K-3 Books | University of Central Florida

This collection contains materials from the DIVerse Families bibliography organized by Grades K-3.

DIVerse Families is a comprehensive bibliography that demonstrates the growing diversity of families in the United States. This type of bibliography provides teachers, librarians, counselors, adoption agencies, children/young adults, and especially parents and grandparents needing to empower their children with materials that reflect their families.

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Jacob's Room to Choose

Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman

The beloved lead character from Jacob's New Dress is back in an encouraging story about gender expression. When Jacob goes to the boys’ bathroom he is chased out because the boys think he looks like a girl because of the way he is dressed. His classmate, Sophie, has a similar experience when she tries to go to the girls’ bathroom. When their teacher finds out what happened, Jacob and Sophie, with the support of administration, lead change at their school as everyone discovers the many forms of gender expression and how to treat each other with respect.
Jalapeño Bagels

Natasha Wing

For International Day at school, Pablo wants to bring something that reflects the cultures of both his parents.
Jamie is Jamie

Afsaneh Moradian

There are so many fun things to play with at Jamie’s new preschool—baby dolls to care for, toy cars to drive—and Jamie wants to play with them all! But the other children are confused...is Jamie a boy or a girl? Some toys are just for girls and others are just for boys, aren’t they? Not according to Jamie! This bookchallenges gender stereotypes, shows readers that playing is fundamental to learning, and reinforces the idea that all children need the freedom to play unencumbered. A special section for teachers, parents, and caregivers provides tips on how to make children’s playtime learning time.
Janine

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Janine is one of a kind. She focuses on the positive while navigating life with disabilities. She makes a difference just by being herself
Janine and the Field Day Finish

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Today is field day and even though Janine is not good at sports, she is ready to compete. Her body just doesn't work like the other kids'. But no matter what, Janine cheers for everyone and tries her best. During the big race, her classmate Abby trips and falls. Janine is right there to help. But Abby is crushed that she won't win the race. Can Janine teach Abby and her classmates that being a winner is not always about being number one?
Jazz Jennings: Voice for LGBTQ Youth

Ellen Rodger

A groundbreaking advocate for transgender youth and LGBTQ rights, Jazz Jennings is one of the first youth to speak publicly about her experiences as a transgender individual. A spokesperson, writer, and public figure, Jazz inspires all people to embrace themselves and be accepting of all people. Overcoming incredible struggles as a young transgender person, Jazz now uses her platform to make a difference in the LGBTQ community. A vocal advocate for equal rights, she co-founded the TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation-all before the age of 15.
Jazzy's Quest: Adopted and Amazing!

Carrie Goldman and Juliet C. Bond

What makes you amazing? That's what adoptee Jazzy Armstrong has to figure out before the big community talent show. Is she musical like her parents and sisters? Can she make dazzling flower arrangements like her birth mother, score goals on the soccer field like her birth brother, or is there something unique about Jazzy that is nothing like her families? Join Jazzy on her quest to discover just what makes her amazing!
Jeremy's Dreidel

Ellie Gellman

A boy makes a Braille Hanukkah dreidel for his father, who is blind. Includes instructions for making different types of dreidels.
Jerome by Heart

Thomas Scotto

This story follows a little boy named Raphael, whose daily rhythm is steeped in his immense affection for his friend Jerome. The two boys share jokes and snacks and plan future adventures to the Himalayas. Even when Raphael’s constant talk of Jerome is driving his parents crazy, he remains steadfast: “Raphael loves Jerome. I can say it. It’s easy.” And the truth is, when he’s with Jerome, Raphael feels happy, liked, and understood― even special.
Jim's Lion

Russel Hoban

Asleep in his hospital bed, Jim dreams of a great lion with white teeth and amber eyes. This lion is Jim’s finder. According to Nurse Bami, everyone has a finder, a creature who comes looking for us when we are lost. But when the time comes for Jim’s operation, will his lion be able to find him and bring him safely home?
Jing's Family (All Kinds of Families)

Elliot Riley

There are many types of families. Meet Jing and her family and learn about what adoption means.
Jin Woo

Eve Bunting

Davey is dubious about having a new adopted brother from Korea, but when he finds out that his parents still love him, he decides that having a baby brother will be fine.
Jo Makes a Friend

Susan Beth Pfeffer

At the request of her great-aunt, ten-year-old Jo tries to befriend a sad and lonely blind girl who is visiting the neighborhood. Exuberant Jo March never sits still. Whether she's racing against boys or scribbling and acting in her latest play, Jo is always active and creative. So when Aunt March asks her to befriend Pauline Wheeler, Jo can't believe that the girl spends every day cooped up in her bedroom. True, Pauline is blind and utterly dependent on her governess, but her fear of life exhausts Jo's patience. The two girls simply have nothing in common--until they're caught in a snow squall that changes their lives.
Josh and Jaz Have Three Mums

Hedi Argent

This brightly illustrated book for young children helps to explain the diversity and 'difference' of family groups and encourages an understanding and appreciation of same sex parents. Josh and Jaz Have Three Mums will be particularly useful for social workers, child care professionals, carers and adoptive parents when exploring the diversity of modern family life with young children. One of the rare children's books to explore and discuss adoption by same sex parents.
Journey Home

Lawrence McKay, Jr.

Mai returns to Vietnam, the land of her mother's birth, to discover both a new country and something about herself.
Juana and Lucas: Big Problemas

Juana Medina

Juana's life is just about perfect. She lives in the beautiful city of Bogotaa with her two most favorite people in the world: her mami and her dog, Lucas. Lately, though, things have become a little less perfect. Mami has a new hairdo and a new amigo named Luis with whom she has been spending a LOT of time. He is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can't help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. When Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa, Juana is quite distraught. Lucky for her, though, some things will never change -- like how much Mami loves her.
Julián is a Mermaid

Jessica Love

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes -- and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself?
Just Add One Chinese Sister: An Adoption Story

Patricia McMahon and Conor Clarke McCarthy

Claire and her mother are working together on a scrapbook as they relive their first days and hours together following Claire's arrival from her birth home in China.
Just for Now: Kids and the People of the Court

Kimberly Morris and Kathleen Burke

When Gilbert and his big sister Rachel go into foster care they meet a lot of adults who are there to help them--a caseworker, foster parents, foster brothers and sisters, a lawyer, a therapist, a judge, their own court appointed special advocate (CASA), and a dog named Spud. Explains the roles of various people in the court system.
Just Like Home

Elizabeth I. Miller

A young Hispanic girl chronicles, in both English and Spanish, her move to the United States, as she finds that while some things are different, some things are just like home.
Kami and the Yaks

Andrea Stenn Stryer

In the Himalaya Mountains of Nepal, Kami, a deaf Sherpa boy, braves a fierce storm to lead his father and brother to their family's lost yak herd.
Katie Can

Erin Palmer

Katie has Down Syndrome, but that's not what makes her so special. Find out what makes Katie unique.
Keeping Up with Roo

Sharlee Mullins Glenn

Gracie has always had a special bond with her Aunt Roo, who is mentally disabled, but that relationship starts to change when Gracie begins school.
Keesha & Her Two Moms Go Swimming

Monica Bey-Clarke and Cheril N. Clarke

A story of Keesha and her two moms for a fun day of swimming at the pool where she meets up with her best friend, Trevor and his two dads.
Kele's Secret

Tololwa Marti Mollel

Eggs mark the spot - the secret spot where Kele the chicken has been laying. Light hearted game of detective in this account of a boy's adventure on his grandmother's coffee farm in Tanzania.