As a teacher, you know the importance of promoting kindness, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom. But finding the right books to help facilitate those important conversations can be a challenge. So I’ve put together a list of my favorite picture books and upper elementary books about kindness, diversity, and inclusion in the upper elementary classroom. From heartwarming stories of friendship to tales of overcoming adversity, these books are sure to engage and inspire your students.
1. The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague
The creator of Kid President delivers again with the fun and heartwarming book about the joys of expanding your circle of friends to include people far and wide.
2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that has made it difficult for him to make friends. When he starts fifth grade at a mainstream school, he has to face the challenges of fitting in and making friends. You’ll be inspired by Wonder and August’s courage and strength and kindness as he navigates his way through life.
3. The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane Derolf
When the crayons in a box start arguing about who is the best color, they soon discover that it takes all of them working together to create something beautiful. A wonderful story about embracing diversity and working together towards a common goal.
4. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
In another great we meet Opal. Even though, Opal lives with her dad, she feels alone in the world. Until she meets Winn-Dixie, a mischievous dog who manages to help her make a whole cast of diverse and unlikely friends who band together to make a surrogate family for Opal and her father…all Because of Winn-Dixie.
5. The Misfits by James Howe
When a group of outcasts at school come together to form their own club, they quickly discover that they have more in common than they ever could have imagined. A heartwarming story about finding acceptance and belonging that inspired a national No Name-Calling Week.
6. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Sometimes it can be hard to feel like we belong, but this book reassures readers that it’s okay to be different. We all have something special to offer the world. All it takes is for someone to see that potential in us and encourage us to embrace our uniqueness.
7 . “Lola Levine is Not Mean” by Monica Brown
This series follows the adventures of third-grader Lola Levine as she navigates school, friendships, and family life. In this particular book, Lola has to learn how to deal with a mean girl in her class. She eventually learns that two wrongs don’t make a right and that the best way to deal with meanness is with kindness. Students will love following along with Lola’s adventures while also picking up some valuable lessons along the way!
8 . “Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan” by Jeanette Winter
This book tells the inspiring true story of Nasreen, a young girl living in Afghanistan who dreams of going to school despite the many obstacles in her way. Despite everything working against her, Nasreen perseveres and eventually gets access to education—proving that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
While Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is certainly a classic, it also has an important message about treating others with kindness and respect. When Charlie Bucket finally gets his chance to tour Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, he learns that success comes not from winning, but from how you treat others along the way.
10. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
In this classic, the masterful DiCamillo lets us travel with Edward Tulane a porcelain bunny who thinks quite highly of himself and quite lowly of others. Along his miraculous journey, Edward gets lost and found by several different and unique characters and ultimately learns to love all of them.
To explore even more great reads check out this list of leveled novels to help you find just the right fit for your class.
These 10 picture books and upper elementary books about kindness, diversity, and inclusion are perfect for starting important discussions. These topics can be difficult for young students to wrap their heads around but these stories provide relatable examples that kids can easily understand. With such an important message these books are well worth adding to your lesson plans!
I’ve listed even more great read-alouds in this free lesson and activity to help promote kindness in your classroom.
