Books About Diversity · 1,417 titles considered

The Best Diversity Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about diversity? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Diversity

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)

249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,474 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

Newbery Medal (1961)

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,002 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Firekeeper's Daughter

By Angeline Boulley

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

494 pages· 130,001 words· Est. 12 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 210,449 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Summary: Daunis Fontaine, caught between her hometown and Ojibwe roots, faces a life-altering choice after witnessing a murder. Drawn into an FBI probe of a dangerous drug, she must navigate hidden truths and old wounds. As deception and danger escalate, Daunis must decide how far she'll go to protect her community and embrace her identity as an Anishinaabe kwe. Will she uncover the truth before it destroys everything she holds dear?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Felix Ever After

By Kacen Callender

A teen's revenge plan leads to unexpected love and self-discovery.

368 pages· 85,209 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 67,590 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Felix, a transgender teen, seeks revenge on an anonymous bully who exposed his past. As he navigates a complex love triangle, Felix embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning his identity and redefining his self-worth. Will he find the love he deserves, or will his plan backfire, leaving him more vulnerable than ever? Dive into a story of identity, love, and the courage to embrace oneself.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2012

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By Benjamin Alire Sáenz · Book #1 in the Aristotle and Dante series

Two teens form a life-changing friendship, uncovering truths about themselves.

390 pages· 64,842 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 689,647 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Ari, a troubled teen with a brother in prison, meets Dante, a curious soul with a unique perspective. Their unlikely friendship blossoms at a swimming pool, leading them to explore deep questions about identity and family. As they navigate their complex worlds, Ari and Dante discover profound truths that redefine who they are and who they aspire to be. Will their bond withstand the challenges they face, and what revelations will it bring about their lives?

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

By Becky Albertalli · Book #1 in the Simon series

A secret email threatens Simon's quiet life and his chance at love.

303 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 472,300 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Summary: Simon Spier, a high school junior, navigates the complexities of being not-so-openly gay. When a private email falls into the wrong hands, Simon faces the risk of his secret being exposed. As he struggles to maintain friendships and his own identity, Simon must also confront his feelings for a mysterious, charming boy he's only met online. Will Simon step out of his comfort zone and embrace his true self, or will he lose everything he holds dear? This heartfelt coming-of-age tale explores identity, friendship, and the courage to be oneself.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

By Alicia D. Williams

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Newbery Honor (2020)Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)

370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,033 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Genesis struggles with self-hatred and a chaotic home life. Her father's gambling leads to eviction, and her family's harsh words deepen her insecurities. At a new school, Genesis discovers her singing talent, but can she overcome her doubts and embrace her true self? As she nears the end of her list of self-loathing, Genesis must decide if she can rewrite her story and find the courage to love herself.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Drum Roll, Please

By Lisa Jenn Bigelow

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

320 pages· 63,618 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,000 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Melly, a shy drummer, finds solace in music at Camp Rockaway. As her parents split and her best friend drifts away, she unexpectedly falls for another girl. Can Melly find her rhythm amidst the chaos and embrace her true self? Discover if she can turn the noise in her heart into a powerful beat.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

Pet

By Akwaeke Emezi · Book #1 in the Pet series

A creature emerges to hunt a hidden monster. Can Jam uncover the truth before it's too late?

208 pages· 45,631 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 35,247 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In the city of Lucille, monsters are a thing of the past—or so everyone believes. Jam's world is turned upside down when Pet, a creature from her mother's painting, comes to life. With horns, colors, and claws, Pet insists a monster lurks in her best friend Redemption's house. Jam must confront the unsettling truth and protect her friend. As she delves deeper, she faces a chilling question: how do you fight monsters when society denies their existence? This gripping tale challenges perceptions and explores the courage needed to face hidden evils.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Blended

By Sharon M. Draper

Isabella navigates a divided family and racial identity, facing a life-altering encounter with police.

308 pages· 49,032 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,250 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Isabella, an eleven-year-old piano prodigy, juggles life between her divorced parents' contrasting worlds. Her father's black, her mother's white, and she's caught in their escalating conflicts. As both parents announce engagements, Isabella grapples with her mixed identity, feeling torn between two halves. Her world shatters when a routine day with her stepbrother Darren turns dangerous—a cell phone mistaken for a gun leads to a police confrontation. Can Isabella find unity in her fractured life, or will the divisions define her forever? Discover the heart-wrenching journey of a girl seeking wholeness in a divided world.

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