Best children’s books about diversity and inclusion

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photo of cath hakanson and post on childrens books about diversity and inclusion

An important part of sex education is the acceptance and tolerance of diversity, and there are some fantastic children’s books about diversity and inclusion, that will help you with getting started!

As a parent, I explain diversity to my kids as ‘being different‘.

The message I share with them is that everyone is different (them included), and that’s okay. This means that my kids are okay about people being different to them, and are less likely to treat them differently or exclude them because of it. Plus, they understand that it is okay for them to be different.

My daughter has red hair and receives much unwanted attention because of it. But she understands that it’s okay to be different and it doesn’t negatively impact her self-esteem or body image.

So if you are unsure about how to start talking about diversity and inclusion, then books are a great way to comfortably start talking about being different.

This list of children’s books about diversity and inclusion will help you with starting conversations about diversity in race, culture, families, bodies, behaviours, clothing and much more. You’ll find more books in these lists, books that talks about gender as well as gender identity.

If you’re looking for a book on a different topic, look at my main list of sex education books for children. It includes over 40+ topics!

You’ll also find more information about sex education on my Sex Education 101 page.

Not sure what to teach about sex ed at this age?

This printable checklist shows you the priority topics for this age, simple scripts to try, reassurance for common worries, and the next step to take.

Children’s books about diversity & inclusion

You’ll find an age-specific list of children’s books about diversity and inclusion. All of the books on this topic are currently showing.

All of the ages are visible, regardless of whether they’re relevant (or not). If no books appear for your chosen age, then it means there aren’t any relevant books.

To find relevant books for your child’s age, click on their age, and the appropriate books will appear.

NOTE: Before passing any book to your child or reading it with them, you should read it yourself first. I might think it is a great book for a certain age child or that the information is valuable, but you may disagree. Try to choose books that reflect your values and the messages you want your child to receive.

  • cover of Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

    Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

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  • cover of The Barefoot Book of Children

    The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland, Kate Depalma and David Dean

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  • cover of Giraffes Can't Dance story

    Giraffes Can’t Dance story by Giles Andreae

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  • cover of Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin

    Happy in our Skin by Fran Manushkin

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  • cover of All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

    All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

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  • cover of You Be You!: The Kid’s Guide to Gender, Sexuality, and Family

    You Be You! The Kid’s Guide to Gender, Sexuality and Family by Jonathan Branfman

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  • cover of Just The Way We Are by Jessica Shirvington

    Just The Way We Are by Jessica Shirvington

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  • cover of The Same but Different by Molly Potter

    The Same but Different by Molly Potter

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  • cover of It's my Body by Elise Gravel

    It’s my Body by Elise Gravel

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  • cover of Everybody by Molly Forbes

    Everybody by Molly Forbes

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  • cover of Suki's Kimino by Chieri Uegaki and Stephane Jorisch

    Suki’s Kimino by Chieri Uegaki and Stephane Jorisch

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  • cover of What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say by Davina Bell book

    What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say by Davina Bell

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Find practical tools to educate kids about sex education in the Sex Ed Shop

These are some of the many children’s books about diversity and inclusion that have been written for children. As I find more, I will add them to this list. They are all really good books that kids can read to find reliable and accurate information about love, sex and relationships. Plus they will help prepare you too!

Oh, and please do let me know if you know of a book to be added to this list!

Happy reading!
❤️ Cath

Not sure what to teach about sex ed at this age?

This printable checklist shows you the priority topics for this age, simple scripts to try, reassurance for common worries, and the next step to take.