How diverse and inclusive are the books in your school?
"Books offer children a way of exploring and understanding the world. We owe it to them to ensure that those books include everyone." Sir Quentin Blake, Children's Laureate 1999–2001.
Browse the best books that celebrate diversity and inclusion in primary schools.
What do we mean by diversity and inclusion?
These interconnected concepts refer to the variety of unique individuals that make up a group of people, who are equally welcomed, supported, respected and valued.
Diversity is often referenced as differences in race, ethnicity or culture but it actually embraces ALL the ways in which people differ, including religion, disability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or diversity of thought.
Inclusion is the universal human right to be welcomed and valued as part of a group, community or environment.
Put simply, in terms of a jigsaw puzzle, imagine diversity as the individual jigsaw pieces (people,) and inclusion as the completed puzzle, with all the pieces fitted together to make one whole.
Why is it important to ensure library collections and reading experiences offered to children are as diverse and inclusive as possible?
“Literature is probably the most powerful medium through which children have a chance to inhabit the lives of those who are like them…Children also need to learn about the lives of those whose experiences and perspectives differ from their own. Choosing stories and non-fiction that explore such differences begins to break down a sense of otherness that often leads to division and prejudice.” Department for Education (DfE), The Reading Framework, July 2023.
Books are a great way to bond. Children not only need to see themselves reflected in the books they read, in order to feel included, represented and understood, but also need to learn about all aspects of diversity and feel empowered to discuss, understand and have empathy for what makes all of us unique. Diverse and inclusive books will help children understand the world around them and how they fit into it.
“Books create belonging. They help us see each other and understand one another. They shine a light on the world. It’s vital that the books we read in our formative years reflect the rich diversity of the society we live in.” Penguin Random House, Lit in Colour.
The DfE Reading Framework (July, 2023) set out criteria for choosing books to read aloud and this references the importance of diversity and inclusion in reading provision. Inspectors will ask if these books:
- elicit a strong response — curiosity, anger, excitement, laughter, empathy?
- have a strong narrative that will sustain multiple readings?
- extend children’s vocabulary?
- have illustrations which are engaging and reflect children from all backgrounds and cultures?
- help children connect with who they are?
- help children to understand the lives of people whose experiences and perspectives may be different from their own?
Being aware of the books we are placing in front of children is more important than ever. Growing up with mind-expanding, empathy-building, horizon-widening books will give children and young adults a chance to learn more about the amazing array of people who live in our world and become well-informed, fully capable, citizens within a tolerant and empathetic society.
How can our school measure diversity and inclusion within current book collections?
One way to do this would be to sample sections of your library and record how many of the books in your sample are diverse and in what way. For example, when considering main characters, are different cultures, religions, genders, or disabilities represented? Are they represented in a positive way or do they prove useful in discussing diversity? It’s important here to look at the illustrations, as well as the text. Divide the total number of books in that section into the number of books that met your criteria for a general baseline for the level of diversity in that section. For example, 18 books with a diverse main character ÷ 200 total books = 9% of that section.
This can be a time-consuming process but is definitely a worthwhile one! Tackling one section of the library at a time will make it more manageable. Thinking carefully about future purchases when restocking your library will also help to make sure that diversity and inclusion are represented and celebrated as an intrinsic part of all your collections, as we move towards a more reflective and inclusive future.
How diverse and inclusive is new children’s literature?
In recent years there has been a welcomed improvement in the availability of books with inclusive and diverse characters and storylines, especially in books for primary school children, which now showcase some wonderful voices for children to discover.
The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) conduct an annual survey, called Reflecting Realities, which identifies and evaluates ethnic representation within picture books, fiction and non-fiction for ages 3–11. For the first time since its inception, the seventh annual report, published in November 2024, indicates a decrease in minority representation in children's books — from 30% in 2022 to 17% in 2023. Similarly, the percentage of books featuring a main character from a racially minoritised background has declined from 14% in 2022 to 7% in 2023. This downturn highlights the need for renewed commitment from the publishing industry to improve both the volume and quality of inclusive literature. Given that 33.9% of children of primary school age in England are from a minority ethnic background, there is still significant progress to be made.
