Diversity, inclusion, and tolerance are topics where books can prove to be an invaluable aid in helping to teach children about different cultures and experiences and understanding a character’s point of view. In primary schools, children need to learn about all aspects of diversity and feel empowered to discuss what makes all of us unique, valued and respected in terms of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, education, disability, identity, nationality, religion, sexuality, neurodiversity, social background, and beliefs. This list of books on the topic of diversity aims to provide KS2 teachers with suitable texts to help generate cross-curricular discussion, empathise with diverse characters, and provide a stimulus for written work. Authors include Kwame Alexander, Sihle Nontshokweni, Michael Rosen, Polly Ho-Yen, Shaun Tan, Anne Frank, and Paul Harfleet.
Diversity – suggested topic books for KS1 and KS2 primary aged children
The Boy Who Loves to Lick the Wind by Fiona Carswell
This beautifully illustrated picture book story follows two boys, one with autism, as they share a seaside adventure of friendship and bonding. Through throwing stones, collecting shells, and licking the wind they find common ground and understanding. Suitable for children aged 4+, this subtle and inclusive story will help teachers discuss empathy and acceptance with EYFS and KS1 classes. Highly recommended.
Where? by Jordan Collins, illustrated by Phil Lesnie
Follow Jordan’s thoughts, fears and dreams in this book that invites readers to think about how we treat each other, how we feel about injustice and microaggressions and how we are all equal in the universe. Absolutely stunning, with atmospheric and awe-inspiring illustrations, this large format picture book is a work of art. It’s imbued with awe and wonder and highly recommended for reading to children in KS1 and discussing in PSHE with KS2 students.
The Island by Armin Greder
A visually powerful picture story about a shipwrecked man who is at first treated with suspicion and fear, and then subjected to blame, prejudice, and hate. The clever progression and downward spiral of the village society’s behaviour are beautifully choreographed through the artwork and this is an ideal text to both discuss with 9-11-year-olds in KS2 and use as the basis for modelled writing.
Lunar New Year Around the World by Amanda Li, illustrated by Angel Chang
Explore the many different ways the Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world in this beautiful book. Spanning factual narratives from San Francisco, China, Canada, Indonesia, Vietnam and more, the illustrations, and particularly the spectacular front cover, glow with warmth, festive colours and a sense of friendship. This diverse text is highly recommended for upper KS1 and lower KS2.
Wanda by Sihle Nontshokweni & Mathabo Tlali
With the help of her grandmother Makhulu, young Wanda learns to embrace and love her hair, despite what other people say about it in this in this vibrant and moving picture book story for EYFS and KS1 children. Tackling difficult subject matter with sensitivity, such as anti-bullying, self-confidence and heritage, this is a valuable text to read and discuss in PSHE lessons.
Max and the Millions by Ross Montgomery
A highly inventive story about a boy sent to a grim boarding school who discovers a miniature world filled with tiny people in a dusty caretaker’s storeroom – a world which Max, who is deaf, finds out only he can save. A great book for anyone not keen on school.
Migrants by Issa Watanabe
A breathtaking wordless picture book that depicts a group of migrants on a dangerous journey. The animal characters are illustrated in a stark, startling, and colourful – almost camera obscura style. The Vermeer-like level of detail is such that children (and teachers) can pore over each image, each time picking out an unrealised nuance or secret message. This book is perfect for discussion in KS2, but I’d also be tempted to use it as a challenging visual comprehension for GCSE English literature students – particularly those studying As You Like It or The Tempest. Destined to be a modern classic.
The Tale of the Tiny Man by Barbro Lingren
Translated from a classic Swedish folk tale, this charming hardback picture book follows the life of a tiny man who is lonely and in search of a new friend. Thought-provoking and evocative with atmospheric illustrations, this is a memorable picture book story of friendship, understanding and acceptance that will resonate with younger readers. Teachers will find it useful for exploring and discussing themes of tolerance, differences, friendship issues and empathy with KS1 and KS2 classes in PSHE lessons.
Journey to Jo’Burg by Beverley Naidoo
A compelling story about the power of perseverance and humanity in the face of adversity and racism. Set in apartheid-era South Africa, 13-year-old Naledi runs away to find her mother in Johannesburg, where she works in a white-only area as a maid. A modern classic, this is a moving class reader for years five and six.
We’re Off To Find A Fairy by Eloise White & Cory Reid
A beautifully illustrated picture book story about a diverse range of characters on a quest to find a fairy. Along the way they travel through magical and evocative landscapes, punctuated by lyrical and alliterative verse and call and respond questions. An ideal book to read to EYFS classes, and a great source of ideas for cross-curricular art projects.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World by Kate Pankhurst
Featuring a diverse and inspiring cast of women who made the world a better place, including the civil rights advances of Rosa Parks, the adventures of Mary Seacole, the exploration of Amelia Earhart, the enduring legacy of Anne Frank and the artistic perception of Frida Kahlo. This brightly illustrated book will be a popular addition to your KS2 school library.
