Celebrating Racial Diversity and Inclusion

This collection is made to celebrate racial diversity, the wide range of authors from different backgrounds we stock at Books2Door, and recommend some best-selling titles that feature BAME characters. Books that celebrate racial diversity and promote cultural inclusion are integral when it comes to the broader publishing industry as they help to introduce diversity within underrepresented cultures into children’s fiction. BAME writers present an intriguing look into the stereotypes existing in cultures that come from being from a minority background, offering a unique perspective into a lifestyle often different from ours. 

For some avid readers, being able to identify with characters from backgrounds like theirs is not only representative but also inclusive of the cultural differences celebrated within literature and children’s fiction. Books with diverse characters allow Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native students to see themselves and their experiences reflected by characters within the books. Similarly, for children of other backgrounds, these books allow an opportunity to learn about the practices and cultural beliefs of others worldwide. We have so many amazingly diverse books to choose from by so many brilliant authors! On this page, you can filter by author or age group by using the left-hand side to find the right collections to tailor the page to your own personal needs. It’s quick and easy to find the right books for your child.

For those little ones starting to read, why not introduce them to My Hair by Hanna Lee? This fun and vibrant book has a strong message about self-esteem and celebrates Black afro hair in all its glorious versatility! 

If you’re unsure where to start, why not try the Sam Wu 6 Books Collection Box Set by Katie and Kevin Tsang, perfect for ages 7-9? This series is inspired by Kevin and Katie’s aspiration to see more children’s books featuring children from Asian heritage backgrounds that are accessible and enjoyable to all children. Kevin’s own childhood experiences are told through Sam Wu’s adventures as he overcomes a new fear with the help of his family and friends by his side. This hilarious and fast-paced chapter book is filled with rib-tickling black and white illustrations alongside wacky plots, which are also ideal for reluctant readers who enjoy chapter plots and illustrated books. 

Another brilliantly diverse collection that highlights the individuality of other cultures is the Onjali Q. Raúf 4 Books set. This series features four outstanding books, including The Boy at the Back of the Class, The Day We Met the Queen, The Star Outside my Window and The Night Bus Hero. Her debut novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, follows the story of nine-year-old Ahmet, who comes to a school as a refugee from Syria. This inspiring and sweet tale has an important message of not judging people before getting to know them. 

For some YA recommendations, why not have a look at some of the hit TikTok sensations, including the likes of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Series by Jenny Han, Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan and the Noughts & Crosses 5 Book Collection set by Malorie Blackman.