Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books

Topic: Diverse & Inclusive Books for KS1

Picturebook

This inspiring picture book tells the true story of world-famous deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie .

This is a story of music.
Of obstacles.
Of strength and hard work.
Of all you can accomplish when you dream.

As a child, Evelyn Glennie’s ears began to hurt. Voices became distant whispers. Ringing phones sounded like muffled crunches in her ears. But when she was told that she would need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, Evelyn was determined that this this would never stop her from playing music. Instead of giving up on her dreams, Evelyn found new ways to listen…

With stunning illustrations from Devon Holzwarth, and a special note from Evelyn Glennie herself, this is the perfect book to inspire children to never give up on their dreams.

Picturebook

An important story which amplifies the importance of introverts, while showcasing the amazing celebrations of light across our diverse communities.

Picturebook

A funny and moving story about how a little girl copes with change after her parents separate.

When Dad says that he’s moving out, Lily-May feels all upside-down inside. But now Dad comes on Sundays, and they ride their bikes really fast and make secret dens together. Lily-May plays more just with Mum now, too – and when Mum’s new partner Peter comes over, they play pirate ships! Sometimes, there are tricky moments – Lily-May hates it when Mum has to work late – but a birthday party with Lily-May’s big fantastic family helps her realise just how many people love her.

This reassuring celebration of non-nuclear families will help children to understand that they will always be loved, even if parents separate or divorce.

Beautifully written in rhyme by the award-winning authors of the bestselling George’s Amazing Adventures series, this uplifting story with a diverse cast of characters embraces all the positive aspects of becoming part of a blended family after a divorce or separation.

Picturebook

In a true tale of a young girl in Iran and her grandmother, this beautiful ode to family celebrates small moments of love that become lifelong memories.

In this big universe full of many moons, I have travelled and seen many wonders, but I have never loved anything or anyone the way I love my grandma .

While Mina is growing up in Iran, the centre of her world is her grandmother. Whether visiting friends next door, going to the mosque for midnight prayers during Ramadan, or taking an imaginary trip around the planets, Mina and her grandma are never far apart… At once deeply personal and utterly universal, this story is a love letter of the rarest sort: the kind that shares a bit of its warmth with every reader.

Picturebook

Billy’s family is not what you’d call ordinary. His mums won’t listen to NORMAL music. They love to sing sea shanties and dance jigs in the lounge. Their clothes are highly unusual, they have a rude parrot for a pet, and their taste in house design is, well . . . FISHY.

Billy wishes his family could be more like everyone else’s. Until a swashbuckling adventure changes everything!

Picturebook

A beautiful, heartfelt adventure, perfect for celebrating all kinds of family and the love that brings them together.

This is the dark and starless sky, where just past the moon a planet drifts by.
And this is the planet that’s full to the brim, with friendly and caring space people called… TIM!

Meet Tim and Tim – a couple who long for a family and set off on a quest to find their very own star child. This joyful, read-aloud adventure is a comforting, soothing read that’s ideal just before bedtime. It’s also a helpful jumping off point for early conversations about the experiences of LGBTQ+ families for the youngest readers.

From the author of My Daddies and the illustrator of The Perfect Hug and The Biggest Kiss.

Chapter book

Marvin’s life is perfectly ordinary until one day he discovers a superhero suit with infinite powers . . . In this story, supervillain Shadow takes over the water park with her army of robot sharks. Armed with his super-suit and robot sidekick, Pixel, Marvin dives into action to become the invincible, unstoppable MARV!

Chapter book

Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door is the first title in an inclusive magical adventure series, perfect for readers of 6-8 from debut author Lola Morayo. It is inspired by world mythology and is gorgeously illustrated in black and white throughout by Cory Reid.

Open the door to a world of magic and adventure…

A mysterious gift arrives on Aziza’s birthday. It is a secret fairy door that will whisk her away to Shimmerton, a magical world with princesses, naughty fairies, shapeshifters, unicorn shopkeepers and mischief around every corner. But when the precious jewelled doorknob is taken, Aziza is trapped. Will she ever see her home and family again? Maybe her new friends, Peri and Tiko, can help….

Picturebook

When Jake’s mum upcycles every last thing in the apartment, Jake begins to worry that the only thing left to change is… him! Jake’s mum is not like most mums. Say there’s a skip in the street, most mums will pass right by without a second glance. Not Jake’s mum. “Look at this, Jake!” she’ll shout. “We must have this! We must have this, too! And we simply must have this!” That’s Jake’s mum for you. She’s a must-have mum. Soon Jake begins to worry that his mum will want to change him too. Should he be this way? Or that way? Or another way altogether? A heartwarming story about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son, and a little boy who learns that he is perfect just the way he is.

Picturebook

Nimesh is walking home from school. Except…there happens to be a shark in the corridor. And a dragon in the library! And why would crossing the road lead to the North Pole? A fun-filled story about a little boy with a BIG imagination, Nimesh the adventurer will surely make even the dullest journey a dazzling adventure.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Any other comments

Any other comments