In a world where we are often bombarded with images and messages about how we should look, it’s more important than ever to teach our kids the value of self-love and acceptance. Here, we believe that every child is unique and wonderful just as they are. Explore a variety of books that inspire confidence and encourage kids to appreciate their own unique qualities to help them embrace their true selves.
Ages 0-8
Through lively text and delightful illustrations, this truly inclusive book celebrates all the different human bodies that exist in the world.
Letter by letter, B Is for Bellies is a joyous picture book celebration of every body from A to Z! This ode to self-love and kindness encourages us to remember that every body is worthy of respect, whether it be letting go on the dance floor or engagingin peaceful rest.
The kids in What I Like About Me, are as different as night and day. And, guess what? They love it. Some adore the fact that their braces dazzle and gleam, others feel distinguished when they wear their glasses. This fun-loving book, with a mirror included on the last page, proves to kids that, in a world where fitting in is the norm, being different is what makes us special.
Zubi, a happy Bangladeshi girl, is excited about her first day of school, but at breakfast she is puzzled by her mother and older sister worrying about being “too big,” and even at school she hears other people criticizing each other’s bodies, and she starts to worry that maybe something is wrong with how she looks–until her declaration at dinner that she is on a diet makes her family realize what they have been doing wrong.
In rhyming text, a little girl expresses confidence and joy in her uniqueness, no matter her outward appearance.
After Laxmi’s friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance.
Ramon loses confidence in his ability to draw, but his sister gives him a new perspective on things.
This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
Rhyming verse describes the diversity of skin color, promotes self-esteem, and explores how children can be both unique and similar at the same time.
An affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves.
Edward the giraffe hates his long, ridiculous neck. He tries everything to hide it but finally gives up. Then, a turtle shows him his neck has a purpose—and looks great in a bow tie.
Soon after a young girl arrives in Japan, she, her grandmother, her aunties, and some cousins celebrate cultural traditions together while visiting a bath house.
Ages 9-12
Praised for acting like a big girl when she is small, as a young girl grows, “big” becomes a word of criticism, until the girl realizes that she is fine just the way she is.
What if every young girl loved her body? This book encourages girls to celebrate their bodies, embrace their uniqueness, and practice self-love. It teaches resilience and self-care, helping all girls appreciate themselves in an image-obsessed world.
Natalie has never felt like she’s enough—athletic, stylish, or talented. On the first day of middle school, she finds out she’s not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily. While trying to win Lily back, Natalie discovers her true self and learns she’s more than enough just as she is.
Garvey’s dad pushes sports, but Garvey loves reading and sci-fi. Lonely and teased for being overweight, he finds comfort in food. Joining the school chorus, Garvey discovers his singing talent, self-acceptance, and a way to connect with his father.
These stories are an extra peek at Auggie, a boy born with extreme facial abnormalities, before he started at Beecher Prep and during his first year there. Readers get to see him through the eyes of Julian, the bully; Christopher, Auggie s oldest friend; and Charlotte, Auggie s new friend at school.
Bullied and shamed her whole life for being fat, twelve-year-old Ellie finally gains the confidence to stand up for herself, with the help of some wonderful new allies.
Very short for her age, Julia grows into her sense of self while playing a munchkin in a summer regional theater production of The Wizard of Oz.
Camila’s mother insists she focus on school and straightening her hair to be “presentable.” But Marlene dislikes the salon and feels her curls aren’t valued. With Camila and Tia Ruby’s help, she begins to appreciate and proudly embrace her curly hair.
Twelve-year-old Rahul Kapoor, an Indian-American boy growing up in small-town Indiana, struggles to come to terms with his identity, including that he may be gay.
A little girl and her live-in monster learn about what makes them different–and what unites them.
Moon feels they don’t belong to this world and are often invisible. Believing they belong to the stars, Moon lives in their imagination with an imaginary spirit guide who avoids speaking to stay unbound.
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft.