Books That Celebrate Differences

Personally, I don't think there are enough of these out there! Since kids all have different quirks and attributes; I think they can learn a lot from characters being accepted for who they are. Here are a few of my favorites:

A character who is a little OCD-he learns he doesn't need a list for everything. 

Love this spin on the Ugly Duckling. The moose can't quite figure out how to quack and waddle.

A collection of poems from a very diverse group of writers.

A portrait of Dr. Suess when he was younger. Believe it or not it seems like his cartoonish drawings were once thought of as a waste of time!

I love to share this with my class because I think it's a great inspiration for my struggling readers.

A classic about being one-of-a-kind. I was reminded of this one recently, hadn't read it in a while.

You don't usually find youngsters as excited about history as Imogene is, but the history buff saves the day (or at least a city landmark).

A great reminder for perfectionists-it doesn't have to be perfect, just perfect-ish! :)

And for your older readers, or if you do share chapter books with your kiddos:

A family who wake up with some sort of power on their 15th birthday. It's not always as fun as it sounds.

You may have to edit this a little if you are reading it aloud for younger readers because there are some things mentioned connected to the war. However, what I love about this story is the refugee from Africa goes to school for the first time and is stunned by simple things like a desk. It's a great example of an ESL student overcoming the odds.

On my top 10 all-time favorite books to share with kids. Told from the perspective of a little girl with cerebral palsy. It doesn't exactly have a happily ever after ending either-it actually made me mad for Melody!