Parent Education Resource
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Readings for Children

Most of these books are available to borrow Parker’s Kovler Family Library as either physical copies or e-books, and all the books should be available through public libraries. We encourage you to make any purchases of books through your favorite independent booksellers.
The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
by BERENSTAIN, Stan and Jan 

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

Aimed at the earlier readers (ages K–3), this book discusses how to appropriately address and talk to strangers. A good book to teach your child about the danger of talking to strangers while also not being too scary. My three year old enjoys this book. We've read it many times now. Brother Bear and Sister Bear have very different personalities, making them relatable to both shy and very friendly kids. -Reviewer on Amazon

Topics: Identity
Why Am I Me?
by BRITT, Paige 

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

An important book about differences. Kids notice physical differences at a young age. Through a compelling exchange between two kids, the author shows how we can celebrate our differences rather than fear or discriminate against them.

Topics: Race, Identity
Beyond the Hashtag: How to Take Anti-Racist Action in Your Life
by BRYANT, Zyahna

Article for Upper School Students
Recommended by Parker Administration

In this article from the Politics section of Teen Vogue, Bryant offers insight into how to take anti-racist action and be part of the organizing infrastructure in our communities.

Topics: Racism, Anti-racist work
I am Enough
by BYERS, Grace

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

"We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it." Excerpt from the author.

Topics: Identity, Self-esteem
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
by FARUQI, Reem 

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

A great introduction to Ramadan for our younger readers. Lailah is a new student in a new country and is excited to be able to fast for Ramadan; however, she is worried about being misunderstood by her new classmates. With some help with the librarian, she finds a way to make new friends who respect her beliefs.

Topics: Religion, Identity, Self-esteem
Red: A Crayon's Story
by HALL, Michael

Book for children/students preK–1
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

A funny, heartwarming book about a Red crayon who just "knows" he's Blue. A great story about being true to your inner self and creating your own path in life. Readers of all ages will enjoy this one.

Topics: Identity, Self-esteem
Lovely
by HONG, Jess

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

In a world where our diversity manifests in many ways, race, ethnicity, gender expression, this book celebrates all of us as unique individuals who are all "Lovely"!

Topics: Identity, Self-esteem
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action and Do the Work
by JEWELL, Tiffany

Book for Upper School Students
Recommended by Parker Administration

A guided journal with activities to empower teens and young adults and equip with tools needed to be actively antiracist.

Topics: Anti-racism, Teen activism
MARCH, Books 1–3
by LEWIS, John, AYDIN, Andrew and POWELL , Nate

Book for children/students Grades 4–8
Recommended by SEED Facilitators
 
Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) was an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence took him from an Alabama sharecropper's farm to the halls of Congress, from a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington, and from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first African-American president.

Now, to share his remarkable story with new generations, Lewis presents March, a graphic novel trilogy, in collaboration with co-writer Andrew Aydin and New York Times best-selling artist Nate Powell

Honors: Book 3 was a National Book Awards Winner for Nonfiction

Topics: Race, Civil Rights
A Kids Book About Racism
by MEMORY, Jelani

Book for Children
Parker Administration

Part of the "kids book about" series, this book is a conversation starter about racism and suggested to be read together. It is available for purchase in both hardback and ebook. For a preview, here is a video of the author reading the book. https://tinyurl.com/jzuuurnf

Topics: Racism
Pink is for Boys
by PERLMAN, Robb 

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. (from Amazon)

Topics: Gender, Identity, Self-esteem
A Different Pond
by PHI, Bao

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

A beautifully written and illustrated book about how a simple act, Bao's fishing trip with his father, leads to a reminiscence of Bao's father's own childhood, in his homeland of Vietnam. A beautiful window into a relationship between a father and son, between two different cultures.

Honors: Caldecott Honor Book, Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor and New Illustrator Honor

Topics: Race, Xenophobia
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
by PIMENTEL, Annette Bay

Book for children/students
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

This inspirational and educational book, about a girl overcoming limitations who helps Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act, that reminds readers that you don't have to be a grown-up to make a difference. It's the perfect tool to discuss children's disabilities with your kids, whether it be as a window or a mirror.

Topics: Disability, Civil Rights
When We Were Alone
by ROBERTSON, David

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

An emotional story about a tough yet important time in our history surrounding Native Americans.  One that kids and adults will love, as it starts so innocently with a young girl asking questions, as children often do. A beautiful read. 

Honors: Governor General’s Literary Awards (Canada) Young People’s Literature

Topics: Identity
Not Quite Narwhal
by SIMA, Jessie

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

This heartwarming story will appeal to younger and slightly older readers. It does a great job highlighting multiple identities within families, and the love that pervades.

Topics: Identity
Introducing Teddy
by WALTON, Jessica and MACPHERSON, Dougal 

Book for children/students
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

Errol's best friend and teddy, Thomas, is sad because he wishes he were a girl, not a boy teddy, but what only matters to both of them is that they are friends.

Topics: Identity
A Map into the World
by YANG, Kalia and Illustrated by KIM, Seo

Recommended by Counseling Department

This picture book describes a Hmong child whose neighbor dies, and the child draws a "map of the world" with chalk as she tries to process this loss.

Topics: DEI, Grief, Loss, Emotions
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