Books like Not He or She, I'm Me
Award winning
I'm Not Ugly: God Made Me Beautiful
La-Shawnda C. Thompson, Emiyah P. Thompson, Emani M. Thompson, 2023
126 pages
Why to read
Empowers self-esteem and positive body image.
Encourages appreciation of individual uniqueness.
Supports emotional development in young children.
Inspires conversations about diversity and acceptance.

I'm Not Ugly: God Made Me Beautiful
La-Shawnda C. Thompson, Emiyah P. Thompson, Emani M. Thompson, 2023
Award winning
What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns
Katherine Locke, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Explores identity through creative use of pronouns.
Encourages respect and understanding of diverse identities.
Supports language development and personal expression.
Engaging illustrations enhance reading enjoyment.

What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns
Katherine Locke, 2021
Award winning
Your Name Is a Song
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, 2020
45 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity through melodic storytelling.
Encourages respect and pride in personal names.
Supports emotional and social development.
Ideal for shared reading and family bonding.

Your Name Is a Song
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, 2020
Award winning
The Red Jacket
Bob Holt, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Captivating adventure enhances children’s creative thinking.
Encourages empathy through diverse, relatable character experiences.
Supports cognitive development with engaging narrative challenges.
Strengthens reading skills, perfect for family bonding.

The Red Jacket
Bob Holt, 2023
Award winning
Where Are You From?
Yamile Saied Méndez, 2019
34 pages
Why to read
Explores identity and belonging through a heartfelt storyline.
Encourages conversations about heritage and personal history.
Supports emotional development and self-awareness in young readers.
Beautifully illustrated, fostering visual and artistic appreciation.

Where Are You From?
Yamile Saied Méndez, 2019
Award winning
Under My Hijab
Hena Khan, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and understanding through vibrant storytelling.
Introduces cultural respect and awareness, essential for young minds.
Empowers identity exploration and self-expression.
Warm, colorful illustrations enhance engagement and retention.

Under My Hijab
Hena Khan, 2019
Award winning
The Cape of Wonders
Kevin Johnson, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Sparks imagination with a magical, captivating narrative.
Features relatable, diverse characters promoting inclusivity.
Enhances problem-solving through engaging plot twists.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading adventures.

The Cape of Wonders
Kevin Johnson, 2023
Award winning
Like Lava in My Veins
Derrick Barnes, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Explores emotional regulation through creative storytelling.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Supports development of coping strategies in children.
Engaging narrative that strengthens reading skills.

