Picture Books about Identity that Inspire Open-Mindedness (2024)

Benji and his grandmother, Bubbe Rosa, prepare for Shabbat by strolling around New York. Old, irritable, and slightly disoriented, Bubbe Rosa’s shopping trip triggers a mixture of pleasant and painful memories from her childhood in Germany.

Bubbe Rosa’s experiences remind us of the enduring bonds of family and the vital role our past plays in shaping our present identity.

This is the first of two picture books about identity by Sandhya Parappukkaran. Shreya grapples with embarrassment over her mother’s traditional sari. Yet, as Amma explains the significance of the sari, Shreya learns to embrace her cultural roots while navigating the broader world outside her immigrant family’s home.

Amma’s Sari initiates discussions around acceptance, cultural identity, and the value of curiosity. It encourages students to respect diverse cultures and reminds us that our cultural heritage is fundamental to who we are.

Follow young Vanessa, who struggles with fitting in at her new school due to her bold outfit and long name. A heartwarming conversation with her mother inspires her to embrace her unique identity, leading to newfound confidence and friendships.

Becoming Vanessa fosters discussions on self-esteem, individuality, identity, self-expression, and the art of making friends. Vanessa’s journey reminds us that our uniqueness makes us special and being true to ourselves is the key to positive relationships and self-acceptance.

Bilal invites his friends to help cook a traditional Daal dish. Amidst his excitement, Bilal worries about his friends’ reactions to this cultural experience. Bilal’s experiences remind us that sharing our cultural traditions with others can foster understanding, create bonds, and celebrate our unique heritages.

Bilal Cooks Daal promotes discussions on cultural diversity, patience, community building, and making connections.

This is the second of two picture books about identity by Sandhya Parappukkaran.In “The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name” by Sandhya Parappukkaran, the protagonist, Zimdalamishkermishkada, wrestles with his unusually long name as he starts school. Feeling self-conscious, he adopts the shorter name ‘Zim,’ but it doesn’t sit well with him.

A heartfelt conversation with his mother about the significance of his name helps him appreciate its importance, leading him to embrace his full name proudly. This story promotes conversations on identity, individuality, self-acceptance, confidence, and self-esteem.

A young mouse, Chrysanthemum, adores her unique name but faces teasing at school due to its uniqueness. However, when her music teacher names her baby Chrysanthemum, it triggers a shift in perspective, leading her classmates to appreciate their unique identities and Chrysanthemums.

Chrysanthemum encourages your students to embrace their identities and respect others’ uniqueness. It reminds us that open-mindedness and empathy can shift perspectives and contribute to an accepting environment.

The Day You Begin sheds light on the importance of sharing our personal stories, expressing that we all sometimes feel like outsiders. Yet, it’s this courage to be ourselves that truly connects us.

Integrate this book into your curriculum to facilitate discussions on empathy, identity, a sense of belonging, a growth mindset, open-mindedness, relationship skills, self-awareness, and self-esteem.

A young boy and his grandfather cannot communicate through words due to language differences. They discover a shared love for art, transforming their interactions from frustrating silence to vibrant storytelling.

Drawn Together explores communication, open-mindedness, identity, and intergenerational relationships. It also emphasizes the power of making connections through non-verbal communication, encouraging children to explore unique ways of expressing themselves.

A young Asian girl takes pride in her distinct physical trait – eyes that kiss in the corners, like her mother, grandmother, and little sister. Read ‘Eyes That Kiss in the Corner’ to foster discussions on self-affirmation and self-love, personal identity, empowerment, self-esteem, and making connections within and across cultures.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corner encourages self-appreciation and the importance of embracing one’s identity.

A creature is brought up as a duck, only to discover he’s actually a crocodile. When the other crocodiles plan to prey on his duck family, Guji Guji uses his wit to protect them instead.

Guji Guji encourages discussions about acceptance, problem-solving, a sense of belonging, and the importance of accepting one’s unique identity.

Meet Zuri, a young girl who adores her curly hair, even though it has a mind of its own. When styling her hair for a special occasion, her daddy steps up to the challenge, ready to learn and do whatever it takes to make Zuri and her hair shine with joy.

Read Hair Love in your classroom to foster discussions on self-esteem, positive relationships, cultural pride and identity, self-expression, individuality and inclusivity.

Hana possesses a huge collection of hijabs and accessories, each reflecting her personality. As her collection grows, she needs a solution to manage them. She set up a shop outside her aunt’s hair salon, promoting recycling and entrepreneurship.

Hana’s Hundreds of Hijabs stimulates discussions on creativity, self-expression, problem-solving, community engagement, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability.

Asiya discovers her Bangladeshi heritage through her grandmother’s (Nanu’s) chest filled with katha, traditional Bangladeshi quilts. Each quilt holds a unique story, reflecting the brave and compelling history of the women in Asiya’s family who once wore them.

The Katha Chest encourages conversations around family traditions and how they shape our understanding of who we are.

Leila discovers the beauty of self-acceptance and the importance of embracing her heritage. Guided by her grandmother, Leila explores her unique identity as a Pakistani American, celebrating the characteristics that make her who she is.

