This collection contains materials from the DIVerse Families bibliography organized by Picture Books format.
This collection contains materials from the DIVerse Families bibliography organized by format.
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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It's Not the Stork! A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families, and Friends
Robie H. Harris
Young children are curious about almost everything, especially their bodies. And young children are not afraid to ask questions. What makes me a girl? What makes me a boy? Why are some parts of girls' and boys' bodies the same and why are some parts different? How was I made? Where do babies come from? Is it true that a stork brings babies to mommies and daddies? IT'S NOT THE STORK! helps answer these endless and perfectly normal questions that preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school children ask about how they began. Through lively, comfortable language and sensitive, engaging artwork, Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley address readers in a reassuring way, mindful of a child's healthy desire for straightforward information. Two irresistible cartoon characters, a curious bird and a squeamish bee, provide comic relief and give voice to the full range of emotions and reactions children may experience while learning about their amazing bodies. Vetted and approved by science, health, and child development experts, the information is up-to-date, age-appropriate, and scientifically accurate, and always aimed at helping kids feel proud, knowledgeable, and comfortable about their own bodies, about how they were born, and about the family they are part of.
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It's Okay To Be Different
Todd Parr
Illustrations and brief text describe all kinds of differences that are "okay," such as "It's Okay to be a different color," "It's Okay to need some help," "It's Okay to be adopted," and "It's Okay to have a Different nose."
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It’s Okay to Sparkle
Avery Jackson
The inspirational story, told in her own words, of 7-year-old Avery Jackson, who was assigned male at birth, but has now transitioned into a young girl, tells the story of how she realized she was a girl and how she helped her parents and friends to understand her transition. Her heart-warming story covers themes of friendship, bullying and self-esteem. Whether you're into dolls, ninja warriors or teddy bears, climbing trees, Tae Kwon Do or ballet, this book lets readers know that it's okay to be who you want to be. Avery's words are incredibly wise and articulate for such a young person and she will undoubtably provide support and inspiration to other families in similar situations.
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It's So Amazing!: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families
Robbie H. Harris
Uses bird and bee cartoon characters to present straightforward explanations of topics related to sexual development, love, reproduction, adoption, sexually transmitted diseases, and more.
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It's So Gay, and It's Okay
Wallace Wong
Jamie is so excited for the first day of school. As he puts on a pink shirt, he thinks about making new friends and learning new things. But when Jamie enters the classroom, everything suddenly changes. When a boy laughs at Jamie's pink shirt and calls him gay, Jamie is mortified. Still, he goes home without telling his parents, determined to never wear that shirt again. The next day, Jamie begins playing with a doll in the classroom. Soon, all the boys are laughing at him again. Jamie knows he should probably tell a teacher, but instead he decides not to play with dolls. Jamie just wants to fit in, but as he tries to change himself to be accepted, he grows more and more unhappy. How will Jamie handle the situation? Can he learn to accept himself and be happy? It's So Gay, and It's Okay is a children's tale that shares an important message: it is okay to be unique and different.
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It Takes Love (and Some Other Stuff) to Make a Baby
L. L. Bird
"Mommy, how are babies made?" Any parent who's fielded this question knows how essential a good book can be to help guide a tricky conversation. But what if your family doesn't fit the standard mold? How do you explain pregnancy and birth if your child has two moms? It Takes Love is for little kids in lesbian families born via donor insemination. Using simple, matter-of-fact language and bright, fun illustrations, it introduces the basics of reproduction and the concept of the donor. Both known donors and sperm banks are presented, but with a light touch. Because each family is unique, the book leaves space for parents to control the most sensitive part of their child's story.
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I Wish Daddy Was Here
Katherine DeMille
See how one little girl and her mother find strength through the seasons as they await the return of their loved one in the charming I Wish Daddy Was Here. This book catches the essence of military families.
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I Wished for You: An Adoption Story
Marianne Richmond
A mama bear and her little boy bear talk about how they became a family because of the mother's wish.
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Jack and Jim
Kitty Crowther
Jack the blackbird and Jim the seagull become friends, but Jack is sad that the other seagulls do not seem to like him.
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Jack (Not Jackie)
Erica Silverman
Susan loves her baby sister, Jackie, but as Jackie grows older and behaves more and more like a boy Susan must adjust to having a brother, Jack, instead.
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Jacob's Eye Patch
Beth Kobliner and Jacob Shaw
Answering questions about his eye-patch slows Jacob and his family down as he anxiously tries to get to the store to buy a special globe, but soon he is reminded that even he is curious when he see someone who is different. Includes facts about eye conditions and handling strangers' curiosity.
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Jacob's New Dress
Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman
Jacob, who likes to wear dresses at home, convinces his parents to let him wear a dress to school, too.
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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.
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Jake at Gymnastics
Rachel Isadora
Every week, Jake loves to go to his gymnastics class. He and his friends have a grand time stretching out, hopping like frogs, practicing on the low beam, jumping on the trampoline, doing somersaults, and so more.
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Jalapeño Bagels
Natasha Wing
For International Day at school, Pablo wants to bring something that reflects the cultures of both his parents.
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.