All Are Welcome by
Join the call for a better world with this New York Times bestselling picture book about a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. Perfect for back to school--no matter what that looks like! Discover a school where--no matter what--young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated. Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be. "Penfold and Kaufman have outdone themselves in delivering a vital message in today's political climate." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A lively, timely picture book." --Booklist "A great read-aloud selection to start the year and revisit time and again." --School Library Journal "This is a must-read for pre-school and elementary classrooms everywhere. An important book that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a beautiful, age-appropriate way." - Trudy Ludwig, author of The Invisible Boy
All Because You Matter by
Instant New York Times bestseller! A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier. The #1 Amazon Best Children's Book of 2020 A Chicago Public Library and New York Public Library's Best Books of 2020 A TODAY's Favorite Children's Books of 2020 A Shelf Awareness's Best Children's and Teen Books of 2020 A Best Books of 2020, School Library Journal A Best Picture Books of 2020, Chicago Public Library A NPR's Best Books of 2020 A Best Picture Books of 2020, Barnes and Noble A Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2020 * "A gem for every household." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Stunning. Powerful. Timely. Illustrated inspiration at its best." -- Horn Book, starred review Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to Black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love. Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardship of adolescent struggles, and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come. Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most.
Antiracist Baby Board Book by
Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby's nine easy steps for building a more equitable world. With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.
A Bus of Our Own by
Mable Jean wants to go to school. She has to walk five miles to get there, though, and her papa told her that if she can't keep up, she'll have to wait another year. Mable Jean asks her parents why the black children don't have a bus, too.
Can I Touch Your Hair? by
Two poets, one white and one black, explore race and childhood in this must-have collection tailored to provoke thought and conversation. How can Irene and Charles work together on their fifth grade poetry project? They don't know each other . . . and they're not sure they want to. Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relatable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko (of The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage), this remarkable collaboration invites readers of all ages to join the dialogue by putting their own words to their experiences.
Colorful World by
Colorful World is Grammy winner CeCe Winans's inspiring song about diversity, beautifully illustrated and brought to life by children's book illlustrator Melodee Strong.
The Colors of Us by
A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people. Karen Katz created this book for her daughter, Lena, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala six years ago.
The Day You Begin by
There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you. There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look, talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael Lopez's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
I Like Myself! by
Exuberant rhymes and wild illustrations celebrate self-acceptance and self-love from theNew York Times best-selling creators ofI Ain't Gonna Paint No More! High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's vibrant illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful . . . and straight from the heart.
It's Okay to Be Different by
It's okay to need some help. It's okay to be a different color. It's okay to talk about your feelings. From the bestselling author Todd Parr comes a reassuring book about being who you are. Told with Todd Parr's signature wit and wisdom, It's Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format. The book features the bold, bright colors and silly scenes that made Todd a premiere voice for emotional discussions in children's literature. Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence--and it's never to early to develop a healthy self-esteem. It's Okay to be Different is designed to encourage early literacy, enhance emotional development, celebrate multiculturalism and diversity, and promote character growth.
Juneteenth by
June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people.
Let's Talk about Race by
"This wonderful book should be a first choice for all collections and is strongly recommended as a springboard for discussions about differences." --School Library Journal (starred review) In this acclaimed book, the author of the Newbery Honor Book To Be a Slave shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. A strong choice for sharing at home or in the classroom. Karen Barbour's dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester's unique vision, truly a celebration of all of us. "This stunning picture book introduces race as just one of many chapters in a person's story" (School Library Journal). "Lester's poignant picture book helps children learn, grow, discuss, and begin to create a future that resolves differences" (Children's Literature). Julius Lester said: "I write because our lives are stories. If enough of these stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details." I am a story. So are you. So is everyone.
