FAVORITE KIDS BOOKS FOR "INCLUSION"
If you know me, you know I love to read. So, when I found out I was pregnant, the first thing on my registry was books! Reading to your child as early as when they’re in the womb does wonders for bonding, and as they get older, develops a robust vocabulary, improves speech, gives them visual stimulation, and more.
My daughter has Pfeiffer Syndrome, and this is a physical disability that will cause her to have facial differences, a g tube, tracheostomy, and more. When she was diagnosed, I quickly found myself searching for books that embrace those with differences; let's be real; we are all different. The books I found speak on topics of kids from different ethnicities, those in wheelchairs, kids with autism, messages about owning your individuality, and more. I genuinely believe as parents, it's our job to expose our kids to these stories. My daughter will build her confidence by relating to the characters and seeing them succeed. If others read them, this is how we change the world. It will teach all kids to accept my Cali with open arms and love her like any other kid.
Below are my favorite books for inclusion, linked to a site for purchase and a write up on the beautiful message.
MESSAGE: A joyful celebration of individuality--and staying true to Y-O-U! This book holds some life lessons that, even as adults, we need to hear and follow. My favorite one is "BE BRAVE" - try new things, take a deep breath, and plunge forward into new experiences. I mean, come on, don't we all want our kids to start early at being brave. This book is simple, not a lot of text, but the words are impactful!
MESSAGE: Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are similar. Same, same. But different! This book allows kids to explore the world and understand culture. Not many books touch on how different parts of the world have different sayings, handshakes, and more that are the same as us but different. It has such a beautiful way of keeping the message simple with a catchy saying that will help reinforce the message for years to come.
MESSAGE: 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 simple the book is about a crow who has autism without actually saying the word.
MESSAGE: From skin, hair, and eyes in a multitude of colors to different personalities and interests, God gave us all unique traits and characteristics that make us uniquely ourselves. This is one of my favorites! This line sums it up, "Each one of us is different, cuz what fun would it be if I looked like my classmates and they all looked like me? PREACH! The illustrations are eye-catching, the messages cover all types of differences, and takes place in a classroom, playground, cafeteria, so the setting is so relatable.
MESSAGE: Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different kinds of people make our world more vibrant and beautiful.
Another favorite of mine! This book focuses on medical differences. The story takes you through various kids who have special medical needs and do their best to normalize it. Anthony has a wheelchair to go places, Madison is blind and uses a guide dog, Vijay is deaf and uses sign language, and the list goes on! It highlights their medical needs as superpowers and encourages kids to ask questions rather than stare! A great life lesson, right?
MESSAGE: Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms, a school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. My favorite line- We're part of a community. Our strength is our diversity. A shelter from adversity. All are welcome here.
7. Meeting Mimi: A Story About Different Abilities by Francie Dolan, Wendy Leach
MESSAGE: There are lots to learn about the new girl at school. She does not like beans. She does like to tell jokes. And, she has a physical disability. In this book, beginning readers in prekindergarten to grade 1 can join Mimi's classmates as they ask questions about different abilities and make a new friend. The lead character is a beautiful African American girl who is brave and educates her fellow friends as they ask her questions about her physical disability. I love how bold and confident Mimi is, and it radiates throughout the book. The book ends with talking topics for you to have with your child to fully understand how they can welcome a girl like Mimi.
MESSAGE: A beautifully illustrated, rhythmic story about a young girl's life with special needs. Through her brave attitude and silly humor, Moriah is an inspiration for us all. This is a book that families can enjoy together with a timeless message about love and acceptance, and just saying "hiya" when making a new friend with different abilities.
Another favorite!! So I might be biased since this book resembles Caliyah to a tee. This little girl Moriah has a g tube, tracheotomy, and many extra things to help her thrive. This book tells a story, but it's also very informative as it breaks down all medical needs and equipment Moriah uses with a glossary.
MESSAGE: There will be times when you walk into a room, and no one, there is quite like you. We all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
I am a big fan of Jacqueline Woodson! She writes books for adults, and she has seamlessly entered the kids' book world with this fantastic message. The lead character is an African American girl, and she talks about not fitting in. She touches on how socioeconomic status can divide people. It does a great job showing how your family's income can make you feel like you don't fit in. At the end of the day, the world makes space for her and will for your child!
