismatched outfits and peanut butter and jelly burritos. The illustrations really set this book apart, and the story about Julián, a little boy who loves mermaids, focuses on self-expression and acceptance. 13 Children's Books That … Buy it: This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World by Matt Lamothe, $14, Amazon.com. For ages: 5-8 Buy it: The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, $12, Amazon.com Plus, more from The Bump: 14 Great LGBTQ+ Books for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers. The stories you care about, delivered daily. A reading list for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for a more diverse selection of nursery rhymes, pick up a copy of Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. It’s a spectacular book that includes 150 nursery rhymes from 23 countries, accompanied by beautiful illustrations created by 76 different artists. Featuring rhymes from countries as different as Jamaica and China, Over the Hills and Far Away is a unique look at the similarities and differences in folk songs, stories and rhymes across the globe. Say Hello! For families that celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah, a perfect book come December is Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama. At the top of the list of children’s books for biracial kids is Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match/Marisol McDonald No Combina. Below are some of our favorite beautifully illustrated children’s books that embrace a wide spectrum of children and families … Free Kids Books. They have charming illustrations, gentle rhymes and a simple plot that shows a day in the life of a child with same-sex parents. Another one of our favorite children’s books about diversity is the story of Kelp, who has always been a bit different from the rest of his narwhal family—he’s not as good of a swimmer and his tusk isn’t as long. Children's books eight times as likely to feature animal main characters as BAME people According to UK study, just 5% of children’s books have black, Asian or … Author (and actor) Taye Diggs and illustrator Shane Evans struggled with feeling different and trying to fit in as kids. The overarching theme—that if you love one another, you’re family—will resonate with kids and adults alike. A positive look at LGBTQ families, these are great books for kids with two moms or two dads, as well as for kids who could benefit from seeing a different kind of family structure. Everyone around Marisol wants her to “match,” but she’s perfectly happy being just who she is. This is especially true when it comes to books that feature black boys as the main character. Books, of course! Author Todd Parr always fills his books with whimsical characters, and It’s Okay to Be Different is no exception. For ages: 4 to 6 One of our favorite children’s books about interfaith families is Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas. More lists and reviews of diverse, inclusive and multicultural books for children from KidLit bloggers here on my Pinterest board: My books: BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books. For ages: 3 to 7 It is really essential that we fill our kids' home libraries with books featuring characters that look like them. For ages: 3-7 Buy it: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorrell, $14, Amazon.com. Read 3 868 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. To encourage conversations about race and diversity with your children, check out this list of children's books to read together as a family. One of the best children’s books about diversity, The Colors of Us is about a little girl named Lena who wants to paint a self-portrait using brown paint for her skin. And regardless of how young your kids are and whether they’ve seen or participated in the recent protests for racial justice, it’s important to talk to them about race and why / how it plays a role in our society. This timely book explores how it feels to be teased and how each of us is beautiful, no matter how we look. Now that both are fathers, they combined talents to bring us a picture book that encourages kids to love themselves. As interfaith marriages become more common, so too has the selection of children’s books featuring kids from two-faith families. The illustrations are simple and colorful and the book even includes recipes for the rice dishes. Buy it: Say Hello! This heartwarming tale is about fitting in, standing out and the love of family. Middle Grade Fantasy Fiction Titles that Feature Characters of Color. There are beautiful colors all around us each day. On her walks she sees neighbors of varying races and cultures and learns how to say hello in many different languages. For more books by and about diverse and racialized people, check out the gallery below, as well as these LGBTQ-family-approved selections. When Lena and her mom take a walk through their neighborhood, she notices that there are many different shades of brown skin, and she begins to see her familiar world in a new way. Protagonist Choco wishes he had a mother of his own, so he sets out to find one. Eligible for Free Shipping. His teachers and family try to help him be red (let’s draw strawberries! It’s a lot easier today than it used to be years back, but the struggle is real. For ages: 4 to 8 At the end of the book, there is a two-page photo feature showing all of the "good stuff," with captions, that the family used to make the snow people and animals . It can feel intimidating to join a group of people who are different than us, but this beautiful children’s book about diversity—a #1 New York Times bestseller—reminds kids that when we reach out to others and share our stories, we find connection and friendship. The underlying theme is that no matter what babies look like, they’re all loved “for being so wonderful just as they are!”, For ages: 2 to 3 For ages: 3 to 7 We become, in effect, smarter. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission. ... the vast majority of American children’s books published feature white protagonists. For ages: 4 to 7 Pink Is for Boys is a beautiful picture book that empowers kids to express themselves in every color. by Taye Diggs, $6, Amazon.com. The rhymes are catchy, but the best thing about this story is that it’s full of babies (and their parents) of all different races and creeds. Rounding out our list of best children’s books about diversity is The Day You Begin. Have to explore the world by beautiful illustrations Created by 76 different artists with feeling different and trying fit. Little sister Sadie who saves the day you Begin rounding out our of... Overarching theme—that if you ’ re family—will resonate with kids and adults.. 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