Leila in Saffron encourages students to celebrate their individuality, embrace diverse cultures, cultivate a sense of belonging and understand and appreciate one’s own heritage.

A young girl yearns to wear one of her mother’s saris. Recognising her daughter’s longing, the mother lovingly drapes her in a beautiful blue sari, filling the young girl with joy and a sense of maturity.

Mama’s Saris opens classroom discussions about cultural traditions, the influence of parental figures, the desire for growth, and the joy of shared experiences.

Belle triggers change when a classmate asks her for a “skin color” crayon, usually perceived as peach. This prompts Belle to encourage a conversation about representing diverse skin tones, influencing the crayon industry to reflect that “skin color” includes many shades.

More Than Peach prompts discussions on identity, activism, and inclusion, encouraging standing up for change amid disparity. It emphasises that regardless of skin tone, everyone deserves acknowledgement and representation.

My Bindi follows a young girl named Shruti as she discovers the beauty and significance of wearing a bindi. The book celebrates cultural identity and self-expression and explores the cultural significance of the bindi. Through Shruti’s perspective, the book encourages readers to embrace and celebrate their own unique cultural identities and traditions.

My Bindi encourages readers to celebrate and embrace their own cultural identities while also respecting and appreciating those of others.

Seven-year-old girl Bana navigates the brutal realities of war in Syria. She sends a heart-wrenching plea on social media, stating, “I just want to live without fear.” Despite the hardships of losing her best friend, school, and home, Bana clings to hope, symbolising the resilience and spirit of many children caught in similar circ*mstances worldwide.

My Name Is Bana initiates discussions on human rights, empowerment, the plight of refugees, resilience, courage, identity, and the power of individual voices to effect change.

A young boy and his mother embark on a perilous journey to find a safer place to live. They are limited by what they can carry, prompting readers to consider, What would you take?

My Name is Not Refugee explores the refugee experience, promoting discussions around immigration, resilience, and the importance of community. It broadens understanding and fosters empathy for those who must leave their homes and start anew.

Yoon recently moved from Korea to America and grappled with her cultural identity. Her name means ‘Shining wisdom,’ and she loves how it looks written in Korean. She doesn’t like how it looks when written in English. She wonders if she should change her name to help her fit into her new life in America.

My Name is Yoon explores themes such as the cultural significance of names, the complexities of identity, the emotions of adjusting to a new home, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.

A young boy with a distinct pink shadow stands out in a family of males with blue shadows. He often finds himself attracted to things often labeled as ‘not for boys’. His father intervenes, helping his son’s path towards self-acceptance and affirming his gender identity.

My Shadow is Pink reinforces that love, acceptance, and understanding can surpass societal pressures and biases, cultivating an environment conducive to self-expression and personal growth.

Join Unhei as she moves from Korea to America. When she starts school, some students struggle to pronounce her name. She considers choosing a new name, however, as she embraces her Korean heritage and the support of her friends, she discovers the beauty and strength in her name.

The Name Jar illustrates the importance of valuing our unique identities, appreciating diverse cultures and perspectives, and nurturing an inclusive environment. It reminds us to take pride in one’s name and identity and cultivate respect for the unique backgrounds and qualities of others.

Zura is anxious about introducing her Ghanaian grandmother, Nana Akua, at her school’s Grandparents Day, due to her unique tribal facial markings. However, Nana Akua, through her wisdom and creativity, helps the class understand the beauty of her cultural heritage.

Nana Akua Goes to School provides a platform for discussing identity, the importance of cultural understanding, and the value of inclusivity.

Margaret, an Indigenous girl, is forcibly removed from her community to be ‘educated’ at a Canadian residential school. Upon her return, she struggles to reconnect with her cultural roots and her own family, who see her as a stranger.

Not My Girl inspires discussions on Canadian Indigenous history, cultural erasure, the importance of cultural identity, and the power of resilience and reconnection.

A bird sometimes feels connected with its flock, but at other times, it is overcome by loneliness. This reflective bird forms an unexpected connection with a young girl, leading it to contemplate life’s larger questions. Lost in its thoughts, it gets separated from its flock and embarks on its own adventurous journey.

Over the Rooftops, Under the Moon encourages discussions around loneliness, self-discovery, independence, and the complex nature of social connections.

Patchwork celebrates the beauty of being unique and the importance of following one’s dreams. Various children learn they don’t have to limit themselves to just one thing, and as they grow older, they can combine their talents to create something truly unique.

Patchwork will inspire your students to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. The book teaches children empowerment, identity, and the importance of following their passions.

Petra is a rock who begins questioning her identity as she becomes more self-aware. She thinks she’s a mountain until a dog picks her up and carries her away. When they land in a puddle, Petra becomes an island. But these changes don’t worry Petra because, as she says, “I am a rock, and this is how I roll.”

Petra promotes discussions on first-person narration, perspective, self-concept, changes, and the power of adaptability. It teaches children the importance of being open to new experiences and embracing change.

Meet Red, a crayon labelled red but who only ever manages to colour blue. When his friend Berry encourages him to look beyond his label, Red embarks on a journey of self-expression and self-acceptance.

