Sometimes people are mean to you if you’re different.
Sometimes they say being different is bad. They might say things to make you
wish you were like everyone else. You might feel ashamed or afraid of being
different.
You should never feel ashamed of being different. Pride is
the opposite of shame: you feel good about who you are and what makes you
different -- and special. I hope that one day, everyone can feel pride about
who they are, and no one has to live in fear.
Here are some books for kids about people who might be
different from you. You should talk about your thoughts and feelings with a
parent or trusted adult.
This post is a special children’s installment of Diverse
Reads, a series that gathers books with diverse characters or authors: people
who are LGBTQIA+, Native, people of color, gender diverse, people with
disabilities, or ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities. I hope that these
books help open a window for you into other worldviews.
by Michael Genhart
(2019)
Children from different kinds of families show the original meanings of the colors in the rainbow flag. Then they come together at a parade to share in a day when we are all united.
by Daniel Haack
(2018)
Once upon a time, there was a prince in line to take the
throne. His parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. While they
were away, a terrible dragon threatened their land! The prince hurried to save
his kingdom and was met by a brave knight in a suit of brightly shining armor.
Together they fought the dragon and discovered that special something the
prince was looking for all along.
by Jessica Love
(2018)
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela,
Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. When he gets home, all he
can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid
costume. But what will Abuela think?
by Maddox Lyons
(2020)
Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl. His
parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out, his friend thinks
he must be a tomboy, and his teacher insists he should be proud to be a girl.
But a birthday wish, a new word, and a stroke of courage might be just what
Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is.
by Fran Manushkin
(2020)
Two mommies spend a sunny day with their toddler: on a bike
ride, at the zoo, and finally back home. All along the way, there are “plenty
of hugs for you and me.”
*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*