Words by Smiley Team
As children return to school, parents may be looking for new ways to support their little ones’ learning. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through books. Not only is reading a great source of entertainment, it's also known to improve young readers’ confidence and empathy.
If you’re looking for books to help your children develop into young changemakers wishing for a more equal world, the following list features some of the best literature to do so.
For children aged 3+
Author Vese Aghoghovbia Aladewolu wrote this beautifully-illustrated book for her daughter, Philly, when she couldn’t find enough children’s literature featuring people of colour. It's a powerful book, teaching children that it’s what’s on the inside that counts the most and to embrace what makes them special.
From Philly & Friends.
[Read more: How To Change The World Through Empathy]
For children aged 6+
Empower girls and educate boys about gender equality with this book of 100 stories of women who have had a positive impact on the world. From renowned changemakers to forgotten pioneers, from Elizabeth I to Michelle Obama, there is a story to inspire every child.
From rebelgirls.com.
For children aged 3+
Young readers will love this adorable true story of Roy and Silo, two boy penguins in New York City’s Central Park Zoo, who build nests together just like boy and girl penguins do. When other nests start filling up with eggs and theirs doesn’t, they ask another penguin couple if they might donate one of their unwanted eggs. The book subtly promotes equality for LGBT+ communities through this sweet story.
From Simon & Schuster.
For children aged 4+
Written by Sally J. Pla, a mother of sons with different personality traits and needs, this book embraces neurodiversity. It tells the story of a little boy having a bad day at school only to return home to discover his little brother with autism, Benji, isn’t happy either. It’s a tender story of affection between the two siblings, with a happy ending.
From Lee & Low Books.
[Read more: ‘University is my biggest dream’]
For children aged 3+
Teaching children to be altruistic in an economically unequal society, Those Shoes tells the story of a little boy who really wants a pair of black high top shoes. Throughout the book he struggles to overcome teasing at school for not having the “coolest” shoes, before he learns the power of generosity when encountering another boy who can’t afford new shoes at all.
From Candlewick Press.
For children aged 10+
The Boy at the Back of the Class introduces children to the struggles of refugees. Told with feeling and humour, this award-winning book features three children who befriend a new boy in their class who they learn has only recently arrived in the country after fleeing from war abroad.
From Hachette.
For children aged 3+
This story of singer Florence Mills, shows the efforts of the Harlem Renaissance to drive racial equality in the US through art. The daughter of two ex-slaves, Florence is little remembered for her work supporting and promoting black performers. In this book she is celebrated as an inspiration for black children, encouraging them to beat racial discrimation and fulfill their dreams.
From Penguin Random House.
