Diversity books
Elvis, Me and the Lemonade Stand Summer
Deals with the subtle racism and overt racism that Indigenous people experience. Follows the story of 11 year old Truly Bateman who is abandoned by her white family and taken in by an Indigenous family. BC author.
Grades 5-8
Long Way Down
Novel in verse. Gang shootings. Vengeance.
Grades 9-12
Hearts Unbroken
Race relations. How to be you. Indigenous. Middle class / WASPish racism.
grades 9-12
Crossover
The novel, told in a series of poems, follows Josh and his twin brother JB through a difficult year of family turmoil and self-discovery.
grades 4-8
Anger is a Gift
Racial tensions, anger, present day. Good addition to The Hate U Give - similar themes but more about the systemic issues of underfunding in schools vs overfunding of paramilitary policing. Authentic voice.
Grades 9-12
When Dimple Met Rishi
R o m - c o m. In s pir a tio n fo r Mis m a t c h e d o n N e t flix. Indian / Pakistani cultu r e.
grades 10-12
Our Backs are Warmed by the Sun
Positive look at Diversity of Doukhobors and historical marginalization; invisible race Social Justice 12
grades 11-12
Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice
This book of poetry aims to inspire
children to become the next
generation of activists for a more
socially just world
grades 5-8
Everything Sad is Untrue
Iranian teen in US weaves his
somewhat tragic life story into a
beautiful ‘truth’ that is both safe and
transformative
grades 8-10
Parachutes
Wealth divide, Rape. A
real page turner! Mature
content warning.
grades 9-11
Homes
Short, accessible read.
True Story. Iraqi family
trying to find a safer life.
grades 7-10
From the Ashes
Poverty, vicious cycles,
education. A lot like a
diverse version of
Educated.
grades 10-12
Snake Falls to Earth
Darcie beautifully weaves traditional Lipan knowledge and stories into a contemporary story about Nina and Oli and our world and the Reflecting World.
Grades 5-8
The Shoe Boy: A Trapline Memoir
In The Shoe Boy, that boy – Duncan McCue – takes us on an evocative journey that explores the hopeful confusion of the teenage years, entwined with the challenges and culture shock of coming from a mixed-race family and moving to the unfamiliar North
Grades 7-9
Legends and Teachings of Xeel's, the Creator
The book offers much of value to anyone interested in the wisdom and the culture of the Coast Salish peoples, including students in First Nations Studies, participants in healing circles and discussion groups, and general readers.
Grades 8/9