Nikhil and Jay: Off to India by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Soofiya
Brothers Nikhil and Jay, along with their parents, visit their grandparents in Chennai, India at Christmas time. Through four interconnected tales, young readers embark on a rich cultural adventure with vibrant illustrations. Perfect for emerging readers transitioning from picture books to longer narratives, this book celebrates family, tradition, and the excitement of exploring. Read our full review.
Melissa by Alex Gino
When their teacher reveals the class play for this term will be Charlotte’s Web, George really wants the lead role of Charlotte. But there’s a problem – everyone thinks George is a boy and the teacher says no. George knows she’s always been a girl, and together with Kelly, forms the perfect plan. A sensitive and empathetic novel, and one that is invaluable to help discuss trans themes with primary school children. Previously published as “George”.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
A powerful illustrated black history told through snapshot biographies of key figures and inspirational poetry by leading BAME writer Kwame Alexander. Covering slavery, politics, segregation, and recent events in America, this accessible and unique picture book is an ideal starting point for topic work on Black History Month in KS2.
Sunflower Sisters by Monika Singh Gangotra and Michael Dias-Hayes
Despite comments from their conservative Aunty, Amrita and Kiki are empowered to wear their fabulous outfits to the family weddings. With vivid illustrations and lyrical text, this uplifting story provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to help children discuss how to deal with negative comments and colourism, and how to celebrate heritage, family and inner strength.
Tusk Tusk by David McKee
An outstanding picture book, suitable for reading with KS1 and discussion with KS2 that depicts two races of warring elephants. This is an invaluable book to help teach children about diversity, reconciliation, and the effects of history. There’s also a politically realistic twist at the end.
Wonder by RJ Palacio
10-year-old Auggie just wants to be treated like any other child – but after years of home education, he isn’t looking forward to going to a school – especially since he fears being targeted due to his facial disfigurement. At times painfully frank, this is a great book to read with year five and six classes to provoke discussion and encourage empathy.
The Missing by Michael Rosen
This collection of poems, diary entries, archive records, and narrative presents the personal story of Michael Rosen’s quest to trace his family history and offers children an accessible and relatable account of what happened to Jewish families in the Holocaust. An essential resource for KS2 classes learning about WW2. Read our full review here.
For Everyone by Jason Reynolds
A book for children who imagine, who dream, who think and who have ambition. This book – which comprises of one performance poem spread over pages using graphic design and space to help convey the message – speaks to those who have been put down, denigrated, ridiculed, and made to doubt themselves. This is a great book to read and discuss with higher ability groups in year 6 or use as the basis for a KS2 assembly.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf
A multi-award-winning story told from the point of view of nine-year-old Ahmet, a refugee from Syria starting school in London. Poignant and moving, the diverse range of experiences, hurt and friendships he experiences are compelling reading. Highly recommended for years five and six class reading.
Funky Chickens by Benjamin Zephaniah
A fun and catchy series of performance poems that children aged 7-11 will enjoy reading out loud. The poems cover a range of themes including sewage, the queen, racism, and pollution. Benjamin Zephaniah also has an extensive library of performances of the poems in this book on his Youtube channel.
Fly Me Home by Polly Ho Yen
A tremendous story of isolation, magic, fantasy, and the difficulties of adapting to new and foreign surroundings. Leelu wishes she could fly back home to her father, thousands of miles away. When someone starts leaving magical gifts outside her front door, maybe that dream will become a reality… A distinctive book that is ideal for group reading with mixed ability classes in upper KS2.
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
A spellbinding graphic novel where the story of a man who leaves his family home to search for better work in a foreign land to support them. It is told entirely through atmospheric and emotive pictures. The total lack of words makes the book particularly accessible to reluctant readers and will provoke discussion, debate, and ideas for writing. Recommended for years 3-6.
Pansy Boy by Paul Harfleet
A touching and sensitively illustrated picture book that shows the reader the life of a 7-year-old boy who loves the beauty of nature, writing, art, flowers, butterflies, and the awe of birds in flight. Bullied at school, because he isn’t like the other boys, he comes up with a plan to overcome the taunts and show that the world can be a beautiful place. This is a great book to tackle themes of toxic masculinity, intolerance, and playground name-calling, and encourage tolerance and acceptance of everyone’s interests and perspectives. The book was inspired by The Pansy Project – where pansies are planted at sites of homophobic and transphobic abuse. Suitable for reading to children in Y3-6, and ideal to discuss with KS2 children in PSHE. There are resources for teachers and pupils, and also an online book reading.
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
11-year-old Addie tackles people’s reactions to her autism by campaigning to right a centuries-old wrong in her home town. Highly recommended for group reading or book clubs in year 6, and ideal to help discuss disability, neurodiversity, and tolerance in school. A Kind of Spark was featured as book of the month for June 2020.
