Best Children’s Books for Diversity and Inclusion (2026): 5 Picks

When introducing young readers to empathy and differing perspectives, finding the best children’s books for diversity and inclusion helps families and classrooms start meaningful conversations early. We compared five picture and board books by listed reading age, grade level, page count and format so parents and educators can choose the right fit for storytime.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	We're Different, We're the Same by Kates	9.8/10	Buy
2	One Big Heart by Davis	9.7/10	Buy
3	Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger by Cole	9.7/10	Buy
4	Our Skin by Madison	9.7/10	Buy
5	What I Like About Me! by Nolan	9.6/10	Buy

1

We're Different, We're the Same by Kates

Bobbi Kates·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Elmo and familiar Sesame Street characters guide toddlers and preschoolers through how people look different on the outside while sharing the same feelings and needs inside.

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Pros

• The listing states both a grade level of Preschool to 2 and a customer-listed reading age of 1 to 4 years.
• A 32-page picture book format pairs colorful illustrations with familiar characters to introduce differences to young children.
• The description highlights shared needs and feelings to help toddlers understand inclusion alongside adults.

Cons

• The reading age of 1 to 4 years is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher.
• The listing gives an original publication date of October 13, 1992, making it an older title.
• The upper grade level of Grade 2 extends past the customer-listed reading age cap of 4 years.

2

One Big Heart by Davis

Linsey Davis·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

This rhyming picture book suits families and classrooms looking to explore physical and personal differences while celebrating the everyday traits that unite children.

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Pros

• The listing provides both a grade level of Preschool to 3 and a customer-listed reading age of 2 to 6 years.
• The listing indicates an illustrated edition published on August 6, 2019, with 32 pages.
• The description notes rhyming text and whimsical art designed for reading aloud.

Cons

• The reading age of 2 to 6 years is marked as from customers rather than from the publisher.
• The description states the book is written from a Christian worldview, which may not fit every public classroom setting.
• Grade level extends to Grade 3, while the reading age ends at 6 years.

3

Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger by Cole

Elizabeth Cole·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A young boy named Nick learns to embrace his new glasses and appreciate the unique differences among his peers, making this story a solid fit for preschool and early elementary readers.

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Pros

• The listing includes a customer-listed reading age of 3 to 7 years across 30 pages.
• The spec table lists rhyming text, hand-drawn illustrations and an included coloring page.
• The description states the title was selected by the California Teachers Association as a California Reads 2024-2025 recommended book.

Cons

• No grade level is stated in the listing spec table.
• The reading age of 3 to 7 years is marked as from customers.
• The book is part of the World of Kids Emotions series, so readers may want companion volumes.

4

Our Skin by Madison

Megan Madison·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Designed for toddlers and caregivers, this board book offers straightforward language and backmatter discussion ideas to begin supportive conversations about race and unfairness.

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Pros

• The listing gives a customer-listed reading age of 2+ years across 38 pages.
• The description notes backmatter with discussion ideas and resources for adults.
• The listing shows publication on March 16, 2021, by Rise x Penguin Workshop.

Cons

• No grade level is stated on the listing.
• The reading age of 2+ years is marked as from customers rather than from the publisher.
• The description addresses discrimination and prejudice, which requires direct caregiver participation.

5

What I Like About Me! by Nolan

Allia Zobel Nolan·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Children celebrate physical traits like glasses and braces in this interactive board book, which suits toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy tactile features.

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Pros

• The listing provides both a grade level of Preschool to Kindergarten and a customer-listed reading age of 2 to 4 years.
• The description highlights an embedded mylar mirror on the final page for interactive self-reflection.
• The listing states an edition date of December 29, 2009, from Studio Fun International.

Cons

• The print length is short at 14 pages.
• The reading age of 2 to 4 years is marked as from customers.
• The spec table shows conflicting grade level text entries including Preschool - and Preschool - Kindergarten.

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More picks to compare

• Kids' Book of Diversity by StephensonFor children ages 3 to 8 exploring differences in families, languages, and abilities.Check on Amazon
• Perfectly You by DoestFor children ages 3 to 8 who enjoy rhyming stories about self-acceptance.Check on Amazon
• Included by SandersFor readers ages 5 to 12 learning about differing abilities and inclusive play.Check on Amazon
• How to Talk About Empathy by AugustFor families seeking global stories and discussion prompts about empathy and diverse perspectives.Check on Amazon
• We All Belong by DaviesFor toddlers ages 2 to 5 who enjoy rhyming text and peek-through pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 17 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level where published on the listing. All five of our picks give a customer-listed reading age, and three also state a grade level, while the remaining two listings leave the grade level unstated. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best children’s books for diversity and inclusion

Evaluate reading age alongside format

Board books and picture books serve different stages of early childhood. A 14-page board book like What I Like About Me! features an embedded mirror suited for toddlers, whereas a 32-page title like One Big Heart delivers longer rhyming text for older listeners. When selecting stories for shared reading, check our guide to the best children’s books for classroom settings.

Check reading level indicators and grade bands

Amazon listings frequently display customer-reported reading ages rather than publisher benchmarks. For instance, We’re Different, We’re the Same notes an age range of 1 to 4 years alongside a grade band of Preschool to 2. As young readers build confidence and graduate beyond illustrated picture books, you can explore longer titles among our middle grade books.

Before you buy

• Review whether the listed reading age is marked as from customers or provided by the publisher.
• Confirm the page count and binding format, such as board book versus paperback picture book.
• Check whether the title is standalone or part of a broader series like the World of Kids Emotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is We’re Different, We’re the Same suited for?

The listing gives a reading age of 1 to 4 years, marked as from customers, alongside a grade level of Preschool to 2. Its 32 pages focus on introducing differences through familiar Sesame Street characters.

How long is Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race?

The listing states a print length of 38 pages and a customer-listed reading age of 2+ years. It includes interactive text and backmatter resources to help adults guide the conversation.

Does Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger include extra activities?

Yes, the listing spec table confirms the 30-page book includes a coloring page alongside its rhyming story. The listing gives a customer-marked reading age of 3 to 7 years.

Still deciding? Our top pickWe're Different, We're the Same by Kates

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: browse picture books, young adult books, books for preschoolers and chapter books for children.