It was such a challenge to entertain all three of my kids with just one book when they were smaller given their age differences. When my oldest, Grasshopper and Sensei, was in first grade, age 6 with younger siblings clocking in at 4 and 2, I read them all piles of picture books. That worked really well in terms of content, but we could read 10 picture books in one sitting so I was going to the library three times a week, searching for the “good books.”
Another approach which I wish I had thought of is to read a gentle chapter book to all. I compiled a separate list for girls and boys, but, upon reflection, wanted a list to share of diversity/multicultural/inclusive chapter books that would also work for kids ages 6 and up. The plot must be riveting but the action not too scary or confusing.
Five Amazing Diversity Read Aloud Books for All Ages
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
I was a little shy to recommend this book because I worried it’s too “Old Korea” though it won a Newbery award, when I asked around, I found that many kids I knew love this book. Valarie from Jump Into a Book raves about it unprompted as well.
Set during the Yi Dynasty (which my husband’s father’s side is related too), it’s the story of Korea’s Golden Age and of their greatest artistic achievement, beautiful Celadon pottery. But it’s also the story of a young orphan living in the streets who becomes a potter’s apprentice and gets the chance to present his master’s work to the emperor! [chapter book, ages 8 and up but perfect for a read-aloud for ages 6 and up]
The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill
I love this historical fiction chapter book for so many reasons! Set in 1948 in rural Alaska, it’s a wonderful portrait of how native Americans lived and what school was like for them. It’s also the uplifting story of how a wonderful teacher can change lives and open doors. [chapter book, ages and up but a great read-aloud for ages 6 and up]
What The Moon Saw by
The challenge of living between two worlds can be difficult to explain, especially the hardships of undocumented workers but I love how this chapter book brings this situation to life from the eyes of a young girl whose father immigrated from Mexico to the United States and her curiosity brings her back to his village to learn more about his old life. [chapter book, ages 8 and up. Try as a read-aloud for ages 7 and up]
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
“Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” From Wonder.
R. J. Palacio inspires us all to be kinder than necessary with her uplifting story of a boy who is different from the others but bravely decides to switch from homeschool to private school. It’s a story that invites us all to be allies in the face of bullies. [chapter book, ages 8 and up but a great read-aloud for ages 6 and up]
Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson
I had the most difficulty finding an outstanding African-American chapter book that also worked for a younger age as a read aloud. The books I loved (Brown Girl Dreaming, One Crazy Summer, anything by Christopher Paul Curtis), have topics that are too old for first graders. I ended up choosing Jacqueline Woodson’s Newbery honor picture book Show Way because I loved how it tells her story from slavery to the present but in a universal way. It’s a picture book with dignity that also shows the way to Common Core topics in future years from Civil Rights to Slavery. [picture book, ages 6 and up]
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My books:
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
Mia, these book choices look great. I have read two of them, but not the first three and they sound really enticing and just my cup of tea. Thanks for sharing them with everyone.
Thanks so much Alex! I hope you like them when you get a chance to read them!
I definitely need to look into Show Way. I have a 7 year old daughter, who is just now getting into reading but tends to gravitate towards picture books and I have an 18 month old son, who at his age just wants to eat the book.
Hi Jackie,
I love Show Way and the book binding is thick enough to chew on :).
Thank you for sharing these books that can really open up a child’s world!
Thanks so much Maryanne!!
Following from The Book Nook at Create with Joy…
It’s so important to expose kids to diverse books. I loved reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio!
Hi Jennifer,
I just discovered the eBook add ons to Wonder. They are wonderful too! The Julian chapter was my favorite but they are all good! It was worth getting an eReader just to read them!
Such an awesome list!! I want to recommend a book I recently purchased for my son called “The Little Brown Animal” by author DiMari Bailey (www.dimaribailey.com ). I have been through so many books that are so heavy handed with their messages, it sometimes sucks the fun right out of the book. I am a strong advocate of children getting something out of the things they read (not just pure entertainment value). A young child is so impressionable it is important to provide high quality educational materials for them, education for the mind and for the soul. This book leans towards the latter and does so in such a beautiful way. This little animal (who does not have a name) doesn’t feel like he fits in and is envious of his fellow forest dwellers. He embarks on a journey that helps him to embrace his differences and learns the importance of everyone having their own unique characteristics 🙂 Elegantly illustrated and lovingly written my son is enamored with The Little Brown Animal. Teaching values of self respect, and self esteem. Loving oneself no matter what qualities you posses. I feel this is a book that will stay with him(and with me!) for a long time.
Hi Claudia,
I will be on the lookout at the library for The Little Brown Animal. Thanks for your great book recommendation. It sounds like a wonderful book!
Hi Mia, just wanted the let you and your readers know. That The Crystal Navigator has been published in Spanish. It was voted the best educational work of middle grade fiction of 2014 by Reader’s Favorite, is a Mom’s Choice Award Winner, and had a recommended by Kirkus and school librarians in 7 eastern states. It is also used by Cengage. I hope your readers enjoy it. Thank you,
Nancy
Congrats Nancy!! That’s so wonderful!!