10 Books That Celebrate Diversity

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

This is a story of friendship against all odds. Pink and Say are both Union soldiers. However, Say is white, and Pink is a soldier in the colored regiment. Pink risks his life to save a wounded Say. Overall, their lives are forever altered in the face of an oncoming Confederate army.

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story by Rebecca Langston-George

The life of Malala Yousafzai, youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, comes to life in this vibrantly illustrated book. Malala's story opens doorways to many valuable conversations about racism, the importance of education, and when to stand up for what one believes in.

Africa is My Home: A Child of the Amistad by Monica Edinger

Margu is a young girl taken from Sierra Leone and sold as a slave upon the Amistad. Her remarkable journey back to her homeland brings her into contact with such historical figures as John Quincy Adams.

Jars of Hope: How One Woman Helped Save 2,500 Children During the Holocaust by Jennifer Roy

Irene Sendler, a Polish social worker, risked everything in order to save thousands of Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Irene's partnership with a Polish resistance organization ultimately ends with her own imprisonment, but not before she provides a means of escape and hope for countless others.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

The heroism of countless citizens during the German occupation of Denmark in WWII is told from the perspective of Annemarie Johansen, a ten-year-old Danish girl. When life becomes increasingly perilous for Jewish citizens, Annemarie's family gives shelter to her young Jewish friend, Ellen. This is the story of human connection in a time where it's seems hard to find goodness and kindness.

Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada

Margie, a Mexican-American fifth grader, often feels at odds with her Mexican roots. In addition, these feelings intensify when her cousin visits from Mexico. The immigrant experience is beautifully told in this story about the importance of family, friendship, and remembering who you are.

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

This is the perfect literary piece to include in your existing social studies curriculum. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the lives of Japanese-Americans forever changed. This is the story of Manami, a young girl and her family whose lives were upended as they were removed from their home and sent to an internment camp.

Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard

Drita tells the story of a friendship between Drita (a refugee from Kosovo) and Maxie (a fast-talking tough girl). The book shows readers that the experiences of love and loss speak a universal language. When Drita begins attending her new school, she struggles to make friends. Maxie is less than welcoming until the two are forced together for a research project. Finally, things begin to change.