Marginalized Students Deserve Representation: An inclusive back-to-school reading list
Welcome *All* students with this inclusive back-to-school reading list.
The books in this list feature students who have historically been marginalized whether it be due to their race, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, or gender-identity. Use this list to curate a read aloud lineup with stories that affirm marginalized students and uplift marginalized voices.
Have a book to add to this list! Let us know so I can add it to my own reading list :)
Picture Books ft. Marginalized Students
Find the Full Book List on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below:
Students with limb differences
Ninja Nate by Markette Sheppard | As he prepares for his first day of fifth grade, Nathaniel hides his new prosthetic leg beneath his favorite ninja costume, worried his friends will see him differently after his accident. But soon, he learns that his disability is just one part of who he is.
Students using wheelchairs
Mighty Mara by Carina Ho | Mara dreams of performing in her school's talent show, but others doubt her because she moves differently and uses a wheelchair. Refusing to let others define her, she takes the stage and shines, showing everyone the power of determination and self-expression.
Students with hearing aids
Mara Hears in Style by Terri Clemmons | On her first day at a new school, Mara navigates the challenges of using hearing aids, from missed classroom accommodations to curious questions from classmates. As the day unfolds, she discovers that her hearing aids are part of what makes her unique and even help her build a new friendship.
Blind students
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best | Zulay is excited for first grade and, despite being blind, wants to participate in everything her classmates do, including running a race on Field Day. With determination, support from her teacher and aide, and encouragement from her friends, Zulay proves that she can achieve her goals.
Students with vitiligo
Simply Winnie by Winnie Harlow | Winnie can't wait to debut the colorful outfits she designed for the new school year, but when she worries about fitting in, her confidence begins to fade. With encouragement from her grandmother, Winnie learns that the things that make her different are also what make her special.
Students with 2 fathers
Papa, Daddy, and Riley by Seamus Kirst | Riley loves both of her dads, but when a classmate asks which one is her "real" dad, she's left wondering how to answer. Through love and reassurance, Riley discovers that families aren't defined by labels, they're built on love.
Students with 2 mothers
My Footprints by Bao Phi | Thuy often feels "double different" because she is Vietnamese American and has two moms. After a hurtful comment from a classmate, a walk home through the snow sparks her imagination, helping her discover the courage, strength, and pride that have been inside her all along. T
Trans students
You Need to Chill by Juno Dawson | When Bill doesn't show up at school, his classmates come up with all sorts of wild explanations for where he could be. His sister gently sets the record straight, helping everyone understand and accept Bill's identity. Bill is now her sister!
Nonbinary students
Timid by Harry Woodgate | Timmy loves performing, until it's time to step on stage. As anxiety takes the form of a roaring inner lion, they learn, with the help of a new friend, that courage isn't about never feeling scared. It's about facing your fears anyway.
Students with ADHD
Ady and Me by Rich Pink | Sophie introduces readers to her constant companion, "Ady," a playful representation of her ADHD. Together they navigate school, friendships, and everyday challenges while discovering that creativity, curiosity, and big ideas are just as much a part of ADHD as the struggles.
Autistic students
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey | Henry longs to find a friend who understands him and appreciates his love of routines, order, and quiet. After a difficult day at school filled with overwhelming sights and sounds, an unexpected friendship helps him feel seen and accepted.
Nonspeaking students
You Can Say Hi With Only a Smile by Merriam Sarcia Saunders | Celebrates the many ways people communicate, from speaking and signing to using AAC devices, waving, or sharing a smile. Helps children understand that every way of connecting with others is meaningful and worthy of respect.
Dyslexic students
Brilliant Bea by Shaina Rudolph | Beatrice has a vivid imagination, but reading and writing don’t come easily because of her dyslexia. When a supportive teacher encourages her to share her stories in a way that works for her, Beatrice discovers that there are many paths to learning and success.
Immigrant students
The Shape of Home by Rashin Kheiriyeh | On her first day of school in America, Rashin notices that everything feels new and different. When her class shares the shapes of their families' home countries, she proudly connects with her Iranian heritage while discovering the many places her classmates call home.
Students learning English
Binna’s Dalgona by Sojung-Kim McCarthy | Binna is excited to tell her classmates about making dalgona, a favorite Korean treat, but struggles to find the right words in English. With encouragement from her sister and support from her classmates, she gains the confidence to share an important part of her culture.
Undocumented students
Areli is a Dreamer by Areli Morales | Based on the author's own childhood, this memoir follows Areli as she leaves Mexico to reunite with her family in the United States. As she navigates learning English, adjusting to a new school, and enduring hurtful comments from classmates who tell her she is "illegal," Areli grapples with what it means to belong.
Indigenous students
Rez Kid by Andrea Landry | After being teased with the words "Rez kid!" at school, a young Indigenous girl turns to her family for guidance. Through the wisdom of her elders and the traditions they share, from beading and gardening to harvesting medicines, she finds a way to respond with kindness while staying proud of her identity.
Latiné students
Lupe Lopez: Reading Rock Star! by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo | Lupe Lopez is determined to become a Reading Rock Star, but learning to read proves harder than she expected. After facing teasing and frustration, Lupe discovers that reading, like music, takes practice, perseverance, and finding your own rhythm
Asian students
Schooltime Grumps by Katrina Moore | Daisy is excited to start a new school year with her Yeh-Yeh visiting from China, but she’s disappointed to discover that none of her old friends are in her class. Eager to make new friends, Daisy gets carried away and accidentally causes frustration by interrupting turns, spilling snacks, and knocking over classmates’ creations. When everyone seems grumpy with her, Daisy learns, with Yeh-Yeh’s guidance, that making friends takes more than enthusiasm.
Black students
My School Unicorn by Tom Knight | Evie feels nervous about starting big school until she discovers Bobby, a tiny magical unicorn who helps children feel brave. With Bobby by her side, Evie learns that school can be fun and exciting.
Muslim students
Salat in Secret by Jamila Thompkins-Bigelow | Muhammad receives a special salat rug for his seventh birthday and is excited to begin praying five times a day. But when he realizes one prayer falls during school, he worries about being judged or teased for practicing his faith. With support from his family and teacher, Muhammad finds a safe place to pray and gains confidence in openly embracing his Muslim identity.
Jewish students
Rivka’s Presents by Laurie Wallmark | Set in New York City’s Lower East Side during the 1918 flu pandemic, Rivka is forced to stay home from school to care for her family when her father becomes sick. Determined to keep learning, she trades chores with neighbors in exchange for lessons.
Arab students
A Map for Falasteen by Maya Odeh | Falasteen struggles to find Palestine on a map during a school assignment and begins questioning whether a place can exist if it isn’t shown there. Through stories from her family, she learns about her Palestinian heritage, history, and the enduring connection to homeland.
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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~
Happy Reading,
Maya
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