9 books to help kids celebrate diversity and inclusion!

by |May 25, 2022
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Celebrate what makes you unique with our heartwarming collection of diverse children’s books!

Literature is one of the best ways to open young people’s hearts and minds to the world around them and to help them embrace their individuality. And right now, it’s more important than ever to make diversity the norm in children’s books. From inspiring kindness and inclusivity, celebrating diverse cultures, seeing the beauty in shared experiences, and encouraging authentic self-expression, every child deserves to be seen, heard and accepted for who they are and to be represented in the books made available to them.

There is no greater joy than when you are from a minority group and open a book to find your new favourite character looks just like you, or experiences the world in a similar way to you, or even when the world the story is set in looks similar to your own or a place you’ve only ever heard about through your parents’ stories. Thankfully, we are seeing more and more authors from diverse backgrounds publishing their stories so children just like them can feel inspired to pick up a book and know that they are not alone in their experiences. We are so appreciative of this and for all the authors who are helping make all books a safe and welcoming place for everyone. It is our hope that this collection of books will serve as a lively and empowering reminder that every child is enough.

There are so many wonderful categories to explore here, but to help you get started here are 9 of our favourite titles!


Ceremony

by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing and David Hardy (Illustrator)

9781761065064

Welcome, children!
Nangga! Nangga! Yakarti!
Tonight will be our Ceremony.

Joyful and full of fun, Ceremony invites you to celebrate the rich traditions of dance, family, community and caring for Country from the world’s oldest continuous culture.

Buy it here


Family Tree

by Josh Pyke and Ronojoy Ghosh

9781761126307

It started with a seed, and that seed was me. And, over time, laughter filled my garden … A heartfelt celebration of family, community and the seasons of life, to cherish and to share.

The official story chosen for ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime 2022 (on TODAY!), to be celebrated all across Australia and New Zealand!

Buy it here


Heartstopper: Volume 1

by Alice Oseman

9781444968927

Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they’ve never met … until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised.

Buy it here


Tiger Daughter

by Rebecca Lim

9781760877644

Wen Zhou is the daughter and only child of Chinese immigrants whose move to the lucky country has proven to be not so lucky. Wen and her friend, Henry Xiao – whose mum and dad are also struggling immigrants – both dream of escape from their unhappy circumstances, and form a plan to sit an entrance exam to a selective high school far from home. But when tragedy strikes, it will take all of Wen’s resilience and resourcefulness to get herself and Henry through the storm that follows.

Buy it here


The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name

by Sandhya Parappukkaran & Michelle Pereira (Illustrator)

9781760509361

When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts a new school, he knows he’s got to do something about his long name.​ When no amount of shrinking, folding or crumpling works, he simply settles for Zim– but deep down, it doesn’t feel right.

It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step boldly into his long name.​

Buy it here


Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth

by Melissa Greenwood

9780733341632

Miimi Marraal, she created us,
you and me …

From Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, of mother-daughter art and design label Miimi and Jiinda, comes a deeply felt and heart-stirring picture book about the connection between mothers, babies and Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth.

Buy it here


My Shadow is Purple

by Scott Stuart

9781922503817

My Dad has a shadow that’s blue as a berry, and my Mum’s is as pink as a blossoming cherry.

There’s only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it’s both and it’s none.

A heartwarming and inspiring book about being true to yourself, by best-selling children’s book creator Scott Stuart. This story considers gender beyond binary in a vibrant spectrum of colour.

Buy it here


I Kissed Shara Wheeler

by Casey McQuiston

9781035001262

From the bestselling author of Red, White and Royal Blue and One Last Stop comes a debut YA romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need . . .

Chloe Green is so close to winning. After her moms moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she’s spent the past four years dodging gossipy, classmates and a puritanical administration at Willowgrove Christian Academy. The thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her only rival: prom queen Shara Wheeler, the principal’s perfect daughter. But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and vanishes.

Buy it here


Our Family Pledge

by Emmaline Carroll Southwell & Vivian Mineker (Illustrator)

9781922419293

This is our family pledge, a story we give to you.
Allow it to evolve, so to you it’s always true.
And let’s try to make this world a better place to be.
A place where we can all feel happier and free.

This is the perfect book for any family who wants to teach their children compassion for themselves, others and the planet.

Buy it here


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