Acceptance goes a step beyond tolerance, by learning to love our differences, understanding and appreciating others' uniqueness. This is why it is so important to teach to kids! Use children’s books about acceptance as a gateway for opening up discussions in the learning environment. Whether you are a teacher, counselor, or parent, using books to help illustrate a topic is a great way for kids to learn. As you are reading, ask questions and engage the reader.
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10 Children's Books about Acceptance
1. ACCEPTANCE IS MY SUPERPOWER
Title of Book and Author: Acceptance is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
A short summary of the book: Lisa is a young girl who loves to sing and wears glasses. A classmate who Lisa views as a friend made cruel comments about her, and it leads her into learning what diversity is. Lisa learns that when others misunderstand it can sometimes result in words or actions that are hurtful. She also learns that differences are not actually flaws but instead are superpowers. By accepting herself and others, Lisa is being a superhero!
Why I like the book: Alicia Ortego writes about a powerful lesson in an easy to understand way for children. Many real life examples are shown in this book. The illustrations in this book are vibrant and eye-catching as well.
The moral of the story: It is important to learn to identify and define your emotions.
Topics covered: Emotions; Socio-emotional GrDiversity; Acceptance; Equality; Empathy; Compassion
2. UNICORN DAY
Title of Book and Author: Unicorn Day by Diana Murray
A short summary of the book: Unicorn Day is about the unicorns celebrating a special day called Unicorn Day. The day is filled with rainbows, butterflies, cupcakes, and all things extra joyful. On this special day, the most important thing to remember is to have lots of fun! This year, the unicorns discover that there is an imposter celebrating Unicorn Day too. A horse wearing a horn is at their party, and they don’t know what to do. Should they allow the imposter to stay or not? In the end, the unicorns choose to accept the horse and continue to have an amazing day.
Why I like the book: The story encourages children to accept others into their groups even if they are different. The rhyming and whimsical pictures in this book make it fun and easy for children to follow along.
The moral of the story: When we welcome others how they are, we discover the magic we have inside of us.
Topics covered: Friendship; Acceptance; Diversity; Inclusivity
3. PINK IS FOR BOYS
Title of Book and Author: Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
A short summary of the book: In this book, ten colors are introduced to the reader. The characters in the book are relatable and diverse. With each color, the author gives an example of where the color can be found. Examples throughout the book include things such as race cars, uniforms, crows, popsicles, and teddy bears. Robb Pearlman celebrates that colors are for everyone!
Why I like the book: Life can seem hard for children as they learn to navigate expectations from peers and the world around them. Robb Pearlman reminds children throughout this story that life is not color-coded and encourages them to choose what they love to do, and then do it with passion.
The moral of the story: Do what makes YOU happy!
Topics covered: Diversity; Acceptance; Inclusivity; Self-Esteem
4. JUST ASK!
Title of Book and Author: Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonya Sotomayor
A short summary of the book: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor celebrates the many differences and challenges that children have and describes them as special powers. In her book, she equates these differences to the different types of plants and flowers that make a garden beautiful. Kids of all races, diagnoses, abilities and more work together to create a community garden. As they do, they ask each other questions to learn more about one another. They learn that they all have something unique to contribute to the beautiful garden they are building, just like in the garden of life!
Why I like the book: The colorful illustrations by Rafael López tie together Justice Sotomayor’s story wonderfully for the reader. Many different abilities and challenges are highlighted in this story which makes readers connect more easily and consider others they know who may have similarities as those in the book. Children are encouraged to not only acknowledge and accept differences others have but to ask questions to learn more about them.
The moral of the story: If you have questions about someone’s differences, just ask!
Topics covered: Diversity; Acceptance; Different Abilities
5. I AM ENOUGH
Title of Book and Author: I am Enough by Grace Byers
A short summary of the book: The main character in this book is an African American girl who celebrates all of the aspects of herself that she loves. She shines, loves, rises above, and more. She acknowledges that she sometimes will fail but trying is what matters most. The girl also discusses the differences between herself and others. She bonds together with other girls of different races, physical abilities, and cultures to express that they all are enough just as they are.
Why I like the book: Grace Byers highlights the special qualities and worthiness of each child in her book I am Enough. She uses a lyrical narrative to empower and encourage children to accept and respect others’ differences. The variety of girls and activities shown in the book are diverse and a refreshing visual for readers.
The moral of the story: No matter who you are, you are enough!
