From BookTrust’s most recent research into representation in children’s books and how it impacts children’s motivation to read:
11% of children told BookTrust not being able to find books they relate to, stops them from reading.
56% of schools say budget is the main factor that stops them from increasing representation in the books they use.
“Reading is really important because you can lose yourself in a book. When you’re reading or writing for pleasure, you can just sit down and get loads of ideas that can really help you when it comes to your English at school.” - Year 7 Student
Read the full BookTrust research piece, here!
Seeing how important diversity and inclusivity is to children and their reading, I’ve put together a highlight reel of some of my favourite diverse children’s books published this year.
0-3 Year Olds
My First Book of Famous Jews by Julie Merberg
Fun book of illustrations with entertaining rhymes of some of the most influential and iconic Jews.
Support A New Chapter, order from here.
My Little Dragon by Rochelle Humes
Beautifully illustrated picture book with an interactive story all about a dragon and finding out what they eat.
Order from Hive, here.
My Daddies! by Gary Parsons
A board book championing same-sex parents and inclusive families.
Support Queer Lit, order from here.
The Every Baby Book by Frann Preston-Gannon
Follow six families and what they do during their day. A fun book for babies to recognise and relate to as they watch a daily routine that may be similar to their own - from napping, to playing, to bath time!
Order from Hive, here.
3-5 Years Old
Zazi Finds Plantain by Ogaga Emuveyan
Beautifully illustrated adventure of Zazi and her dad heading out to the market to find plantain, will they find it before dinner time?
Support Book Love, order from here.
I Love Me! by Marvyn Harrison
A brilliant self-affirming and positive book about loving yourself. Something every child deserves and needs to hear - I love me!
Support Afrori Books, order from here.
A Dress With Pockets by Lily Murray
Dress shopping can be so much fun when there are so many to choose from. But, Lucy wants a dress WITH pockets! Will she find the dress of her dreams?
Order from Hive, here.
Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
A wonderfully heartfelt story about how Dadaji loves to teach his grandson how to paint, however when Dadaji passes away his grandson no longer wants to paint. Until one day a girl knocks on the door and the grandson discovers how many lives Dadaji has touched with his art.
Order from Hive, here.
5-8 Years Old
Questions & Answers About Racism by Jordan Akpojaro
An extremely important lift-the-flap question and answer book focusing on difficult questions and providing advice for dealing with racism. What is race? How did racism begin?
Support Afrori Books, order from here.
Where We Live: Mapping Neighbours of Kids Around the Globe by Margriet Ruurs
A unique illustrated map exploring the neighbourhoods of 16 different real-life children around the world. Learn all about each child’s neighbourhood, where they play, interesting facts about where they live, and more!
Order from Hive, here.
Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho
Affirming poetry of how a boy recognises his own power and ability to change the future. Following a hurtful picture created by a friend, he turns to his family and is inspired by the many men in his life to help provide him with strength to overcome the bullying.
Support Truman Books, order from here.
Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day by Erica Kim
A fun book exploring all the different ways you can eat kimchi in a wonderful rhyming tale.
Order from Blackwell’s, here.
9-12 Years Old
Joyful, Joyful curated by Dapo Adeola
A beautifully curated book of stories and colourful illustrations focusing on celebrating Black voices. Stories and poems to spread Black joy.
Support Afrori Books, order from here.
The Book of Legends: What If All The Stories Were Real? by Lenny Henry
A wonderful adventure following twins, Bran and Fran. When their mother disappears in a lightening strike, exactly what happened to their father, the twins are alone! Will they survive this new world full of magical legends where everything changes??
Support Afrori Books, order from here.
Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper
Jake is finally enjoying his life at the first school where he is openly gay. However, not everyone in the small town of Ohio is as accepting as his friends and family. Will Jake get approval for the first pride festival in Barton Springs?
Support Queer Lit, order from here.
Future Hero: Race To Fire Mountain by Remi Blackwood
Jarell discovers his world of fantasy doodles is real. He is suddenly launched into his own world and goes on an incredible adventure where he is the hero.
Support Books On The Hill, order from here.