Mirror by
An innovative, two-in-one picture book follows a parallel day in the life of two families: one in a Western city and one in a North African village. (Ages 5-7) Somewhere in Sydney, Australia, a boy and his family wake up, eat breakfast, and head out for a busy day of shopping. Meanwhile, in a small village in Morocco, a boy and his family go through their own morning routines and set out to a bustling market. In this ingenious, wordless picture book, readers are invited to compare, page by page, the activities and surroundings of children in two different cultures. Their lives may at first seem quite unalike, but a closer look reveals that there are many things, some unexpected, that connect them as well. Designed to be read side by side--one from the left and the other from the right--these intriguing stories are told entirely through richly detailed collage illustrations.
People by
A celebration of diverse world cultures from the brilliant Peter Spier, one of the most beloved children's illustrators of the last fifty years. In this breathtaking tour around the world, young readers can pore over the many details that make each country and culture unique and special--illuminated by Spier's detailed and witty illustrations of festivals and holidays, foods, religions, homes, pets, and clothing. In print since 1980, this classic, boundary-pushing book is a must-have in today's global age--a tribute to the ways in which we as the world's citizens are at once both different and the same. ★ "The Caldecott Medalist has created his most ambitious and impressive picture book so far, with minutely detailed and exquisite paintings of human beings on all four continents."--Publishers Weekly, starred review "A wonderful introduction to a global view that will answer and arouse curiosity in the young and act as an absorbing reminder for any age."--School Library Journal · The Christopher Award · An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
School Days Around the World by
Author Margriet Ruurs begins this engaging informational picture book by posing an intriguing question: ?What is a school? Is it a building with classrooms? Or can it be any place where children learn? The fascinating stories that follow will expand how young readers think of school, as they learn about the experiences of real children in thirteen different countries around the world. From Marta in Azezo, Ethiopia, and Luciano in Mérida, Venezuela, to Alina in Taraz, Kazakhstan, and Lu in Shanghai, China, the children who are profiled live in places that truly span the globe. However, while there are huge differences in their environments, all the children share similar desires to learn, read and play with others. Alice Feagan's charming cut-paper collage artwork further enhances the idea of a global community by featuring smiling, enthusiastic children's faces, which are equally joyous and filled with life in every situation. As with all the titles in the popular Around the World series, using a familiar concept such as going to school is a perfect way to introduce children to other cultures and places in social studies classes. The author has provided several resources at the end of the book, including discussion topics and a list of organizations that help children access education. A world map at the beginning of the book shows the location of each of the countries, and a glossary contains definitions of the foreign words. These, along with a table of contents, make useful tools for familiarizing young readers with book navigation.
The School Is Not White! by
Gorgeously illustrated and told, this is the true story of what occurred in a small Mississippi town in the 1960s when a family of sharecroppers wanted their eight children to have an equal opportunity for a good education and sent them to the all-white schools.
Skin Again by
The poetic words of a child implore readers to find out who he really is by looking beyond the skin he's in, and finding their way inside his heart. In their most moving, dramatic, expressive children's book to date, bell hooks and Chris Raschka poignantly reflect the secret desires and needs of every child to be valued and cherished for his mind, his soul, and all he imagines himself to be. Like layers of skin, readers will peel away the pages of this book, and reveal at its heart all that it means to be at once human and humane.
The Skin I'm In by
Racial discrimination is cruel, and especially so to younger children. The Skin I'm In encourages kids to accept and be comfortable with differences of skin color and other racial characteristics among their friends and in themselves. Titles in the A First Look At series explore the dynamics in relationships among children of preschool through early school age, and encourage kids to understand personal and social problems as a first step toward solving them. Written by an experienced psychotherapist and counselor, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The language in each book is simple and direct--easy for younger children to understand.
The Skin You Live In by
With the ease and simplicity of a nursery rhyme, this lively story delivers an important message of social acceptance to young readers. Themes associated with child development and social harmony, such as friendship, acceptance, self-esteem, and diversity are promoted in simple and straightforward prose. Vivid illustrations of children's activities for all cultures, such as swimming in the ocean, hugging, catching butterflies, and eating birthday cake are also provided. This delightful picturebook offers a wonderful venue through which parents and teachers can discuss important social concepts with their children.
