Diverse Book List
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Equity Committee has created a Diverse Book List, geared toward consistently representing all students in an equitable and inclusive way. The book list is extensive and broken down into curriculum units that are often seen in the Co-op classrooms. From Dinosaurs to Friendship, Outer Space to Families, you are sure to find some excellent ideas for reading aloud with your children.
Caring (Dealing with Feeling...)
Isabel Thomas | Ages 4+
Happy, Angry, Sad, Worried, Proud, Jealous, Caring, and Shy all show healthy ways of understanding and managing emotions, as modeled by diverse children.
Not ‘Til Tomorrow, Phoebe
Julie Zwillich | Ages 4+
Phoebe is very frustrated that people keep telling her to wait until tomorrow. Her grandmother gives her a new perspective that helps her feel better.
All Kinds of Friends
Sheila Kelly | Ages 2+
Photos of friends and the things they like to do together.
Bree Finds a Friend
Mike Huber | Ages 2+
Bree digs alone in the school yard when she finds a worm and a new friend joins her.
Yo! Yes?
Chris Raschka | Ages 2+
Simple words and illustrations introduce how to make a friend.
You Hold Me Up
Monique Gray Smith | Ages 2+
Encourages children to show each other love and support. Features present day Indigenous people. Available in Ojibwa or Cree with English edition.
My Friend Isabelle
Eliza Woloson | Ages 2+
Charlie describes playing with his friend Isabelle, who has Down syndrome.
What Riley Wore
Elana K. Arnold | Ages 2+
Riley wears everything from ball gowns to police officer jackets to bunny costumes. When a kid asks Riley whether they are a boy or a girl, Riley’s non-specific answer doesn’t affect their budding friendship.
Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged
Zetta Elliott | Ages 2+
A girl uses rhyming verse to describe the unique traits of her autistic friend, Benny.
Jenny Mei Is Sad
Tracy Subisak | Ages 3+
A girl models how to be a good friend to someone who is struggling by being there for her through everything.
A Friend for Henry
Jenn Bailey | Ages 3+
A heartfelt story from the perspective of an autistic boy celebrates the everyday magic of finding a first friend.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
Michelle Edwards | Ages 3+
Mrs. Goldman knits hats for everyone else, so when Sophia notices that Mrs. Goldman’s head is cold, she decides to make her first hat.