“We know that a child's life chances are improved by their access to and enjoyment of quality literature, and that their engagement with literature is improved when they can see themselves and their experiences reflected in a meaningful way.” Sarah Crown, Director of Literature, Arts Council England.
What are the best books to celebrate diversity & inclusion in primary schools?
With a combined experience of over 50 years working in schools, education and children’s book publishing, our experts at Pandora Books work tirelessly year-round to support schools in finding just what they need. Continue to ensure children get the best of the best with our Diversity & Inclusion collections. They are the perfect way to inject brilliant books into school and classroom libraries at every level, reflecting our community and wider society.
We know that your book budget needs to make a real impact and keep these criteria at the forefront of our minds when selecting books. In recent years publishers have responded to the need for books with more diverse characters and authors and we have been able to ensure that the very best feature across our entire range. However, this has not always been the case and for schools wanting to inject a more substantial number of books we have created diversity and inclusion collections for Early Years, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2 to allow you to easily purchase up-to-date books that are perfect for school classrooms and libraries and support a real and lasting change in working towards accurately representing the whole school population. The following collections feature books with leading characters from different ethnic backgrounds, refugees, diverse families and children living with disability and are a mix of brilliant, engaging, hopeful, funny and adventurous stories children will love.
It’s also important that the books children use to learn to read are diverse and inclusive. We work with the leading suppliers of reading schemes and recently published scheme books are far more diverse and inclusive than in the past. For instance, see Collins (publishers of Big Cat and Little Wandle), Pearson (publishers of Bug Club) and Oxford University Press for more information on how they are working to give visibility and representation to all readers.
Helpful Links:
- CLPE: Reflecting Realities Research
- Lit in Colour
- National Literacy Trust: Promoting diversity through literacy
- Inclusive Minds
- The Black Curriculum
It is important to ensure primary school library books and reading experiences offered to children are as diverse and inclusive as possible. These are our recommended high-quality books that celebrate ethnic diversity, diverse families, and refugees and titles that feature characters living with a disability. Our collections are age-appropriate and offer children the chance to see different perspectives, validate their own lived experiences and embrace the similarities and differences of the lives of others. We have included the work of a variety of diverse authors and illustrators.
If bought from Pandora Books, all these brilliant books will be dispatched with durable, protective book jackets to keep them in great condition for longer — free of charge.
Diversity & Inclusion in Picture Books for Reception
Specifically selected for early years classrooms, this appealing collection can significantly enhance and update the representation and inclusivity on your bookshelves. It includes books featuring different families, ethnically diverse characters, people with disabilities, and familiar characters from CBeebies, such as JoJo & Gran Gran and presenter George Webster.
Featured title: The Box Full of Wonders by Karl Newson
When two families merge and move in together, a little boy finds an escape in his imagination.
On the day two families move into a new home to start their life together under one roof, an overwhelmed little boy takes refuge in a simple cardboard box. But it’s not just any box - it’s a pirate ship, or a castle, or a rocket shooting into outer space...the only limit is his imagination. Through creativity and play, the boy learns to share with his new siblings as they create fantastical worlds together.
Diversity & Inclusion in Picture Books for KS1
Enrich your key stage 1 bookshelves with a wide range of diverse characters, authors and illustrators. This broad collection of appealing picture books explores many aspects of diversity, including disability, religious diversity, and family diversity, and is perfect for updating Year 1 and Year 2 classroom libraries.
Featured title: Football is for Everyone by Rico Hinson-King
An empowering and authentic football story by Junior Premier League footballer Rico Hinson-King, illustrated by the beloved Nick Sharratt about bravery, teamwork and making sure EVERYONE is included.
Charlie LOVES football. In fact, it is his life. All of his dreams come true when he gets a spot on a pro football team.
