Inclusion Books for Kids
Literacy changes lives, and we’re dedicated to making quality books accessible to every young reader. This collection celebrates diversity and belonging for readers ages 5 to 9. Each book features characters from various backgrounds, abilities, and experiences, nurturing empathy and appreciation for differences.
Tire Trouble
An old tire rolls away from a broken-down car, searching for a new purpose. Will it find the perfect fit with a truck, a bike, or a horse and cart? Follow this determined tire on an exciting journey down the road as it discovers where it truly belongs.
We All Help
Jan’s special day is coming up, and everyone in the family wants to help make it wonderful! Mom is cooking something delicious, Dad has a surprise, and Grandma and Grandpa have special gifts too. Even Tim is excited to help! Can you guess what everyone is preparing together? Find out how a whole family comes together to create something amazing!
What’s Your Name?
Jojo spots a talented boy playing soccer alone on the field. When Jojo tries to join in, he discovers the boy is an amazing player—but there’s something special about him that makes communication tricky. Will Jojo find a way to become real friends with this mysterious new player?
Jill Lost it All
Jill arrives at a new village after escaping a terrible raid, having lost everything. With help from a kind friend named Dr Can Do, she begins to rebuild her life. But can she truly feel safe again, or will danger follow her to this new home?
Little Book of Big Facts Football
A curious friend learns all about the exciting sport of football! Discover what makes this game so special, from the round ball to the 11 players on each team. Did you know football is played all around the world by millions of people? Find out the amazing facts that make football the game everyone loves!
Nakita Can Help!
Meet Nakita, a caring helper who works with elephants in need! When she spots a young elephant stuck in a ditch, she knows exactly what to do. Will Nakita be able to help this elephant get the care it needs? Follow along as Nakita shows kindness and courage to make a difference!
No One Like Me
Have you ever wondered if there’s anyone else quite like you in the whole wide world? Join a curious character on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery as they search everywhere—from the water hole to the plains—looking for someone just like them. What will they discover about what makes them truly special?
Tin Man
Meet Tim, a tiny tin man with a big heart and an even bigger mission! When a mysterious button bounces past him, Tim knows exactly what to do—find its owner and return it. But the world is enormous when you’re made of metal and no taller than a toy. Will Tim’s courage and determination be enough to complete his quest through a dangerous world of giant feet, massive dogs, and busy roads? Join Tim on his adventure to discover that the smallest heroes can do the biggest things!
All of Us
In a busy house full of people, a young child sometimes wishes to be alone—especially when there’s no room to run or play. But what happens when everything changes and being surrounded by family becomes the safest, most comforting place to be? Discover why this child learns that sometimes, having everyone around is exactly what you need.
Flip, Flop!
A little fish feels sad and wishes it could be something else. When a curious cat comes along, the fish must swim fast to stay safe. But then something unexpected happens that changes how the fish feels about being a fish. Will the fish discover that being different isn’t so bad after all?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are inclusion and diversity books important for young children?
Books about inclusion help children develop empathy and understand that people experience the world in many different ways. Research shows that social-themed picture books significantly improve prosocial behaviour in young children (Li et al., 2025), and stories featuring diverse characters, abilities, and family structures are a natural way to foster that development.
How do diversity books support reading development?
Diversity books expand children’s background knowledge — an essential component of reading comprehension identified in Scarborough’s Reading Rope model (2001). When children read about unfamiliar cultures, traditions, and perspectives, they build the broad knowledge base that helps them understand increasingly complex texts as they grow. These books also introduce vocabulary children may not encounter in their daily lives.
What topics do these inclusion books cover?
The collection includes stories about different family structures, cultural traditions, disabilities, racial and ethnic diversity, neurodiversity, and varied interests and abilities. Each topic is presented in age-appropriate language through decodable text matched to specific phonics levels.
Can teachers use these books for social-emotional learning?
These books work well as both literacy materials and conversation starters for social-emotional learning in K-3 classrooms. Research on how children learn from narrative fiction (Springer, 2022) found that stories are a powerful tool for developing social understanding because children naturally consider characters’ perspectives and motivations as they read.
What formats and reading levels are available?
Inclusion books are available to read on the Bookbot website, with many titles free to access. Depending on the title, you may also find options such as PDF downloads, printable versions, audiobooks, or read-aloud mode with word-by-word highlighting. Reading levels range from basic CVC words for beginning readers through advanced phonics patterns, and you can filter by grade to find the right fit.