Picture Books About Inclusion and Diversity

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Picture books are a great way to introduce children to new information and social constructs. Below are a collection of a few picture books that can help with teaching about diversity and accepting those that are different from us.  ​ ​

We’ll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

Emma’s baby brother is born with Down Syndrome and she is curious about what struggles he is going to face in life. Their father is patient with Emma and teaches her about encouraging her brother to succeed. He explains that with love and patience, her brother will be able to do anything he wants to. This book explores the impact of acceptance and support for those with disabilities. 

One, Two, Three... Jump! by Carol Thompson 

This book explores movement as well as the differences between all of us. It promotes understanding of each other’s differences in the way we move, whether it be fast or slow, and that it is alright to be an individual.   

Little Rainman: Autism Through the Eyes of a Child by Karen Simmons 

This book was written by a mother whose son has autism and is considered a classic by those in the autism community. It is written through the eyes of a child with autism in which he explains his experiences and the way he sees the world. It gives readers an opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes and understand more about the autism diagnosis.   

Just Because by Rebecca Elliott 

The book is told from the perspective of a boy whose sister has special needs. He explains all of the fun activities that he enjoys doing with his big sister and we see acceptance and accommodation depicted in a wonderful way.    

​Seal Surfer by Michael Foreman   

A grandfather and grandson experience an afternoon of bonding as they get the opportunity to watch a baby seal being born at the beach. The young boy is a surfer that has a modified surf board due to his disability. When the boy is in trouble one day, the baby seal comes to the rescue teaching readers about friendship despite our differences. ​ ​ 

That's What Friends Do by Kathryn Cave  

In this book there are two seemingly unlikely friends that teach readers about the beauty of friendship between those who are different from one another and the importance of helping a friend in need.    

Optional Resources for Further Study

• 10 Children's Books that Teach Inclusion, Supporting Inclusive Communities – The official CLC Network blog
• 11 Children's Books that Teach Inclusion, By Meg Kehoe, Apr 29 2016

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Inclusive Classroom?
3. Reverse-Mainstreaming​
4. Reverse-Mainstreaming​​ (1/7)
5. Everyone Benefits
6. Benefits of Inclusion (2/7)
7. Speech Delays

8. Developmental Delays
9. Hearing Loss
10. Physical Disabilities
11. More Inclusive​ (3/7)
12. Inclusive Education
13. Inclusive Education​​ (4/7)
14. Inclusivity During Circle Time ​ 

15. Teaching About Diversity
16. Picture Books About Inclusion
17. Our Classroom Book (5/7)
18. The Colors I am Inside​ (6/7)
19. End of Course Assessment (7/7)
20. End of Course Evaluation
21. Parking Lot