Diverse & Inclusive Children’s Books for the Classroom & Beyond
”We read — all of us, not just kids — to see two kinds of worlds: our own, and the ones we can’t imagine. We read to see ourselves reflected, and to peek into other people’s lives… our kids also need to read about people not like them to expand their horizons and their empathy.”
Children’s Books as “Mirrors”, “Windows”, & “Sliding Glass Doors”
Children need books that provide them with “mirror”, “window”, and “sliding glass door” experiences. Simply put, the idea of books as “windows” and “mirrors” explains students should see themselves reflected in the books they read, as well as witness the worlds of others to compare to their own.¹ While in grad school, I was exposed to a perspective that adds onto this idea. Offered by Bishop in 1990 it additionally includes the idea of books being “sliding glass doors”. Children need books that allow them to enter the worlds of others.² I wanted to share a few favorites from my library that open up these different worlds.
Novels
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
This first book tells the story of a gifted child and how, after experiencing a traumatic life event, she overcomes grief. It shares the important reminder that sometimes it’s okay to swim against the tide.
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
I have several books by the children’s writer Sharon M. Draper in my library. Out of My Mind is one that does an excellent job welcoming the reader into the world of a young girl with physical disabilities. This book was a tear jerker for me, but addresses and helps the reader further understand what is a reality for many.
Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
This novel by Sharon M. Draper is set in the segregated south in 1932 and highlights the realities of African-American life in the United States during this time. This book is the perfect conversation stater and a fantastic way to introduce children to this time in U.S. history, while making connections to modern day through the relatable characters.
Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling
Sylvia & Aki is a historical fiction novel based on the real life experiences of two young girls from Mexican American and Japanese American families, whose paths cross in an unlikely way. Another book great for striking up conversations about social justice and major events in U.S. history, how they affected the lives of these young girls in the 1940’s, and the impact they still hold today!
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This final novel addresses the realities of a young girl who flees from Mexico to California to work in a labor camp. It discusses the historical impact the Great Depression had on her situation and leaves the reader reflecting on how the protagonist can overcome the challenges she faces.
Picture Books
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Ada Twist, Scientist is a fun story that makes the perfect mentor text. I love incorporating this book into science lessons as it leads to discussion about what exactly a scientist is as it follows a young girl investigating and asking questions about the world around her. The story challenges societal norms and displays a young, Black, female in the STEM field.
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
Say Something is a book that is just as important for children and adults alike. It opens the floor up for conversation about what a hero may look like and how “saying something” may look different for everyone. No matter what it may look like, at the end of the day if you stand up for what is right, that makes you a hero.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
This picture book is the perfect way to build a classroom culture of care, especially at the primary level! It makes the perfect beginning of the year read aloud and encourages children that when you understand and embrace your story you will never feel alone, but rather that is “the day you begin".
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Be Kind is the perfect way to reflect on what it means to be kind while building classroom community. This heartwarming story provides relatable and realistic ways anyone can spread kindness and is the perfect reminder we can all use sometimes.
When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb
This final book is another great story to open up a discussion on disabilities and how an open mind can develop new friendships. The story allows for greater understanding on what it means to be compassionate and inclusive, explaining “…different is different, and different is ok.”
I hope you enjoy this brief list of novels and picture books for different age levels! Whether they’re for your classroom or to be enjoyed as gifts, may they offer a chance for the reader to reflect, learn, and grow through a mirror, window, or sliding glass door experience.
Happy reading!
Sources
¹Style, E. (1988). Curriculum as Window and Mirror. Listening for All Voices.
² Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors. Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom. Vol. 6, No. 3 pp. 1-2.
