Favorite Books to Celebrate Diversity in the Elementary Classroom

It is so important to build a classroom library of books that incorporate diverse cultures, races, and backgrounds. I am always searching for new books to add to my collection. I try to create an inclusive environment for my students so that everyone feels welcome. I want to teach my students that every person is unique, and we should celebrate our differences. There are so many wonderful books about diversity, but these are a few of my favorites that I recently discovered and added to my classroom library.

1. Sulwe

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o is a heartwarming story about a little girl who wishes to make her dark skin lighter. It is a story to inspire children to see their own beauty as it teaches that true beauty comes from within.

Summary:

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

2. The Day You Begin

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson is a book of encouragement and teaches children to appreciate their differences and connect with others even when they feel alone.

Summary:

The Day You Begin is a moving letter of encouragement to kids who feel alone. The book opens with a somber reflection that many of us can relate to: "There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you." From there, we follow a series of students who feel like they stand out and don't fit in with their classmates.

3. One Big Heart

One Big Heart by Lindsey Davis is a culture-rich picture book that proudly showcases the beauty of diversity while celebrating all the wonderful things we have in common.

Summary:

God gave us all special traits and characteristics that make us uniquely ourselves. We all have things in common too: like sharing fun and laughter on the playground, a sense of curiosity, big feelings, and so many other things that show how we are all more alike than we are different.

4. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad is an inspiring story that teaches children about cultural differences and acceptance. Students will love the descriptive writing and figurative language used to describe the beauty of the hijab.

Summary:

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

5. Watercress

Watercress by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Jason Chin, is the 2022 Caldecott Medal winner. It tells a moving autobiographical story of a child of immigrants discovering and connecting with her heritage It is a wonderful book to teach children. The author's note at the back of the book makes the book even more meaningful.

Summary:

Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl’s parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. Grabbing an old paper bag and some rusty scissors, the whole family wades into the muck to collect as much of the muddy, snail-covered watercress as they can. At first, she’s embarrassed. Why can’t her family get food from the grocery store? But when her mother shares a story of her family’s time in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged. Together, they make a new memory of watercress.