Building an inclusive classroom library isn’t just about stocking shelves—it’s about fostering empathy, understanding, and curiosity in our students. A thoughtfully curated collection of multicultural books helps children of all backgrounds see themselves reflected in literature while introducing them to experiences and perspectives different from their own. Here's why it matters and which books you need to get started.

Why an Inclusive Library Matters

Representation in books is crucial for helping students feel seen, valued, and empowered. When children encounter characters who look like them or share their experiences, they gain confidence and pride in their identity. Conversely, reading about diverse cultures and lifestyles broadens perspectives, promotes empathy, and encourages students to become global citizens. An inclusive classroom library plants the seeds of compassion, which is vital for nurturing thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.

Must-Have Multicultural Books for Your Classroom

To create a truly inclusive library, it's essential to feature books that showcase different races, ethnicities, religions, family structures, abilities, and languages. Here are some top picks to help you on your journey:

1. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi 

Ages: 5-8
This heartfelt story follows Unhei, a young girl from Korea, as she navigates a new school in America. The book beautifully highlights the challenges of fitting in while staying true to one’s cultural identity. It opens the door to discussions on cultural appreciation and the significance of names.

2. The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali

Ages: 4-8
Written by Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, this book tells the story of a young girl proudly wearing her hijab for the first time. It's a powerful narrative about embracing identity, culture, and standing tall in the face of prejudice.

3. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Ages: 3-6
This beautiful, award-winning picture book inspired by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline emphasizes the importance of protecting the earth and its water. The Indigenous perspective adds a vital voice to your library, showing children the significance of environmental stewardship through cultural storytelling.

4. Dreamers by Yuyi Morales 

Ages: 4-8
This gorgeously illustrated story of immigration is based on the author's own journey to the United States with her young son. It's a celebration of resilience, hope, and the contributions immigrants make to our communities.

5. I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Ages: 3-7
A gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, this story celebrates self-respect, kindness, and empathy toward others. It’s a wonderful addition to any classroom library focused on social-emotional learning and building positive relationships.

6. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Ages: 4-8
In this colorful story, Omu makes a delicious stew that draws neighbors from all over the community. It’s a tale of generosity and unity, highlighting the power of sharing and coming together, regardless of our differences.

7. I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verdee

Ages: 4-8
In this colorfully illustrated story, we explore the human experience, full of dreams, wonder, mistakes, and emotions. It’s a heartwarming tale that encourages young readers to act with compassion and empathy, affirming the power of kindness toward both others and ourselves.

8. The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz

Ages: 10-14
This moving novel tells the story of two cousins from Guatemala who embark on a dangerous journey to the United States to escape gang violence. The book touches on immigration, survival, and the hope for a better future, shedding light on the experiences of many families in similar situations.

9. Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lai

Ages: 8-12
This novel captures the story of a young Vietnamese girl, Hà, who flees her home country after the fall of Saigon and adjusts to life in America. It’s an emotional, poetic exploration of displacement, cultural identity, and the refugee experience.

10. Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson 

Ages: 10-14
Six students form a special bond in a weekly after-school conversation group. This novel delves into important topics such as race, immigration, family, and friendship, providing readers with a rich exploration of the power of sharing stories and listening to others.

11. New Kid by Jerry Craft

Ages: 8-12
This graphic novel follows Jordan Banks, a middle schooler who feels out of place at his prestigious private school, where he is one of the few students of color. With humor and heart, "New Kid" tackles race, class, and fitting in.

12. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Ages: 10-14
Told in verse, this memoir traces the childhood of Jacqueline Woodson as she grows up in the 1960s and 70s between South Carolina and New York. It's an intimate look at race, family, and finding one's place in a divided country, making it a valuable addition to any classroom.

13. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Ages: 10-13
This classic novel tells the story of Esperanza, a wealthy Mexican girl who must leave her privileged life behind and immigrate to California during the Great Depression. The story highlights resilience, family, and social justice, making it a powerful historical fiction choice.

14. The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore
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Ages: 10-14
Set in Harlem, this novel follows Lolly, a young boy trying to cope with the loss of his older brother to gang violence. It’s an honest and heartfelt story about grief, community, and the strength to build a new future.

Tips for Integrating Multicultural Books into Your Curriculum
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• Rotate Books Regularly: Ensure the spotlight isn’t on just one culture or experience. Rotate books that cover a variety of perspectives throughout the year.
• Create Discussion Opportunities: Use read-aloud sessions to foster discussions about identity, empathy, and understanding. Let students share their reflections and experiences.
• Use Authentic and Visual Materials: Incorporate books that include authentic materials, like oral stories, songs, and images that reflect the cultures being studied.
• Celebrate Diversity through Activities: Use the stories to inspire activities, art projects, or writing assignments that allow students to express their own cultural backgrounds.

The Takeaway

An inclusive classroom library helps every child feel like they belong, while also giving them the opportunity to learn about others. By weaving multicultural books into your collection, you're doing more than enhancing your classroom—you’re creating a space for open minds, compassionate hearts, and lifelong learners. Happy reading!

