What Are Some Diverse & Inclusive Books to Celebrate Read Aloud Day?
by Julie Diamond, OCT
**This post will take 4 minutes to read*
Read Aloud Day is celebrated annually in over 173 countries and is all about bringing people together through the shared connection of reading aloud in all of our communities.
So in celebration of World Read Aloud Day today, we're diving into 10 special books that are not only perfect for read-aloud sessions but also serve as valuable tools for educators and parents. These diverse and inclusive stories are not just about storytelling; they're about creating engaging and educational experiences for all students.
1. Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña
This book is a fantastic resource for sparking discussions on diversity, community, and the beauty found in everyday life. Use it to enhance language skills and foster a love for reading in your tutoring sessions.
2. The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats
Perfect for primary teachers and students, "The Snowy Day" offers a wonderful opportunity to engage young learners in vocabulary building and imaginative storytelling. Its universal themes make it an excellent choice for language development activities.
3. Julian is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love
This empowering and visually stunning book is a valuable addition to tutoring sessions who aim to instill confidence and self-expression in their students. Explore themes of acceptance and individuality while enhancing literacy skills.
4. The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi
For educators who tutor English language learners, "The Name Jar" serves as a powerful tool for teaching vocabulary and facilitating discussions about cultural identity. Use it to encourage language development and promote understanding in diverse classrooms.
5. Islandborn" by Junot Díaz
Teachers who tutor can utilize "Islandborn" to explore multicultural themes, enriching students' cultural awareness and expanding their language proficiency. Use this book to foster discussions about heritage and diversity in a fun and engaging way.
6. Malala's Magic Pencil" by Malala Yousafzai
An excellent choice for social studies or global education, this book provides a platform to discuss social issues and inspire students to make a positive impact. Enhance critical thinking skills through discussions about education and empowerment.
7. The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz
Focused on art and culture, "The Colors of Us" becomes a valuable tool for teaching colors, promoting diversity, and encouraging students to express themselves creatively. Use it to weave meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
8. Grandfather's Journey" by Allen Say
Perfect for teachers who tutor history or geography, "Grandfather's Journey" invites students to explore themes of identity, cultural understanding, and the significance of one's roots. It's an ideal resource for fostering discussions about diversity and heritage.
9. Jabari Jumps" by Gaia Cornwall
Teachers can utilize "Jabari Jumps" to address social-emotional learning. This book is an excellent tool for discussing courage, resilience, and overcoming challenges, promoting a positive mindset in students.
10. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family" by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
This book is an invaluable resource for promoting understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. Use it to encourage open discussions about individual choices and acceptance.
As we celebrate World Read Aloud Day, let's be mindful to choose diverse books that are inclusive to all of our communities and serve as educational tools in our tutoring sessions, classrooms and at home.
Books can harness the power of storytelling to enhance literacy skills, promote inclusivity, and create enriching learning experiences for students around the globe.
Which books did I forget about? Send me an email and let me know – julie@diamondteachersgroup.ca