Here are nine of my favorite books to teach students to respect differences and value others’ unique qualities.
Maddi’s Fridge – by Lois Brandt
This light-hearted and relatable book dives into the topic of childhood hunger and poverty. I love his book so much because it shows two friends who, that despite their differences and individual challenges want to be there for each other. There are funny parts mixed in with serious messages of respecting differences, having generosity, and showing compassion.
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All Are Welcome – by Alexandra Penfold
This is a beautiful book that follows children through their school day. No matter what background or interests, all are welcome! This showcases a school where diversity is a strength and allows students to celebrate and learn from one another’s traditions in such an inspiring way. A must-have for your counseling office!
All Are Welcome (An All Are Welcome Book)
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A Family is a Family is a Famly – by Sara O’Leary
All families are different and this book is perfect to start the process to understand and respect differences within the classroom. In this book, students were asked to think about what makes their family special, the answers are different but so relatable.
A Family Is a Family Is a Family
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The Big Umbrella – by Amy June Bates
Such a cute book about inclusion! There’s this big umbrella and when it’s raining all are welcome to come under it! No matter how many need to come under the umbrella, there will ALWAYS be room.
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Mixed – by Arree Chung
In the beginning, there were three colors… red, yellow, and blue. When one color decides they are the best, it starts a big problem. That is until a couple of colors come together to show how to embrace and respect differences. This is a cute story that young learners can connect to!
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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures – by Julia Finley Mosca
This book is an inspiration to students who feel different than their peers. It shows students that it’s okay and some of the most amazing things come from thinking differently. In this book, they get to meet Dr. Temple Grandin, who at a young age was diagnosed with autism. She inspires others through her amazing accomplishments with animals. She is known as a science hero to this day!
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists, 1)
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Moses Goes to a Concert – by Isaac Millman
This book is truly unique and one that will show students how awesome American Sign Language (ASL) is. This book is about Moses and his friends are deaf. They communicate in ASL, use visual cues, and read facial expressions. Even though they can’t hear, they enjoy having fun and communicating just like everyone else! This book is perfect for showing students how to learn new things and respect differences among peers.
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The Day You Begin – by Jacqueline Woodson
This book is all about finding the courage to connect, even when things feel scary! Sometimes, negative thoughts get into our minds about how we don’t fit in or are not like everyone else. This book empowers readers to get connected and find ways to put themselves out there.ย Students learn to share about themselves and realize that others can find ways to relate.
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Anti-Bullying Book for Girls – by Jessica Woody
Stand up to bullying with this interactive guide for girls ages 8 to 12
One of the toughest issues girls face is bullying. This standout among bullying books for kids will help girls find their voice and put a stop to bullying, whether it’s happening to them or to their friends. They’ll find supportive advice that addresses the unique challenges of girl-on-girl bullying and shows them how to boost their confidence, deal with bullying in the moment, and be more empathetic toward others.
In addition to teaching kids to be kind, this hands-on guide can help girls:
- Better understand bullying–Get a breakdown of what bullying is, why it happens, the difference between bullying and teasing, and how girl bullying often looks different from boy bullying.
- Express themselves creatively–Girls will discover plenty of space to write and reflect on their experiences, plus drawing prompts, quizzes, affirmations, and more to help them battle bullying.
- Build healthy friendships–Empower girls with the tools to move on from a toxic friendship, disagree with others respectfully, and form great lifelong friendships.
Give girls the tools and support they need to stop bullying in its tracks with this compassionate guide.
Anti-Bullying Book for Girls: Practical Tools to Manage Bullying and Build Confidence
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I use books like this in my classroom counseling lessons and with individual students. But, what I love doing most of all is housing books in my resource library! I let teachers check them out to do specific lessons. There are times when teachers have something come up they need to talk about with their students… and my schedule is already full. So, SEL Mini-Packs work really well!
Want more book ideas? Check out Much-Needed Book List for Back to School Anxiety and Top 10 Childrenโs Books That Teach Social Skills
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of books that teach us to respect differences, just some of my favorites! What are some books you use in your lessons?
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