I Can See Me! A list of diverse books for young children

By Green Heart Books

We all know how vital it is for children to recognise themselves in fiction to help further stimulate a love of reading and writing.

This fantastic list has been put together for us by Lorraine Mighty, who works as International Foundation Pathways Programme Manager for the University of Birmingham, and volunteers on the university’s Race Equality Network. As the mother of two mixed race children, she is keen to ensure her sons see a range of cultural heritages (including their own) in the books they read.

Hey You!: An empowering celebration of growing up Black

Dapo Adeola, Reggie Brown, et al.

£7.99 £7.59

All Are Welcome

Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

£6.99 £6.64

This book provides such a wide visual representation of people, families and languages. On every reading of this book, someone else catches our eye in the illustrations, and I’m set the challenge of how many languages I can say ‘Welcome’ in!

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

Ibtihaj Muhammad, S. K. Ali, et al.

£7.99 £7.59

This story of sibling support and religious identity reminds us of the importance of celebrating one’s own cultural heritage.

Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation

Floella Benjamin and Diane Ewen

£12.99 £12.34

Floella Benjamin has adapted her autobiography for a younger audience, and it’s a beautiful read. This story has a special place in our heart as it is similar to my mother’s route to the UK.

Azzi In Between

Sarah Garland

£7.99 £7.59

Set in a war-torn country, this graphic novel of a displaced young person’s experience in rebuilding their life in a new country captured my eldest’s imagination from the first reading.

I Am Enough -

Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo

£6.99 £6.64

This affirming poem with beautiful illustrations is a reminder that our differences are to be celebrated and valued.

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

Atinuke and Mouni Feddag

£14.99 £14.24

Another favourite, this book is packed with fascinating (and beautifully illustrated) facts about all of the countries which make up the continent of Africa. We (or perhaps specifically I!) are particularly enjoying being transported to these different locations throughout lockdown.

Voices of the Future: Stories from Around the World

£14.99 £14.24

My eldest is amazed that all of the stories in this book are written by children aged between 8-12 years old. Focused on children’s rights and UN Sustainable Development Goals, these stories take you around the world in 152 pages!

My Daddies!

Gareth Peter and Garry Parsons

£6.99 £6.64

A heartwarming and beautifully written story about less traditional families which deals particularly well with adoption.

Have You Seen Elephant?

David Barrow

£7.99 £7.59

My youngest absolutely loves this book about a child who plays hide and seek with an elephant! Fabulous illustrations and guaranteed giggles on every read.

1, 2, 3, Do the Dinosaur

MICHELLE ROBINSON and Rosalind Beardshaw

£7.99 £7.59

Within the first few reads, my youngest started singing along to this story. It has great rhythm and rhyme which means you can’t help but join in!

The Magic Paintbrush

Julia Donaldson and Joel Stewart

£7.99 £7.59

Standing up for what you believe in and staying true to yourself is central to this lyrical and visually stunning story of Shen and her magic paintbrush.

Courtney Goes to the Hospital: A Story of Two Mums and Their Children

Lucille Kelsall-Knight

£9.99 £9.49