This post may seem a little late since Black History Month is over, but diversity and social justice should be something we incorporate all year long. Below I have outlined books about diversity and social justice that I have used with EC-4th grade and recommend. You can also find more recommendations by checking out a favorite account of mine here. Note: This post contains affiliate links
For EC-K there are several books about diversity I have used and recommend. These 2 are a great starting point when introducing the word different. Both include a mix of realistic and funny examples your students can easily relate to.
This book is super cute! It follows a rhyming pattern with different statements always ending in “All Are Welcome Here.” It emphasizes that our time together as different people is a wonderful thing, and all are welcome in this space. I would recommend this book for EC-2nd.
This book is another favorite of mine as well. It gives easy comparisons of how someone can be the same as someone else but different. It revolves around 2 boys writing each other from different places. I would recommend this book for EC-2nd.
I love this book as a starting conversation for social justice. It reads easier than the next one in this list and is a little more specific on the definition. The general idea of this book is to use your voice – whether that means to stand up for an injustice, give your opinion, be there for someone and more. I would recommend this book for 1st-3rd and possibly K.
This is another one I would recommend as a starting point for social justice. It is very similar to the previous book but reads higher. It again focuses on speaking up in different ways – through art, with voice, through action, etc. I would recommend this book for 3rd-5th grade.
Last but not least, a book that not only focuses on diversity but different diagnosis. Each page features a different one, ending with a question to help students relate. It also suggests you can ask about the difference to learn more, which can lead into great conversations about how to ask and when that might not be appropriate. I would recommend this book for 2nd-5th.
Not only do I believe incorporating these topics is important, but I also challenge you to add more books into your library that features the main character as someone of a different culture or race. Not only does it give all students different characters to relate to, but it could be especially impactful if the area you work in is not very diverse. Exposure to diversity is important.
I hope you found this short list helpful and would love to hear your recommendations for books about diversity and social justice below!
Take care,
Kylie