However, at Charlie's school things aren't going so well as one of his friends starts leaving him out during football. Charlie notices that other children are being left out too - just because they are different. But Charlie knows that football is for EVERYONE, so he starts a team where ALL are welcome, no matter who you are or what you look like.
Diversity & Inclusion Chapter Books for KS1
To create a diverse library, it is essential to assess all your books, including your young readers and short chapter books. This collection bridges the gap between diverse picture books in KS1 and diverse fiction in KS2, making it ideal for independent readers aged 6–7. We have gathered a wide range of diverse characters from a variety of publishers to help address the historical lack of diversity in reading books for young readers.
Featured title: Yasmin the Vet by Saadia Faruqi
Mama and Baba are away on a trip, and Yasmin is moping because she misses them. Then Yasmin, Nani, and Nana discover an injured cat that needs a rescue. Could helping a creature in need be just the thing to cheer up Yasmin? Best-selling author Saadia Faruqi shares another delightful story featuring Yasmin and her multigenerational Pakistani American family.
A heart-warming tale about the importance of including everyone.
Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in Lower KS2
This exciting and varied collection contains our top 20 recommended books that feature diversity in society and include characters with physical disabilities, ADHD, and autism; as well as characters from ethnically diverse backgrounds or non-stereotypical family set-ups. All the books have been chosen for readers in Years 3 and 4, aged 7–9.
Featured title: The Emerald Emergency by Zanib Mian
Meet Maysa and Musa Malik. They might be twins but they are total opposites. And together they make an unstoppable team, especially when trying to solve a mystery!
Maysa and Musa are on the case when a priceless emerald ring goes missing during an event at their mosque. But first, Maysa has to cover up one of her lies - which lands her mum in a lot of trouble! Can Maysa save both the ring and her mum's reputation?
Infectiously funny, and full of her trademark warmth, Meet the Maliks - Twin Detectives is the new series from Zanib Mian.
Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in Upper KS2
Update your library with a wonderful choice of books featuring heroic characters from different ethnic backgrounds, diverse families and people living with disability. The collection largely features children living in the UK today and includes adventures, beautiful stories of hope, funny books, mysteries and fairy tales to enjoy.
Featured title: Fablehouse by E.L. Norry
Fablehouse is a children's home like no other. It's a safe haven for Heather and her friends, sheltering them from a society that won't accept the colour of their skin. But soon that is not the only danger that threatens them. When mysterious spirits infiltrate the house, stealing away some of the children, the friends must follow them to the heart of the underworld. There they find a magical court from Arthurian legend, where bewitched creatures are hatching a plan to take over the human world. With Pal, the gallant Black Knight, by their side, Heather and friends must resist the glamour of the Fae and battle the Champion. Can they find the inner strength they'll need to save their home?
Black History Matters Library Pack for KS1 & KS2
Our Black History Matters collection provides essential books that address the long-standing criticism of the history curriculum being dominated by ‘crusty old white men’. It ensures that your school library acknowledges both the suffering and the contributions of Black people. The collection includes books that explore the chronology of Black history, including topics such as slavery, Windrush, the civil rights movement, and Black British history. This book pack is ideal for activities during Black History Month and will serve all year as part of a diverse school library that meets the needs of all children, as Ofsted requires — because all children deserve representation.
Featured title: Brilliant Black British History by Atinuke
Children’s Non-Fiction Books of the Year Winner at the British Book Awards.
An eye-opening story of Britain, focusing on a part of our past that has mostly been left out of the history books: the brilliant Black history of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Did you know that the first Britons were Black? Or that some of the Roman soldiers who invaded and ruled Britain were Black, too? Join this fascinating journey through the ages to meet those first Britons, as well as the Black Tudors, Georgians and Victorians who existed in every walk of life here. The incredible journey through time is brought to life through Atinuke's fascinating storytelling and illustrated scenes, detailed maps, and timelines created by illustrator Kingsley Nebechi.
