Inclusive books to read with your child at every age

Parents

04 July 2025

Image: Primary school-aged girl reading a book.

Reading with your child is one of the most powerful ways to build connection, spark curiosity and nurture empathy. Inclusive books, stories that reflect a wide range of cultures, identities, abilities and experiences, help children feel seen while expanding their understanding of the world around them.

By introducing diverse stories from an early age, parents can support their child’s development while also encouraging values such as kindness, respect and inclusion. Below is a curated list of inclusive book recommendations for every stage of childhood, offering a great starting point for building a diverse home library.

Babies and toddlers (newborn to three years)

At this age, simple language, bright images and rhythmic repetition are key. Choose board books that introduce diversity in gentle, everyday ways.

Whose Toes are Those? by Jabari Asim
A playful exploration of body parts that features a joyful black baby, celebrating identity through rhyme.

Global Babies by The Global Fund for Children
Photos of babies from around the world help introduce global diversity in a baby-friendly format.

Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers and Marla Frazee
This inclusive classic showcases babies of all shapes, colours, and families, highlighting how they grow, play, and love.

Preschool (three to five years)

Children begin to notice differences and ask questions. Picture books that celebrate inclusion and emotions are perfect for this stage.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
A beautifully illustrated book about a multicultural classroom where every child is celebrated.

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
A gentle story about self-expression and acceptance, perfect for opening conversations about identity.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
This lyrical book celebrates East Asian features and cultural heritage through a child’s loving perspective.

Primary school (six to nine years)

At this age, children begin to grasp more complex ideas about fairness, belonging and identity. Longer picture books and early chapter books work well.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
A moving story about colourism and self-love, told through the eyes of a young girl learning to appreciate her dark skin.

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
A story of strength, identity, and sisterhood, centred on a young girl wearing her hijab for the first time.

Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro
These STEM-focused chapter books feature a clever girl scientist solving magical problems, great for encouraging curiosity and representation in science.

Tweens (nine to 12 years)

Children at this age can explore deeper themes of justice, friendship and cultural identity through novels and graphic books.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Based on the author’s own experience, this novel follows a young girl navigating immigration, poverty, and resilience while managing a motel.

New Kid by Jerry Craft
A graphic novel about race, privilege, and fitting in, told with humour and heart.

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook
Set in Sri Lanka, this adventure novel weaves excitement with themes of justice and bravery.

Teens (thirteen and up)

Young adult books explore identity, social justice and personal growth — perfect for sparking thoughtful conversations.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
A powerful story about race, activism and speaking out, told through the eyes of a Black teenage girl.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
This honest portrayal of cultural expectations and mental health invites teens to think critically about identity and family.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
A beautifully written novel-in-verse about grief, family secrets and finding strength in unexpected places.

Inclusive reading isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about giving children the tools to understand themselves and others, to ask questions and to build empathy. By choosing stories that reflect a wide range of experiences, parents can help shape open-minded, confident and compassionate readers, at every age.

Inclusive books to read with your child at every age