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.
No Room for Pokey!
Pokey the cat is searching for a cosy spot to sleep, but every place he tries is already taken! A box stuffed with grumpy cats, a trash can guarded by snarling Inky - nobody wants to share. Then the rain begins, lightning cracks the sky, and suddenly everything changes. Will Pokey find somewhere safe, and what will he do when the other cats need help too? This decodable reader practises the ‘ough’ phonogram in words like ’tough,’ ‘rough,’ ’enough,’ ’thought,’ and ’through.’
Fig Pig and the Dark Cave
When a tall, purple-eyed Enderman appears at Fig Pig’s window in the dead of night, he can’t stop wondering: why is it so angry? Why do Endermen steal blocks, and where do they take them? With his friend Player at his side, Fig Pig tiptoes into a shadowy cave to uncover the truth behind the screams - but what will he find lurking in the dark? This decodable reader practises VC/CV syllables in words like ‘common,’ ‘hidden,’ ‘follow,’ and ‘sudden.’
Grab My Hand!
Jojo spots a boy juggling a football on the other side of the fence, and his feet are a total blur. Can Jojo keep up with this lightning-quick player? And why won’t the boy stop when Jojo calls for a break, no matter how loudly he shouts? When the ball rolls into the road, Jojo has to act fast. This decodable reader practises suffixes in words like ‘bravely,’ ‘quickly,’ ‘hopeful,’ and ‘friendship.’
Ouch! That Was My Leaf!
Spike the cactus is lonely and wants to find a friend. He hops around the garden in his pot, asking different trees if they want to be pals. But the orange tree is grumpy, the banana tree is scared, and others just sigh at him. When he finally finds someone willing to chat, something goes wrong. Why is it so hard for Spike to make friends? Will he ever find a pal who truly understands him?
Too Big? Think Bigger!
Rose the sheep is finally heading home after a long summer on the hill - but wait, what’s this? A brand-new gate, and it’s far too small for a big, woolly sheep! Can yoga shrink her down? Will running do the trick? What about swimming? After three weeks of trying, Rose has one last, brilliant idea. This decodable reader practises the ‘kn’ sound in words like ‘knew,’ ‘kneel,’ ‘knots,’ and ‘knuckles.’
A Noise at the Door!
Pa tells the best bedtime tales in the world - but is tonight’s story just a tall tale, or something more? Meet a girl made of air who nobody can see, until one brave boy picks up a paintbrush and changes everything. Will she finally be noticed? And when the lamp clicks off and the door creaks open on its own… who’s really there? This decodable reader practises the oi/oy phonogram in words like ‘boy,’ ‘joy,’ ’noise,’ and ‘voice.’
Wait! Don't Go!
What happens when a giant boy crawls out of his cave hoping to make a friend? Sen is gentle and kind, but his hands are HUGE and his voice shakes the rooftops! When the village children spot something enormous behind the hedge, they run for their lives. Can Sen show them he isn’t a monster before it’s too late? This decodable reader practises the soft g sound in words like ‘gentle,’ ‘giant,’ ‘village,’ ‘huge,’ and ’edge.’
Watch Out, Ted!
Ted is heading to Ava’s birthday party, and he knows every step of the way - even though he cannot see. But when his neighbour Kim follows closely behind, worrying about every puddle and barking dog, can Ted show her that smells, sounds, and a trusty cane are all he needs? How does he find his way so boldly? Step along and find out! This decodable reader practises suffixes in words such as ‘boldly,’ ‘calmly,’ ‘proudly,’ ‘friendship,’ and ‘roughness.’
Don't Drop That Mango!
It’s harvest day, and every single mango matters! Can you help balance the baskets, climb the trees, and keep the fruit safe from hungry insects and wobbly cousins? From the farm to the picnic blanket to the busy market, golden mangoes roll and tumble everywhere - but whatever you do, don’t drop that mango! Will every last one make it safely into the truck? This decodable reader practises VC/CV syllables in words like ‘basket,’ ‘mango,’ ‘picnic,’ and ‘farmer.’
I Want THAT House!
What would YOU do with a house on tall wooden stilts, or one that floats peacefully on the waves? Follow a child with a basket of mangoes as they wander past shops, gardens, and garages, meeting families who live in the most surprising homes. Could there really be a perfect house - and which one would you pick? This decodable reader practises suffixes in words like ‘proudly,’ ‘brightens,’ ‘cheerful,’ and ‘worker.’
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.