When children can see themselves and their experiences in the books they read, it fosters a sense of belonging. When differences can be celebrated, we are that much closer to making our world more inclusive and equitable. There are many heartwarming and beautifully written books that introduce the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Two of our favorites are The Day you Begin and Different A Great Thing to Be,

The Day You Begin is written by National Book award winner Jacqueline Woodson and illustrator Rafael Lopez. They have created a book with a powerful message and dazzling illustrations. The story encourages children to celebrate the “different” in all people. The book speaks to younger readers in elementary grades. 

Meghan (seven years old) is one of the student book reviewers for Together We Rock! Meghan loved The Day You Begin and gave it her stamp of approval with five stars. Meghan’s most important takeaway from this book was the message “including people, and that it is OK to be different. Being different makes us special”.

Different A Great Thing to Be is about a young girl named Macy who is the same and quite different from other kids. When her peers stare and tell her she does not belong Macy finds a way to show everyone that when we accept the uniqueness of each other, great things can happen! This book is written by New York Times Best Selling author Heather Avis with welcoming illustrations by Sarah Mensinga. The common themes of courage, kindness and acceptance are interwoven through this story.

 Ainsley (six years old) who is one of the student book reviewers for Together We Rock!  highly recommended this book and gave it five stars. Ainsley said that “this book is about some people not liking people who are different.” Ainsley liked “how Macy was courageous” and helped people to understand that “different is good.”

These children’s books are available from community and school libraries, independent bookstores and online sources.