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As the new school season begins, teachers and students are gearing up for another year of learning, exploration, and growth. One area that often generates mixed feelings is the reading log. While the intention behind reading logs is to encourage regular reading habits, the reality is that many parents, educators, and students have developed strong negative feelings toward them. In fact, research has shown that mandatory reading assignments like reading logs can actually decrease students’ motivation to read.

Consider exploring the concept of Reading Accountability Partners—an innovative strategy used by many educators that has consistently proven to be highly effective in nurturing a genuine love of reading.

Establishing Reading Accountability Partners

In this activity, every student is paired with a partner for daily discussions about their reading. The key to success lies in making these pairings intentional. It’s crucial to know your students well, observe their interactions, and listen to their conversations to ensure that they are paired with someone who will challenge them academically and support them emotionally.

Once the pairs are established, it's important to provide mini lessons on how to be a good accountability partner. This includes modeling book talks, teaching students how to converse about reading, and giving them time to practice these skills. Anchor charts and visuals with strategies for discussions can be helpful tools for guiding these conversations.
Here are some guiding questions that can help steer student conversations:
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• What did you enjoy most about your book?
• How did this book make you feel?
• Which character did you connect with the most, and why?
• How has this book changed your perspective?
• Did this book inspire you to take any action?

Incorporating a journal or calendar for students to record notes about their reading and discussions can also be beneficial. It allows them to reflect on their growth and track trends in their reading habits.

The Power of Culturally Diverse Books

The power of culturally diverse books extends far beyond storytelling; they serve as windows to the world, providing students with the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas. Reading about characters who reflect their own identities can instill a sense of belonging and hope, while discovering the lives of others can inspire them to become agents of positive change. Below are some of the best culturally diverse books for each grade level:

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade:

• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
• Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
• Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
• Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

3rd - 5th Grade:

• Front Desk by Kelly Yang
• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
• Ghost by Jason Reynolds
• Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

​6th - 8th Grade:

• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
• Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
• The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez

9th - 12th Grade:

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
• Dear Martin by Nic Stone
• The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Incentivizing Reading: Free Rewards for Reading 20 Minutes a Day

Free Rewards for Reading 20 Minutes a Day to further motivate students, consider leveraging companies that offer free rewards for reading just 20 minutes a day. Programs like Pizza Hut’s Book It! and Nothing Bundt Cakes provide students with fun incentives to keep reading. These rewards can help build excitement and create positive associations with reading.

To ensure success, give students unrushed time each day to meet with their accountability partners. Create comfortable spaces for these discussions and make yourself available to “guest partner” with students to make conversations more meaningful. The goal is to support a love of reading without the pressure of grades or metrics.

By establishing Reading Accountability Partners and introducing students to culturally diverse books, we can make
reading an exciting and enriching part of the school year.

Be sure to explore the books listed by clicking on the title links.​

Gymnastics has always been a sport that celebrates precision, strength, and grace. But beyond the physical prowess, it also serves as a powerful platform for showcasing cultural diversity and inspiring individuals around the world. Recent achievements by some of the most talented gymnasts have illuminated the sport in ways that resonate far beyond the arena.

Simone Biles has made history as the first woman since 1968 to win two Olympic all-around titles, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her remarkable achievements continue to inspire and set new standards for excellence in gymnastics. Meanwhile, Suni Lee, the Tokyo Olympic all-around champion, recently added another impressive accolade to her resume by securing a bronze medal at the Bercy Arena. Her consistency and skill have made her a standout competitor on the world stage.

Jordan Chiles has also been making waves with her exceptional performances. As a member of the U.S. team that won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she showcased her talent on a global stage. Chiles has since earned multiple medals at the U.S. National Championships and competed in various World Cup events, demonstrating her prowess and contributing to the U.S. team's ongoing success.

The rise of Hezly Rivera in gymnastics has been nothing short of spectacular. She first made her mark at the 2022 Winter Cup, where she placed third in the all-around, earning a spot on the team for the DTB Pokal Team Challenge, where she helped Team USA secure gold. Rivera's achievements continued as she won the all-around at the 2023 Winter Cup and topped the podium on balance beam and floor exercise.

​At just 15, she became age-eligible for senior-level competition in 2024, debuting at the 2024 Winter Cup with a third-place all-around finish and a tie for first on balance beam. Rivera's international debut at the City of Jesolo Trophy saw her contribute to a bronze medal for Team USA. Her performance at the National Championships and Olympic Trials further underscored her potential, leading to her selection for the 2024 Summer Olympics alongside fellow stars Biles, Carey, Chiles, and Lee.

What Unites These Exceptional Athletes?

One common thread among Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Hezly Rivera is their representation of cultural diversity. Their successes transcend the sport, offering powerful, positive images that shape perceptions and aspirations within their communities and beyond.

Seeing individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve greatness on a global stage is more than just inspiring; it reinforces the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can reach for the stars. These athletes challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster a sense of pride and possibility.

Moreover, their achievements contribute to a richer, more inclusive representation in media and sports. They highlight the importance of showcasing diverse talents and stories, promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.
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Congratulations to all of the women on this remarkable team who have come together to achieve victory and inspire the world. Your hard work, dedication, and success are a testament to the power of representation and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

​Perfect for sparking inspiration in your little one or any fan of gymnastics, grab your copy today and let the journey begin!