2th Grade Diversity Text Collection

1. Palacio, R. J. (2018). We're All Wonders. New York, NY: Random House Children's
Books.
This book is a great resource that allows for all student to tap into their longing for belonging,
and to be seen for who they truly are on the inside as apposed to simply the outside. It
encourages empathy and kindness with young children; regardless of how others may look on the
outside.

2. Al Abdullah, Queen Rania of Jordan. (2010). The Sandwich Swap. New York, NY: Little,
Brown Books for Young Readers.
This book is a story about two girls who like doing all of the same things, until they realize they
have different opinions and tastes in their lunch sandwiches. This story is a great resource to
teach the lesson of appreciating different opinions, thoughts, and tastes of others.

3. Pena, Matt de la. (2015). Last Stop on Market Street. London, UK: Penguin Young
Readers Group.
This story takes the audience on a ride through various examples of comparing ones self to
others, and learning to appreciate how we are all different. It is also a great resource that teaches
individuals to see their own beauty without comparing themselves to others.
 4. Godin, Thelma Lynne. (2017). The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen. New York, NY: Lee & Low
Books, Inc.
This book is a vibrant book about a community coming together as one. It is a great resource to
teach students the importance of family and communities ties and coming together as one, and
staying young at heart.

5. Medina, Meg. (2017). Mango, Abuela, and Me. Summerville, MA: Candlewick press.
This is a great resource to share the importance of accepting diverse cultures and languages. It is
a story about a girl and her adventure to communicate with her Spanish-speaking grandmother;
showing that love binds families across generations.

6. Woodson, Jacqueline. (2001). The Other Side. London, UK: Penguin Young
Readers Group.
This story highlights the American History of segregation through telling a story of a friendship
between an African-American and white little girl. It is a great recourse to spark the conversation
of celebrating different races and differences in appearance- especially focusing on the history of
segregation in the U.S.
 7. Faruqi, Reem. (2015). Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story. Thomaston, ME: Tilbury
House Publishers.
This gentle story is a great resource to incorporate into the classroom in order to teach students to
learn the importance of respecting their friends (and others) beliefs and backgrounds. It
highlights different cultures and the idea of appreciating all others backgrounds.

8. Coles, Robert. (2010). The Story of Ruby Bridges. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
This book is a powerful resource that is based upon a true story about an African American girl
who lived during the time of segregation and integration within our American History. It not
only teaches students about American history and integration of schools, but also highlights the
important lesson that we are all equals- regardless of our race, beliefs, and diverse differences.

9. Dismondy, Maria. (2008). Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun. Michigan: Cardinal Rule Press.
This book is a great resource to add to a classroom library because it focuses on the concept of
knowing what you stand for and communicating that. This is a good resource to teach students
that not everyone stands for the same thing and has the same beliefs, but it is their right to have
those beliefs, and we must respect that. It also shows them the importance for standing for their
own personal beliefs.
 10. Choi, Yangsook. (2003). The Name Jar. New York, NY: Random House Children's
Books.
This book is one that students can relate and make connections to- considering it takes place in a
school setting. It can be used to focus on each individuals uniqueness, and appreciating not only
your own, but others’ unique qualities.