Speechless by Kate Darbishire
Harriet is bullied because of her disability, a disability that prevents her from walking or talking. With sharply described scenes, this book hits home to deter bullying behaviour and make primary aged children think about how they would react in similar situations. A great book for to read alongside Wonder and useful to prompt children to discuss diversity in their own lives.
Can You See Me by Libby Scott
An inspiring and warm-hearted story about 11-year-old Tally and how she sees the world from her autistic perspective. A good story to help children in years 6 and 7, and during the transition to secondary school, empathise with children who appear different and who struggle in new environments due, in part, to neurodiversity. Ideal to read with A Kind of Spark.
Mixed by Arree Chung
A picture book that helps younger children appreciate that colour not a barrier and draws on children’s innate sense of right and wrong to sense the futility of racism and the lack of logic to societal prejudice.
Mirror by Jeannie Baker
A clever picture book that encourages children to look at a situation from more than one perspective. Great for appreciating and respecting the diversity of different cultures and traditions. Also good for inspiring writing.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
A much-discussed picture book – based on a true story ‘And Tango Makes Three’ provides a sensitive introduction to help younger children understand that not every family unit is the same, and that the key component is love. This is a good text to help foster ideals of respect and tolerance in KS1 and KS2.
The Wheel of Surya by Jamila Gavin
When Marvinder and Jaspal are split up from their mother fleeing civil war in 1947 Punjab, they are forced to set out on a dangerous journey into the unknown to find their father in England – swapping one hostile environment for another. A modern classic that is suitable for more advanced readers in year 6.
Emily Knight I am Becoming… by A. Bello
The third book in this award-nominated series sees charismatic heroine Emily set out to rescue her best friend, not yet realising that arch-foe Necci has much mayhem in store. These fast-paced, fun and fabulous fantasy stories will appeal to children and younger teens who enjoy a story with strong leaders and action. A good addition to year 7 libraries. Also in the series are Emily Knight I am… and Emily Knight I am Awakened…
El Deafo by Cece Bell
A memorable graphic illustrated biography suitable for children in upper KS2 and KS2. This book chronicles the author’s childhood experiences using a hearing aid called a ‘phonic ear’ and how it affected her life and relationships at school and growing up. A compelling read, and ideal for use in reading groups and for class discussion.
Little Glow by Katie Sahota and Harry Woodgate
This charming and heartwarming story follows a shy ‘little glow’ that spreads positivity and excitement and purpose through many different lands, cultures and life events. With enchanting illustrations, the rhyming verse introduces younger readers to and links Chinese New Year, Ramadan, birthday celebrations, Diwali, Halloween, the 5th of November, Hanukkah and Christmas. An indispensable picture book that will be useful for any celebration topic in EYFS, Little Glow has the sparkle of a modern classic.
Umbrella by Elena Arevalo Melville
A clever picture book that encourages kindness and forgiveness in the face of selfish behaviour that can be corrected. The message that anything is possible is uplifting and heartwarming and encourages EYFS and KS1 children to be inclusive, tolerant, and kind. The distinctive artwork lends this book to inspiring diverse art-related topic work and displays.
High-Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson
A cracking fast-paced mystery page-turner for KS2 pupils where Nik and Norva set out to solve a serious crime in their tower block before the end of the summer holidays. Ideal for children in years 4-5, or reluctant readers in year 6.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s classic and unrivalled account of enforced isolation due to discrimination and hatred perpetrated by a regime that developed into organised genocide. This is an abridged version specially edited for children aged 7-12, and ideal for group reading. A powerful warning for future generations narrated from a perspective children of every background will relate to.
101 Awesome Women Who Changed Our World by Julia Adams
A spectacularly detailed collection of short biographies detailing famous, inspiring, groundbreaking, and important women from diverse backgrounds, who have broken down barriers and changed the world we live in over the last 150 years. Accessible, highly illustrated, and empowering, this book is part of a series that deserves a place in every KS2 school library.
I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
A modern classic, this picture book tells the story of Keyana, who learns to embrace and love her hair, and her heritage. Perfectly suited to reading in KS1 and using as the basis for discussion in KS2 about ethnic diversity and embracing differences and distinctiveness.
We Are All Born Free by Amnesty International
An invaluable resource to help teach and discuss diversity in a human rights context in KS2 lessons and assemblies. Each of the 30 articles of human rights is covered, with accessible text and thought-provoking illustrations by leading artists. This book is an ideal impetus to inspire whole school events, individual projects, and home learning work.
Six Dots: A Story Of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant
The inspirational story of Louis Braille, who lost his sight at the age of five, and the ingenious system he devised to enable him to read text and books using his fingers. This system – named after him – is used widely across the world by millions of people today.
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This list of diverse fiction and nonfiction was first published on June 24, 2020 and last updated on .
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