Adding Diverse Children’s Literature to Your Classroom

• Jessica Palmer
• Posted 5/9/22
• 0 comments

We live in a diverse world. Children learn about people from other cultures and places in their history classes. Music teachers incorporate music from around into their curriculum. However, an area that can be overlooked is your shelf of children’s literature. How diverse is your library? 

Kids of color, neurodiverse students, and non-binary people often do not see themselves represented in literature. Children’s books should feature these often marginalized people in a non-stereotypical, real human way. As award-winning author and illustrator Eric Velasquez said, “Once children see themselves represented in books, their existence is validated, and they feel that they are part of the world.” 

So how do you choose new books or evaluate your current library? The most important thing to remember as you evaluate is to consider what the words and images are communicating. If you are interested in really diving in, we suggest reading the article “Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children’s Books” by Louise Derman-Sparks. This article will walk you through several checkpoints and things to be aware of before using a book in your classroom. Here are our quick takeaways: 

• Check the illustrations: are there any harmful stereotypes? 
• What messages do the relationships between the characters portray? 
• Are there messages about different lifestyles? 
• Are there any “loaded words”? 
• What is the author’s/illustrator’s background and perspective? 

Evaluating a book can be time-consuming, but it is vital to ensure your books share the message of inclusion and include diversity. 

Ready to add some diverse and inclusive books to your music room? Here are a few of our favorites. 

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman 

If you haven’t added this book to your classroom yet, add it to your wish list! “All Are Welcome” is a simple story that follows a group of children through a school day. The illustrations feature students in patkas, hijabs, yarmulkes, and baseball caps. Students grow and learn from each other’s traditions at this school, and the story culminates in a community gathering to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The “All Are Welcome” refrain appears throughout the text and makes a great group chant or musical interlude. 

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Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle 

This vibrant and creative storybook is inspired by the true story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers. The positive message of gender equality is appropriate for all ages. The book includes a CD that features the sounds of congas, bongos, and timbales. “Drum Dream Girl” is an excellent addition to any drumming lesson! 

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Your Name is A Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow 

This inclusive book offers a fresh way to look at the tradition of creating new names. Saddened by her classmates’ and teacher’s mispronunciations of her name, a little girl begins a journey to learn about names’ musicality. “Your Name is A Song” explores African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. Chances are, you use names in your music room – this book is a super exploration into different cultures and backgrounds! 

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Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace by Harris J 

Salam Alaikum means “Peace be upon you.” It is a greeting that Muslims worldwide use to say “hello” and “good-bye.” International music sensation Harris J has taken the greeting and created a call to action. Using the lyrics to the hit song of the same name, and accompanied by heartwarming illustrations that depict the power of paying it forward, this sweet and charming picture book celebrates kindness and community.  

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Because by Mo Willems 

This beautifully composed book tells the story of a little girl’s journey to the stage. Mo Willems, a number-one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, expertly connects the dots between the spark of an idea to how it may inspire the next artist. Amber Ren’s care for inclusive and culturally diverse illustrations sets this story is excellent for today’s classrooms. The themes of chance, discovery, and persistence are appropriate for any aged student.  

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Do you have a great lesson plan that uses a diverse and inclusive book? Become a Contributor to add to our collection of lesson plans! For more questions or more information, email service@musicconstucted.