To help amplify the voices of diverse authors, I have curated a list of children’s books from the author community. If you have missed Part 1 of this article series, make sure you check out other children’s books from picture books, middle grade and young adult here.
What happens when a child loses a tooth on Christmas Eve? Can a tooth be put under the pillow for the Tooth Fairy even though Santa is expected that same night? This question is answered through the experience of six-year-old Amanda who has this very problem upon losing her first tooth. Amanda’s wish comes true with evidence to prove it in this delightful children’s book.
Becoming Beautiful is a groundbreaking picture book that teaches young girls the importance of positive body image and self-esteem.

It is a book on diversity, inclusion, accepting, and loving who you are.

Written for the special girl in your life to remind and encourage her to always be herself and to love who she is—inside and out.

A book that celebrates how our differences are strengths and how each of us has a unique and special mission in life that only we can fulfill.

This book is:

•Positive, educational and fun
•Teaches the development of positive body image
•Emphasizes personal qualities over physical image
•Inspires to believe in self
•Helps combats stereotypes and builds confidence
•Teaches appreciating and respecting what the body can do vs what it looks

With powerful storytelling and stunning imagery, this message is delivered handsomely. Celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other events with the lasting gift of this remarkable book.

Give the gift of self-love to your daughter, grand-daughter, niece, or friend’s daughter TODAY!

 

Learn more about this book over on their Kickstarter page here.
You know about the 12 Days of Christmas. But do you know about the 5 days of Diwali, India’s Festival of Lights?

Go on an adventure with Maya, Neel, and their cute little partner, Chintu the squirrel, as they learn all about this famous Indian festival of lights including Dhanteras, Diwali sweets, Rangoli drawings, fireworks, and the special sibling bond of Bhai Dooj.

See all 14 books in the series here.

Led by Best-Selling Author Amanda Lynch, Rethinking Resiliency is a think tank of professionals who have developed a wellness initiative rooted in mindfulness principles to address toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences. We teach participants to develop skills that increase personal resilience, self-regulation, and to empower communities. An emphasis is placed on the impact of toxic stress, self-regulation skills, immediate relief of stress-related symptoms, and the development of a heightened sense of control over future wellness.

See books below:

The Mindfulness Room

Breathe Baby Breathe: An ABC Guide to Mindfulness 

The 5 Minute Mindfulness Journal for Kids 

Wearing a hijab, or Muslim headscarf, to school can be a challenge when it makes you stand out from the crowd. But, is being different a bad thing? Find out the answer to this question and more in this fun book that reveals some amazing secrets about a little Muslim girl’s hijab. The hilarious illustrations and delightful rhymes will have you squealing for more, but, shhh, it’s a SECRET!

View more books from the author here.

She can’t walk. She can’t even talk. But she has so much to tell you…

Eleven-year-old Harriet has Cerebral Palsy. At her new Secondary School, she is bullied and ridiculed every day and she doesn’t know how to make friends.

Charlotte tries – but how do you talk to someone who won’t talk back?

Perfect for fans of RJ Palacio’s Wonder and Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Mind.

About Author: Kate Darbishire has a daughter with Cerebral Palsy and has worked in Special Needs Schools for nearly ten years.

This delightfully fun book with beautifully hand-drawn and creative illustrations for children ages 6 – 10 is about an alligator called Alli, who has dysgraphia and has to deal with the frustrations, shame, and despair of not being able to write. He lives in the Everglade Lakes, Florida where he goes to school with his friends; the opossums, raccoons, Red-turtle, and Amy-deer. Alli has terrific ideas, but he can’t get his thoughts down on paper. Skunky teases and bullies Ally, because Skunky can write beautifully with his tail! The book discusses how peers can be cruel to anyone who is different; it will help to explain to young children about the nature of diversity and acceptance; not just in the classroom but throughout society. People with dysgraphia, often have very slow writing, illegible or lacking in fluency, finding getting their ideas in the correct order particularly hard. Alli learns to overcome his difficulties with his writing with the help of loveable supportive characters; Dr. Dolphin, an educational psychologist, his teachers Miss Panther and Miss Snake and Mummy and Daddy-Alligator. This book should be read by children, parents, educators, and anyone who has a loved one struggling with a learning disability. It’s a story of resilience and hope. There is a section for parents and educators where Maria Chivers explains what dysgraphia is and provides extensive information, help, practical strategies, and useful tips to help students with difficulties meet their full potential. Maria Chivers is an International Author on Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, and other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD’s).
Micah monkey was born cheeky and full of energy. He was also born deaf. Even though he cannot hear, this little monkey has special skills that help him communicate.

Can you guess what they are?

Book two in the Mikah Can! series.

Mikah is a cheeky monkey. He is full of energy and fun. This little primate loves to swing, play, and explore. One day, Mikah wonders just a bit too far and quickly finds himself lost! Oh, dear! Mikah Monkey is deaf and finds it hard to tell others what is going on. He had no idea what he is going to do. How will this scared little monkey get home to his family?

Tia and Claire both have challenges at school. Tia has a new pair of glasses and Claire uses a wheelchair. Their fears of teasing at school come true, but from shared adversity comes a true friendship as they find they have much in common beyond their obvious differences.
NO SUCH THING AS NORMAL SPEAKS TO THE CURIOSITIES AND DIFFICULT QUESTIONS THAT ARISE IN A WORLD FULL OF DIVERSITY. EQUIPPED WITH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THIS STORY PROVIDES A CREATIVE, HONEST, AND INTERACTIVE WAY TO INSTILL DIGNITY AND RESPECT FOR ALL PEOPLE. 

This book is designed to teach inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. No Such Thing As Normal is recommended for children of all ages.

This engaging picture book shows everyday life with little crow siblings when one of them is on the autism spectrum.

My Brother Otto is a child-friendly, endearing, and fun picture book for children about the love, acceptance, and understanding a sister, Piper, has for her little brother Otto, who is on the autism spectrum. The book provides explanations for Otto’s differences and quirkiness in an easy-to-understand language and highlights Otto’s desires for adventure and love―just like his peers. To be more specific, My Brother Otto is a sweet story about a sister and a brother who engage in common, everyday experiences in their own unique way with the idea that kindness and understanding always win!

Missed out on Part 1 of Making a Difference with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in books?

View it here.