Representing Neurodiverse People in Fiction
Increase representation on your bookshelves with books featuring neurodiverse characters for the whole school. This appealing mix of funny, tender, and exciting picture books and fiction titles ensures that your library reflects the experiences of neurodiverse pupils and fosters understanding among all students.
Featured title: Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace
A hilarious and heart-warming chapter book for readers aged 6+ about a boy with ADHD who is transformed into a dinosaur, with dynamic black-and-white illustrations throughout.
It wasn't really Rory's mum's fault. She just bought Dinosaur Pie for a change and gave it to Rory for his dinner. The next morning he was a dinosaur. Not dressed up as a dinosaur - actually a dinosaur. It's not all that funny really. Rory can't talk and he can't bear the thought of eating an apple. All he wants to eat is sausages. It doesn't wear off. The supermarket that sold the pie doesn't want to know and the doctor isn't all that helpful. What are they going to do to get Rory to turn back into a human boy?
Representing People with Disabilities in Fiction
Increase the representation on your bookshelves with beautiful picture books, fun graphic novels, and brilliant fiction titles featuring disabled characters. These carefully chosen books captivate readers, foster a deeper understanding of people living with disabilities, and challenge stereotypes.
Featured title: The Fantastic Freewheeler vs. the Mall of Doom by Molly Felder
Drew Daniels, aka the Fantastic Freewheeler, is enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the park when real estate tycoon Natalie Main suddenly bursts onto the scene! She declares that the beloved outdoor space will be bulldozed to make way for a ginormous mall that never closes. Can Freewheeler use his info-absorbing superpowers to look deep into the past to discover the answer to stopping the demolition plot, before it's too late? Find out in this exciting Fantastic Freewheeler graphic novel, featuring a spunky hero who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, as well as action full of humour and heart.
Explore Other Countries Through Picture Books
Explore the world and see it through the eyes of others with this glorious collection of picture books, offering children a window into the sights, sounds, homes, families, traditions, and lives of children on other continents.
Featured title: Flying High by Cao Wenxuan
An inspiring picture book beautifully illustrated by Yu Rong, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2023.
Have you ever felt small and low? Can Wawa the bird find a way to help her friend see that being different can be a strength, giving a child the courage to fly a kite at the town’s festival? Join the pair on an extraordinary and inspiring journey through the wonders of the world, helping to grow understanding and confidence.
British Values for KS1
Our thoughtful and careful book selection for our British Values collections continue to make them some of our most popular non-fiction resources. This key stage 1 collection for pupils aged 5–7 focuses on honesty, fairness, how to be a good citizen, rules, rights, and taking responsibility.
Featured title: Rules and Responsibilities by Louise Spilsbury
The Children in Our World picture book series helps children make sense of the larger issues and crises that dominate the news in a sensitive and appropriate manner. With relatable comparisons, carefully researched text and striking illustrations, children can begin to understand issues in the news, how they affect people and how readers can help those who are affected. In this book children can explore why we have rules from those in school to laws in society and what happens when rules are broken.
Where issues aren't appropriate to describe in words, Hanane Kai's striking and sensitive illustrations help children visualise the issues with images that are suited to their age.
British Values for KS2
Our thoughtful and careful book selection for our British Values collections continue to make them some of our most popular non-fiction resources. This key stage 2 collection for pupils aged 7–11 focuses on equality, rights, how to decide what is right and wrong, understanding conflict, and the importance of political systems.
Featured title: Human Rights (I’m a Global Citizen) by Alice Harman
How can you be a good global citizen? By understanding the world we live in and how we can effect change. This book explores what human rights are, what happens when they are respected and when they are limited, for example losing your right to freedom if you commit a crime. The book looks at movements such as Black Lives Matter and at how we can all help to protect human rights through activation.
Including information, fun activities, challenges, case studies and ideas for group and individual action presented with fun illustrations. This book promotes the idea that we have power as individuals: each of us can change things, and each of us has choices about how we behave.
How diverse and inclusive are the books in your school?
What do we mean by diversity and inclusion? These interconnected concepts refer to the variety of u..