Read Red: A Crayon’s Story to foster discussions around adaptability in tricky situations, identity and self-awareness, fostering empathy and understanding towards others and the significance of a sense of belonging.

A self-conscious pigeon visits an aviary, feeling overshadowed by other birds with colourful feathers, unique abilities, and musical voices. The pigeon eventually realises the value of freedom, appreciating its unique qualities.

The Remarkable Pigeon invites discussions on self-awareness, self-esteem, and identity. It encourages students to avoid unfavourable comparisons and value their individual freedoms.

You are the authors of your own stories. No one can tell you who you are ―it’s up to you! The Story of You illustrates how the actions we take and the words we say are essential to who we are.

The Story of You invites your students to discuss self-acceptance, confidence, empowerment, and perseverance. It inspires a positive outlook on life, stressing kindness in shaping our identities.

Sulwe has darker skin than anyone else in her family and school. She wishes for lighter skin to avoid teasing. Her mother shares a profound story that helps Sulwe accept and love her unique beauty, teaching her to ignore the negative opinions of others.

Sulwe fosters discussions about self-acceptance, embracing our unique features, and the importance of inner beauty. It also addresses colourism, promoting empathy, compassion, and respect for diversity.

Super Duper You encourages children to embrace their uniqueness. It celebrates individuality, highlighting our identities’ diverse, extraordinary, and seemingly contradictory aspects.

Super Duper You promotes discussions around well-being, self-esteem, and fostering self-awareness. It prompts children to explore their identities, promoting acceptance, diversity, and the courage to be oneself in a world that often demands conformity.

Thunder Boy Jr., a Native American boy, longs for an individual identity separate from his father’s name. After expressing his feelings to his father, he receives a name that celebrates his achievements and individuality.

Thunder Boy Jr. explores identity, individuality, and the bond between father and son.

omatoes in my Lunchbox follows a young girl as she arrives in a new country and a new home, feeling displaced and misunderstood. Even the tomato in her lunchbox is a source of confusion. But when she makes her first friends, she feels more like herself and more at home.

Read during back-to-school time and teach your students about embracing differences, making connections, and finding a sense of identity in a new place.

A young girl witnesses the various ways Muslim women in her family wear their hijabs. She begins to envision the myriad of ways she can express herself in the future through her own hijab.

Under My Hijab sparks conversations on tolerance, self-expression, the importance of identity, diversity within cultural practices and appreciation of the individuality embodied in each person’s choice of expressing their cultural and religious beliefs.

A curious girl discovers her grandmother’s past when she and other First Nations children endured the suppression of their Cree culture in a Canadian residential school. Her grandmother’s resilient spirit empowers her to embrace and express her Cree culture, defying attempts to erase them.

When We Were Alone prompts discussions on Indigenous communities, resilience, cultural heritage, identity, and questioning and understanding our cultural history.

A young girl questions her origins and wonders – where is she from? Her grandfather provides her with an unexpected answer, offering a profound perspective.

Where Are You From? discusses acceptance, identity, belonging, cultural heritage, and defining one’s origins. The story highlights the importance of understanding cultural heritage while recognising our identity isn’t only determined by where we come from.

A boy and girl ponder their identities, exploring hypotheticals such as being taller, faster, smaller, smarter, older, lighter, darker, or bolder. This challenges readers to think about their identity and diversity in the world.

Why Am I Me? promotes diversity, acceptance, open-mindedness, respect for different people and traits that make us unique.

As a young girl living in Japan, Yayoi Kusama dreamed of becoming an artist and uniquely saw the world – covered in an ‘infinity of dots’. This vision has been central to her art, allowing her to express her identity in a beautiful and captivating ways.

This biography explores Yayoi Kusama’s life and how her upbringing has helped shape her artwork and inspired her creative endeavours.

Mark Gonzales writes a letter to his daughter, empowering her to embrace her multifaceted identity. He highlights the richness of their Muslim faith and assures her it’s okay if others may not understand her experiences or identity.

Yo Soy Muslim fosters dialogue on the importance of embracing one’s unique identity, understanding and respecting cultural diversity, the significance of faith, and navigating a world where misunderstandings about one’s culture can occur.

A young girl is persistently questioned about her ‘missing’ older brother, Bill. Classmates, curious and confused, imagine theories about Bill’s whereabouts. The truth emerges when her older sister, Lily, comes to pick her up. Bill hasn’t vanished but transitioned into Lily.

You Need to Chill! explores acceptance and understanding of gender identity and emphasises that expressing one’s gender is normal. It provides an opportunity to discuss our perceptions and misconceptions about gender identity.

Join a frustrated young girl as her classmates and teachers mispronounce her name. Feeling discouraged, she confides in her mother, who teaches her a valuable lesson: “Your name is a song.” She returns to school with newfound confidence, ready to embrace her identity and share her knowledge with others.

Your Name is a Song initiates discussions on appreciating the diversity of names, fostering pride in our unique identities, and respecting and honouring individuals’ names, recognising that they are a crucial part of our identity.