When I want to feel empowered, I read. Where else can I visit historical sites, learn about the perspectives of others, and see the world through the eyes of people who do not look like me? As kids grow up, they use what they’ve learned to determine who they are. And while I can attest […] The post 13 Books for Kids about Empowerment and Acceptance appeared first on Teaching Channel.
When I want to feel empowered, I read. Where else can I visit historical sites, learn about the perspectives of others, and see the world through the eyes of people who do not look like me?
As kids grow up, they use what they’ve learned to determine who they are. And while I can attest to the idea that identity can sometimes shift and change as we age, kids are finding their footing as they determine their values and beliefs. For those reasons and more, it’s especially important that they have access to books to show them stories that resonate and represent the challenges and struggles they may be experiencing.
Books are powerful ways to invite conversations, learn about others’ perspectives, and affirm diverse identities. In particular, for kids who are still figuring out who they are, stories about empathy and self-confidence provide readers with mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others.
To this end, we’ve asked teachers, librarians, and scoured “Best Of” book lists and curated our own favorite engaging, age-appropriate books that celebrate variety, encourage acceptance, and empower kids to embrace their authentic selves. Take a peek below, with links to Bookshop.org to add these to your library!
Grades PreK-3
My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart
I am Jazz by Jessica Hertheland and Jazz Jennings Grades
Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!: What Are Your Pronouns Today? by Linz Amer
Grades 4-6
Adi’s Animal Adventures, by Julie Schanke Lyford
Door by Door: How Sarah McBride Became… by Meeg Pincus
Jamie, by L.D. Lapinski
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Hell Followed With Us, by Andrew Joseph White
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt
These books are meant to inspire, engage, and invite students to deeply explore their own identities, and how they can interact with their peers. No matter which book you are excited to learn about, these stories can help students determine how they want to make their mark in the world.
About the Author
Betsy Butler (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in English, a Master’s in Education, and has been teaching since 1992. Betsy uses her three decades of teaching experience to write and revise our courses while selecting the perfect accompanying texts. Her specialty areas include ELA, special education topics, behavior management, and mental health.
Fun Fact: Betsy’s daily conquest is solving the New York Times crossword puzzle!
The post 13 Books for Kids about Empowerment and Acceptance appeared first on Teaching Channel.