Topics covered: Acceptance; Self-Respect; Diversity; Inclusivity; Kindness; Confidence
*Read it for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
6. THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PURPLE PEOPLE
Title of Book and Author: The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart
A short summary of the book: Penny Purple wants to help children learn the steps to becoming a purple person like she is. She explains that purple people ask great questions. They unify others and speak up for what is right in their community and the world. Purple people are hardworking, kind, and like to laugh. At the end of the day, purple people are really just the superheroes of everyday life!
Why I like the book: The authors seek to inspire children to embrace common ground, instead of the political differences of the red and blue, to make the world a better place by becoming purple people. Although children are unlikely to understand the political mentions of red and blue throughout the story, parents and teachers can also relate and learn from The World Needs More Purple People. Wonderful examples are provided throughout the book to help adults lead children into thoughtful conversations about acceptance and diversity.
The moral of the story: We can all become “purple people” by finding common ground with others while still welcoming our own uniqueness.
Topics covered: Acceptance; Social Justice; Activism; Unity; Diversity
7. JAKE THE GROWLING DOG
Title of Book and Author: The Boy Who Cried BigfJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
A short summary of the book: Jake is a dog living in the forest. He is a nice dog and wants to play with other critters, but his voice sounds different. He growls instead of barking. The others will not come near him. Jake feels so lonely until a true friend comes to his side and attempts to help him change his growl. His new friend recruits other forest critters to help too. Soon, they all realize that Jake is a good friend even though he is different.
Why I like the book: This book has lots of fun aspects and pictures to keep young readers engaged while teaching them how to be kind to others who are different. A loving-kindness activity is also included with this book to help adults lead children into reducing stress through mindfulness and gratitude and encouraging positive character traits such as kindness and forgiveness.
The moral of the story: Find the good in others and accept them for who they are.
Topics covered: Friendship; Diversity; Acceptance; Empathy; Kindness
*You can read this book for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
8. THE BIG UMBRELLA
Title of Book and Author: The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
A short summary of the book: “The umbrella loves to gather people in,” describes Amy June Bates. One by one, people gather under a smiling, red umbrella. The big umbrella has room for everyone. When more people join, the umbrella literally gets bigger and bigger to shelter people from the storm. This mighty umbrella has an important message to share: there is always room for kindness.
Why I like the book: As educators, we are always encouraging our students to make the circle of inclusion wider. The Big Umbrella shares this simple but powerful message through beautiful illustrations and kid-friendly language that is great for pre-readers.
The moral of the story: The book’s lesson underscores that there is always a reason to be inclusive and kind.
Topics covered: Inclusion; Kindness
*Read this book for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
9. ALL ARE WELCOME
Title of Book and Author: All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
A short summary of the book: In All Are Welcome, we visit a wonderful classroom community. We see children sharing their cultures, stories, and special talents. Children love spending time together. Best of all, students are excited to return the next day because school is a place where everyone can learn, play, and have fun. School is a place where everyone is accepted.
Why I like the book: This book is perfect for the first day of school to discuss building a strong classroom community. The repetition throughout the book of “All are welcome here” is easy for your students to remember and internalize. I especially love that students are guaranteed to see themselves in the story because of how diverse the characters are.
The moral of the story: School is a place where we can grow, learn, and dream, together. When we welcome everyone, we can create a beautiful classroom community.
Topics covered: Diversity; Classroom Community; Back to School
10. STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS
Title of Book and Author: Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
A short summary of the book: A young boy adores his pet elephant - but he knows that elephants never really fit in. When he brings his elephant to the Pet Club meeting, he sees a sign on the door reading “Strictly No Elephants!” Disheartened, he runs into a girl and her pet skunk who also weren’t allowed in the meeting. They decide to start their own club where everyone (including any pet!) is welcome.
Why I like the book: With a sweet message about friendship and inclusion, Strictly No Elephants will make you and your students smile. The young boy’s love for his pet elephant demonstrates the power of true friendship.
The moral of the story: We are all different and unique. We all deserve to feel included and accepted.
Topics covered: Inclusion; Friendship
Resources about Acceptance
Use this Character Education Acceptance Curriculum to pair with these favorite children's books about acceptance. It includes everything you need to teach acceptance in your classroom!
Also, take some time to talk about the importance of diversity when discussing acceptance. You can use this FREE Diversity Matters Handout to engage your students.
Find Books on Different Topics
Using children's books to teach important character education and SEL topics is such a great way to keep your students involved and interested in learning. Check out these other great book lists:
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