A Ticket Around the World by
Join a young boy as he hops around the globe, visiting friends in 13 different countries spanning all 6 populated continents. Along the way, he introduces us to each friend's environment and customs, and shares interesting facts about each country's culture, language, food, geography, wildlife, landmarks and more. Each country has a dedicated spread with a small map that shows geography and landmarks, letting readers imagine they are traveling, too. The format makes it easy to spot similarities and differences between countries. This informational picture book brings engaging nonfiction content to younger readers by showing them how other children just like them live around the world. Playful, realistic illustrations done with stylized realism lend warmth and whimsy to the book, making each locale feel welcoming. A Ticket Around the Worldwill leave readers feeling like they've toured the globe without ever having left home.
We All Sing with the Same Voice by
A lyrical and joyful celebration of inclusion and respect First featured as a song on the widely popular Sesame Street, the beloved educational children's television show, We All Sing with the Same Voice is a joyous read-aloud that embraces the notion that no matter where children live or what they look like, they're all the same where it counts--at heart! With colorful illustrations from Geisel Honor-winning artist Paul Meisel, this celebration of love and respect has been noted by many teachers and parents as a top pick for teaching empathy. This hardcover edition comes with a CD of the song. I live across the street, In the mountains, On the beach. I come from everywhere, And my name is you.
We Shall Overcome by
It only takes a few words to create change. When those people sing out, they can change the world. 'We Shall Overcome' is one of these songs. From its humble beginnings in America's era of slavery through to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and beyond, it has come to represent the fight for equality and freedom around the world. This important book, lyrically written by Debbie Levy and paired with elegant, collage-style art by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, pays tribute to the heroic spirit of the famous song that encompasses American history.
What Makes Us Unique? by
When it comes to explaining physical, cultural and religious differences to children, it can be difficult to know where to begin.What Makes Us Unique?provides an accessible introduction to the concept of diversity, teaching children how to respect and celebrate people's differences and that ultimately, we are all much more alike than we are different. Additional questions at the back of the book allow for further discussion. Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the Just Enough series to empower parents/caregivers to start conversations with young ones about difficult or challenging subject matter. Other books in the series deal with birth, death, separation and divorce. For more information, visit www.justenoughseries.com.
Fry Bread by
Fry bread is food.It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate. Fry bread is time.It brings families together for meals and new memories. Fry bread is nation.It might look or taste different, but it is still shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond. Fry bread is us.It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.Fry Bread is a story told in lively and powerful verse by Seminole Nation member Kevin Noble Maillard, with vibrant art from Pura Belpre Award winner Juana Martinez-Neal.
The honour drum: sharing the beauty of Canada's indigenous people with children, families and classrooms by
The Honour Drum is a uniquely envisioned and crafted project shared between two Canadian friends–an Indigenous woman from the West Coast and a non-Indigenous man from Ontario–to reach children, families and classrooms across Canada and around the world with a message of great beauty and truth that should not be ignored. This vibrant book is an important starting place for learning and insight that is vital and, for many people of all ages, overdue. The Honour Drum is a love letter to the Indigenous people of Canada and a humble bow to Indigenous cultures around the world.
The Orange Shirt Story by
The Orange Shirt Story was the best selling children's book in Canada for several weeks in September (Book manager). This true story also inspired the movement of Orange Shirt Day which could become a federal statuatory holidayWhen Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack) turned six, she went to the residential school for the first time. On her first day at school, she wore a shiny orange shirt that her Granny had bought for her, but when she got to the school, it was taken away from her and never returned. This is the true story of Phyllis and her orange shirt. It is also the story of Orange Shirt Day (an important day of remembrance for First Nations and non First Nations Canadians).
When We Were Alone by
When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength. Also available in a bilingual Swampy Cree/English edition. When We Were Alone won the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award in the Young People's Literature (Illustrated Books) category, and was nominated for the TD Canadian's Children's Literature Award.