I’m a new teacher.
I’m always looking for books to add to my library that support the inclusive, equitable and culturally responsive environment I strive to achieve in my classroom. This school year, I have been investing in books that celebrate diversity to ensure that all students see themselves reflected within the Kindergarten program. I have been in search of stories by BIPOC authors, stories that celebrate differences, and stories that share messages of inclusion to add to my collection. I decided to create an A-Z list of stories that I love. This list is far from exhaustive and there are MANY amazing books I could have added. The stories below from A-M are stories that were appropriate for my Kindergarten class, but could definitely be read to students beyond Kindergarten as well.
If you are a new teacher looking to begin your picture book collection, this one’s for you!
A – Alma and How She Got Her Name
By: Juana Martinez-Neal
B – Black is a Rainbow Colour
By: Angela Joy
Illustrated by: Ekua Holmes
C -Bilal Cooks Daal
By: Aisha Saeed
Illustrated by: Anoosha Syed
D – Don’t Touch My Hair
By: Sharee Miller
E – Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
By: Joanna Ho
Illustrated by: Dung Ho
F – Forty-Seven Strings: Tessa’s Special Code
By: Becky Carey
Illustrated by: Bonnie Leick
G – The Gift of Ramadan
By: Rabiah York Lumbard
Illustrated by: Laura K. Horton
H – Hair Love
By: Matthew A. Cherry
Illustrated by: Vashti Harrison
I – I am Enough
By: Grace Byers
Illustrated by: Keturah A. Bobo
J – Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
By: Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrated by: Rafael Lopez
K -Suki’s Kimono
By: Chieri Uegaki
Illustrated by: Stéphane Jorisch
L – Love Makes a Family
By: Sophie Beer
M – My Heart Fills with Happiness
By: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrated by: Julie Flett
