Books to encourage conversation about identity with children

It’s vitally important that children see themselves and their familiar culture refl ected in books, and that they read (and listen to) stories that broaden their knowledge of identity, providing them with an informed, rich view of the world we live in.

JULIÁN IS A MERMAID by Jessica Love

While riding the subway home with his nana one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Th eir hair billows in brilliant hues and their dresses end in fi shtails. When Julián gets home, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes – and even more importantly – how Julián sees himself?

MAE AMONG THE STARS by Roda Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Inspired by the life of the fi rst African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison, this book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.

THE PROUDEST BLUE by Ibtihaj Muhammad, with S. K. Ali, Illustrated by Hatem Aly

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the fi rst day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand-new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s fi rst day of a hijab – one of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees the hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will fi nd new ways to be strong.

MIXED by Arree Chung

Th e Blues, Reds and Yellows lived in harmony. Reds were the loudest, Yellows the brightest and Blues the coolest. However, when one of the colours proclaims they are the best, discord breaks out and eventually the colours decide to live in diff erent parts of the city. Th en one day a Yellow befriends a Blue and they become inseparable, discovering a world of diff erent possibilities and colours.

THE BIG UMBRELLA by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates

By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. Lush illustrations and simple, lyrical text subtly address themes of inclusion and tolerance in this sweet story that accomplished illustrator Amy June Bates cowrote with her daughter, Juniper, while walking to school together in the rain.

ALL THE WAYS TO BE SMART by Davina Bell, Illustrated by Allison Colpoys

From the award-winning creators of Th e Underwater fancy-dress Parade and Under the Love Umbrella comes this joyful ode to all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are. In this acclaimed book, the author of the Newbery Honor Book To Be a Slave shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. Karen Barbour’s dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester’s vision, truly a celebration of all of us. LAYLA’S HEAD SCARF by Miriam Cohen, Illustrated by

Ronald Himler

Layla is a shy new girl in fi rst grade and her classmates wonder why she wears a head scarf. As the school day progresses, the fi rst graders learn about

Layla’s culture and help make her feel more at ease in her new school.

MY NAME IS NOT REFUGEE by Kate Milner

A young boy discusses the journey he is about to make with his mother. Th ey will leave their town, she explains, and it will be sad but also a little bit exciting. Th ey will have to say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and that will be diffi cult. Th ey will have to walk and walk and walk, and although they will see many new and interesting things, it

LET’S TALK ABOUT RACE by Julius Lester, Illustrated by Karen Barbour

will be hard at times too.

RILEY CAN BE ANYTHING by Davina Hamilton, Illustrated by Elena Reinoso

Th is inspiring rhyming story follows Riley as he discovers some of the wonderful things he can do when he grows up. With the help of his big cousin Joe, Riley is taken on a series of imaginative journeys that allow him to realise he can be anything he wants to be.