Back to School Reading List

As schools all over the country are starting to welcome back kids to school, parents might be starting to plan their back-to-school routine.  This back-to-school routine might include books your kids will be reading at school. But it’s also important to talk to your children about the diversity they might encounter at school. One great way to prepare your kids to get back in the classroom is by coming up with your own Back to School Reading List!

You don’t want to just go out and buy any random children’s books though. With so many options available in the book store I’ve compiled a list to help you get started!

Books that celebrate diversity

Going back to school means kids from all kinds of backgrounds will be spending time together. That is why we will focus on books promoting diversity and inclusion. So many adults still struggle with feeling empowered in their skin, so it’s important to start educating your kids on these sensitive topics as early as possible.

Keep reading for some of the best children’s books that celebrate diversity in 2022.

Back to School Reading List

Strut, Baby, Strut– by Amika Kroll & Ebony Glenn

Perfect for kids up to the age of four, this story follows the coming-of-age transformation of a little girl into a confident woman. Using fun lyrical techniques, this story is both engaging and educational. It subtly teaches young girls to be ambitious and bold, while showing love and compassion to others. It’s all about embracing who you are, no matter what you look like or where you come from.

Check it out on Amazon and add to cart!

Back to School Reading List

Eyes The Kiss in the Corners– by Joanna Ho

In this picture book for kids who can’t quite read yet, Joanna Ho tells the story of a young Asian girl who doesn’t understand why her eyes look different than other kids. The overarching message is to love yourself for who you are and embrace your roots.

Something like this is extremely beneficial to introduce as early as possible, so kids have an understanding before they even start to meet their classmates! Showing a book like this to your child will help them understand that it doesn’t matter if their classmates look different than them. In fact, you could end up with a child who holds a safe space for students from diverse backgrounds, which is just a beautiful thing to imagine for young children.

Check it out on Amazon.

Back to School Reading List:

My Hair Is a Garden– by Cozbi A. Cabrera

It’s hard for little kids to grow up feeling different than others, and when it comes to hair, little girls can develop insecurities earlier than you’d think. My Hair is a Garden illustrates the beauty of natural hair and follows a young girl as she learns to treasure the natural beauty she was born with. Much like you would carefully tend to a bountiful garden, this book helps young girls understand how and why they should embrace their hair texture, even if it’s different from their friends.

Buy a copy today at Amazon.

Back to School Reading List:

Noodlephant– by Jacob Kramer and K-Fai Steele

The authors of this children’s book took a creative approach to illustrate the importance of diversity and inclusion. Noodlephant, an elephant who loves noodles, takes issue with some local Kangaroos when they start to dictate who can and can’t eat noodles.  

The serious topic of diversity and inclusion is depicted in a simple-to-understand way when Noodlephant makes it his mission to stand up for everyone’s right to enjoy pasta.

Check it out on Amazon.

Back to School Reading List:

You Are Not Alone– by Alphabet Rockers & Ashley Evans

We all know what it feels like to feel alone, and for kids that might experience prejudice, this feeling carries even more weight. This engaging picture book uses an empowering song by the Grammy-nominated hip-hop group Alphabet Rockers. The lyrics encourage young children to celebrate their heritage, embrace their identity, and find their voice to stand up for themselves in the face of adversity.

Check it out on Amazon.

At the end of the day, your child’s success is your priority, and if you want them to flourish as the best version of themselves. You want to make sure you’re passing along valuable lessons that they might not be exposed to elsewhere. Not only that, but you want to prepare them for difficult experiences they might end up facing in school or elsewhere.

It should be noted that these books shouldn’t only be read to kids that are represented in the books, but to any young children! As diverse groups face different challenges every day, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re teaching your kids what it means to be an ally. Sometimes kids can say hurtful things without understanding, and you have no idea what kind of positive impact a simple bedtime story can make.

If you have any additional children’s books you love that celebrate diversity, please feel free to share!