These accepting differences books are sure to help children see their, and others’, uniqueness as strength. While we absolutely love books that help kids accept differences if you’re looking for even more books we love and recommend, be sure to take a look at our list of Best Preschool Books.
We all grow up with things that we wish we could change about ourselves. And many times it’s the things that make us different — or as I like to think of it, the things that make us unique.
When a child sees a character in a book who they can begin to relate to, they will also start to see themselves in a positive light too. And they will begin to realize that being different isn’t so uncommon after all.
Learning to accept others (and ourselves) is a skill that is best instilled from a young age. These precious stories use connection and characters that are full of love and special qualities… making them absolutely perfect for modeling love to our youngest readers.
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Accepting Differences Books
Here are some great books about being unique, accepting yourself for exactly as you are, and the wonderful talents you already have blooming inside.
This book was written to help children understand limb differences as told through the eyes of a young boy born with one hand.
Learning to accept his own difference and proving that he could do all the things that others could do (tie shoes, play instruments, and ride a bike) helps to build confidence to always believe in his abilities. It also shares an inside look into the struggles and triumphs of a boy who wants to fit in and feel included. Trace Wilson, the author, was born with one hand and has dedicated his career to helping others feel comfortable in their own skin.
This bright and colorful story holds the attention of even the youngest children. Elmer is a multi-colored patchwork elephant who doesn’t look like the rest of his gray-skinned peers. He dislikes feeling different so he finds some gray berries and creates a mushy paste and covers all his colors! He loves his new look until he realizes it’s a bit too boring!
This book dives into the importance of feeling comfortable the way you are while engaging children with a loveable character.
It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
Todd Parr does an incredible job appealing to young readers with bold colors and beginner text. The simplistic drawings engage students while still stressing the importance of having differences. Some differences include having a missing tooth, or having a different nose. Needing help or eating macaroni and cheese in the bathtub, all perfectly ok! This book puts the silly in being different while sending a crystal-clear message of acceptance.
Raise your hand if you love sushi! Well, Yoko sure does! She is so excited for lunch until her friends seem disgusted when she opens her lunch box. She feels ashamed and embarrassed and doesn’t feel like playing during recess. Her teacher decides to host an International Food Day to broaden her students’ cultural appetites. This loveable story puts a lovely spin on accepting cultural and social differences.
Special People Special Ways by Arlene Maguire
Arlene Maguire writes a sensitive and well-written story designed to teach young ones about others with special needs, those who need medicine, those who are fed or need glasses to see. In a light-hearted and visual way, children are able to see and visually see how we are all born in our unique way. This book stresses the importance of helping and uplifting each other and minding our words in the most thoughtful way. A great read that opens up the opportunity for thoughtful conversation.
What’s the Difference? Being Different is Amazing by Doyin Richards
The vivid photographs of multi-racial kids just having fun and enjoying life’s pleasures make this book thoroughly enjoyable. The author weaves the important message that we NEED our future generation to accept and build the love and support of each other regardless of differences. “Because when it comes to love, keep showing that there really is no difference. It’s all AMAZING.” This book is a must read, and you most likely will – over and over.
Back to Front and Upside Down by Claire Alexander
When the kids in Stan’s class decide to make cards for the principal’s birthday, Stan soon becomes frustrated that his card isn’t coming out like he hoped. His letters are all mixed up and Stan is embarrassed. He’s too nervous to ask for help until a friend reminds him that we are all good at different things. Learning new things is hard work and learning to ask for help is a much needed life skill and this book hits it home.
Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
Learning to read is hard work! A young girl named Trisha loved to paint and draw but reading proved to be quite the challenge. Letters seemed to be jumbled on the page with no real purpose. Her teacher, Mr. Falker, never gave up and encouraged her to be her best self. This book is based on the author’s true story of her own dyslexia and helps children see beyond their academic abilities and focus on the journey and the value in perseverance.
We hope you enjoy these books which help kids understand and accept differences. See our library list below for even more books we love and recommend.
Books for Social/Emotional Growth
Best of Books
- Best Books About Farm Animals
- Best Ocean Books for Kids
- Best Read-Aloud Preschool Books
- Best Rhyming Books for Kids
- Best Yoga Books for Kids
- Best Friendship Books for Kids
Seasonal Books
- Pumpkin Books Perfect for Reading this Fall
- Fantastic Fall Books for Preschoolers
- Not So Scary Monster Books for Kids
- Winter Books
- The Best Preschool Books for Circle Time - August 25, 2024
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- Fun and Exciting August Preschool Themes - August 1, 2024
Thank you so much for providing this awesome list of books. I’m always looking for ways to incorporate diversity into the classroom and I love sharing books with my kiddos.
We’re so glad this list will help you bring more diversity into your classroom! Thank you for all you do for young children :).
Thank you SO much for taking the time to share all of your amazing resources. I have a 4 (almost 5) year old and we are homeschooling, with the help of our local, AMAZING, Children’s Resource Center. I stumbled across your page while googling “How to make calm down jars” which were suggested by my son’s therapist yesterday. I am currently printing out the Emotional Checklist, and have requested links to some other printables as well! My son has been diagnosed with ADHD, along with I.E.D or Intermittent Explosive Disorder and we have been working very hard and diligently with his therapist, CRC, and at home on emotional regulation/identification. Thank you, again, SO MUCH for making these available to us. I look forward to following your blog!! As a mom of 3 boys, it has proven challenging to try and remember the things we talk about in therapy so having these resources to print out is just, I have no words! THANK YOU!!
You made my day, Helen! I love how committed you are to finding so many resources for your son! It sounds like you are raising three extraordinary boys!
Warmly,
Katie