Inclusive Literature for Children

Children’s literature, especially in the early years, is one way for teachers to broach often difficult or complex subjects with their students. Books allow children to become immersed in the story, and can begin to connect to the characters and their experiences. I believe that books are a powerful tool that can bring people together, and can make messages more meaningful to the reader. There are going to be students in your class who may say “That’s not fair! Why does _______ get to use that chair?”, and the list goes on.  It is important that, as part of your classroom community, this is a topic that you address right away. Discussing the topic of equity in a safe environment, such as your classroom, is a time where your students can ask questions, and you can begin to dispel the myths that some students are getting special treatment, etc. Much like other challenging concepts, this is one where literature can act as a way to approach the concept, and allow students to share their own thoughts and expand their own ideas.

Below, I have provided some wonderful texts that you could use in your classroom to introduce the concept of inclusion with students:

1. “You Are Special”, by Max Lucado – this is a heartwarming story that spreads the message that no matter what we look like on the outside, we were all created equally, and that who we are on the inside is what should be valued. It discusses the topic of labelling, using stars and dots, as a way that the characters in the story are categorized by people in their society. This is a positive book that asks children to remember that they are all special in their own way, and would support a discussion on diversity, acceptance, and inclusion. It could also be used to discuss social justice, in terms of hierarchies in society, and how man-made and irrelevant these truly are.

 2. “Max the Champion”, by Sean Stockdale – Max loves to play sports, and through this love, the story explores how Max, and other children with a range of disabilities are able to participate actively with their peers during all activities. This book does a brilliant job of showing us what inclusion really means, and that the interests and passions of a child should not be shut down because of their disability. Max and his friends are role models for what an inclusive school environment should be.

3. “My Brother Charlie”, by Holly Robinson Peete – this story discusses what it is like to live with autism, through the eyes of a child. The main character is Charlie’s sister, and she explains to readers what wonderful things her brother CAN do, and how he may show emotions or feelings differently from others. This is a great text in that it is through the eyes and words of a child, and can allow students to see the value in others, and to look beyond their own perception.

4. “Don’t Call Me Special”, by Pat Thomas – this book, geared towards Kindergarten-Grade 2, is a great way to begin looking at how far we have come in terms of including those with disabilities. It discusses different types of disabilities, and how the use of the word ‘special’ was used in a negative or segregating way. It illustrates to readers that some people may have disabilities and look differently on the outside, but that on the inside, we all have our own wants, needs, and feelings – that is something we all share. 

5. “The Great Big Book of Families”, by Mary Hoffman – this would be a wonderful introductory book in Grade 1, All About Me, or a Kindergarten classroom, as it shows readers what all kinds of families can look like. It is inclusive in that it shows various family structures that differ from the ‘nuclear family’ norm, as well as other cultures and family practices. It is text that you could use to go in many different directions, and allows students to see themselves and their families represented and celebrated.