Neither by Airlie Anderson (ages 3-7)
This charming book challenges young readers to see beyond the binary by framing the main character’s struggle – born into the Land of This and That, but not quite fitting into either “this” or “that”- in a way that encourages empathy and discovery. Neither allows all of us to explore gender and what it means […]
Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman (ages 3-8)
The author of the well-known Heather Has Two Mommies, Leslea Newman has several books about LGBTQ families. This one takes a somewhat heavy-handed approach about a gender non-conforming character, but the book’s clear, unwavering messages of support and acceptance are heartening.
Sumi’s First Day of School Ever by Joung Un Kim and Soyung Pak (ages 3-6)
Thoughtful picture book about a young Korean girl on her first day of school. Beautiful, expressive illustrations show how a considerate teacher and even a new friend help Sumi discover that school might not be so lonely after all.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (ages 4 to 7)
A funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance.
Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents by Julia Cook (ages 4 to 8)
Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents is a book that helps kids understand the emotional toll that cliques can have on those who are excluded from popular social groups. It also teaches children how to build better relationships.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts (ages 5 to 8)
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes. Jeremy soon sees that the things he […]
One by Kathryn Otoshi (ages 4-6)
Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, […]
The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber (ages 4-8)
“Readers will chime in with the ‘hip, hip hooray’ this cuddly-looking creature earns when he finally embraces and celebrates his differences.” —Kirkus
Say Something by Peggy Moss (ages 5-8)
The girl in this story sees it happening, but she would never do these mean things herself. Then one day something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn’t enough. Will she take some steps on her own to help another kid? Could it be as simple as sitting on the bus with […]
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson (ages 5-8)
In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipes for turning your best enemy into your best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.