Tips for Reading Diverse Children’s Books

Tip #1: Talk about Differences

No two people are exactly the same. We may have things that are the same, but we also have things that are different. That makes us all unique!

Tip #2: See and Talk about Color

Our skin is the color it is because of our birth parents, where our ancestors came from and Melanin. 

Tip #3: Challenge Gender Stereotypes

Create a safe place for your child to explore by challenging gender stereotypes when you hear them. 

Affirm all children can (build/dance/dress-up/etc).

Avoid labeling characters in the book with pronouns based on physical appearance or interest.

Practice using inclusive pronouns (They/Them) if the story has not identified the gender of the character.

Tip #4: Talk about Feelings

Spend time looking at the facial expressions and body language of characters in this book. Ask your child how  they think the character is feeling and why they think the character is feeling that way.

Tip #5: Practice Speaking Up

As characters in diverse books encounter challenging situations ask your child, Does this seem fair to you? Why or why not? Ask your child what they would do in these situations. Ask your child how they might help the character.