Happy Children’s Book Week! It’s no secret that children’s literacy is a passion project for us, as we’ve raised over 32 million dollars in funds for literacy and libraries, as well as donating nearly 30 million books, many of which have benefited children. To celebrate, we’re offering up some children’s titles that encourage empathy and inclusion.
New Kid
By Jerry Craft
New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft. Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life.
Hair Love
By Matthew A. Cherry and Illustrated by Vashiti Harrison
Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her — and her hair — happy.
It’s Okay to Be Different
By Todd Parr
It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format featuring Todd Parr’s trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes.
You Matter
By Christian Robinson
In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored–from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding.
Stories for Kids Who Dare to Be Different
By Ben Brooks
Boys will be boys and girls will be girls? Not in this book. The follow-up to Ben Brooks’s New York Times bestselling Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different, this book offers more extraordinary true stories of amazing people who broke the mold and changed the world for the better.
