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The International Day for Tolerance Recommended Reading list
Here are some of our top picks for books approaching discussions around critical thinking and tolerance
Reception
And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see.
*Voices in the Park Anthony Browne
Four different voices tell the story of a walk in the park. Perspectives uncovered.
*Seven Blind Mice Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mice explores the complete Something do they see the whole truth.
*The Day the Crayons Quit Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers
How does it feel to be beige? A day in the life of a crayon from each colour’s perspective.
The Cow that went Oink! Bernard Most
This mixed-up barnyard tale of tolerance and friendship teaches kids (and creatures) that it's okay to be different . . . and sometimes even more fun!
Giraffes Can’t Dance Giles Andrae
Joyful read about an outsider who finds acceptance on his own terms.... there's also a simple moral about tolerance and daring to be different
Guji-Guji Chen Chih-Yuan
A brave 'crocoduck' saves his family from becoming duck dinner. Raised from an egg by Mother Duck, Guji Guji is quite content with his life as a duckling, despite the fact that he doesn't look anything like his brothers. Then he meets three nasty creatures who not only convince him that he is, like them, a crocodile, but also try to persuade him to deliver his duck relatives for their dinner.
*The IKadoos The Rapscallions
Planet IK stands for ‘Infinite Kindness’ and two very curious young IKadoos want to find out how their planet came into existence. Join them on a fizzing, sparkling, philosophical adventure as they discover the epic creation stories told by the keepers of IK wisdom. But who has the real answer?
Night Monkey Day Monkey by Julia Donaldson
Night Monkey and Day Monkey's worlds are as different as night and day! What one fears, the other one loves, what one understands, only confuses the other. But in learning about each other's opposite worlds and laughing at their own misunderstandings, they learn to be the best of friends.
No More Teasing by Emma Chichester Clark
Mimi loves her cousin Momo but he teases her all the time and she doesn't like it. When Grandma finds out about it, she and Mimi make a cunning plan—and soon Momo realizes that teasing isn't such a good idea. He and Mimi end up better friends than ever.
The Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman
This remarkably moving picture book follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school. Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened.
The Most Magnificent Mosque by Ann Jungman
Ann Jungman's moving story and Shelley Fowles's captivating images show how cooperation and respect for others can lead to great things
Y1-2
And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Empathy and perceptions, identity, science and art, all in 32 pages, very few words, and much repetition. Everyone, everywhere, sees the world differently from their neighbour. No wonder we struggle to get along sometimes!
What is the solution? Start by trying to see what others see, then try and understand why they see it that way. Then talk. Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see
*Chameleon Boy Onofrio & The Rapscallions
Graphic novel about a chameleon who overcomes his greatest fears despite all the ‘evidence’ that reinforces them.
*Voices in the Park Anthony Browne
Four different voices tell the story of a walk in the park. Perspectives uncovered.
*Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mice explores the complete Something do they see the whole truth
*The Butter Battle Book Dr. Seuss
The Yooks and Zooks share a love of buttered bread, but animosity brews between the two groups because they prefer to enjoy the tasty treat differently. The timeless and topical rhyming text is an ideal way to teach young children about the issues of tolerance and respect.
*The IKadoos by The Rapscallions
Planet IK stands for ‘Infinite Kindness’ and two very curious young IKadoos want to find out how their planet came into existence. Join them on a fizzing, sparkling, philosophical adventure as they discover the epic creation stories told by the keepers of IK wisdom. But who has the real answer?
The Day the Crayons Quit Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers
How does it feel to be beige? A day in the life of a crayon from each colour’s perspective.
*Babar the King Jean de Brunhoff
An affectionate, close up caricature of an idealized society to elicit discussions about what kind of society our children would like to live in.
Journey to the Beginning of the World Virginia McLean
Join Sophie and her brother Kit on their quest to find out how the World was made. They meet many characters who claim to have ‘the answer’, but they can’t all be right, can they? A beautiful picture book as well as a powerful resource for teaching the practice of religious tolerance.
Never Say a Mean Word Again Jacqueline Jules
Inspired by a powerful legend of conflict resolution in Muslim Spain, this is the compelling story of a boy who is given permission to punish an enemy. What will he do?
The Sneetches Dr. Seuss
In 1998 NATO translated this story into Serbo-Croatian and planned to distribute 500,000 copies to children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of a campaign to encourage tolerance. Dr. Seuss himself wrote it satirising Intolerance and anti-Semitism in particular, in 1953.
The Star-Bellied Sneetches have bellies with Stars, but the Plain-Bellied Sneetches have none upon thars! Rivalries rocket when Sylvester McMonkey McBean steps in to prey on their prejudices, but in the end we realise that prejudice is nothing more than a ridiculous waste of time.
Red Michael Hall
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times–bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo and It's an Orange Aardvark! Funny, insightful, and colourful, Red: A Crayon's Story, by Michael Hall, is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way. Red will appeal to fans of Lois Ehlert, Eric Carle, and The Day the Crayons Quit.
The Sandwich Swap Queen Rania of Jordan, Kelly DiPucchio
Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus-but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences? Or will a sandwich come between them? The smallest things can pull us apart-until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference. In a glorious three-page gatefold at the end of the book, Salma, Lily, and all their classmates come together in the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
Something Else Kathryn Cave and illustrated by Chris Riddell.
Cave and Riddell were awarded the very first international UNESCO prize for Children's and Young People's Literature in the Service of Tolerance for Something Else.
The Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman
This remarkably moving picture book follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school. Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened.
The Most Magnificent Mosque by Ann Jungman
Ann Jungman's moving story and Shelley Fowles's captivating images show how cooperation and respect for others can lead to great things.
Y3-4
*Encounter Jane Yolen
The Arrival of Columbus through the eyes of a Taino boy. Teaches importance of different points of view for famous historical events, a beautifully illustrated alternative to the story most students hear about the arrival of the European explorers in the Americas.
*Chester and Gus Cammie McGovern
Heartwarming and humorous novel about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. Told from Chester the dog’s perspective.
*And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see.
*Voices in the Park Anthony Browne
Four different voices tell the story of a walk in the park. Perspectives uncovered.
*Seven Blind Mice Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mice explores the complete Something do they see the whole truth
*The Butter Battle Book Dr. Seuss
The Yooks and Zooks share a love of buttered bread, but animosity brews between the two groups because they prefer to enjoy the tasty treat differently. The timeless and topical rhyming text is an ideal way to teach young children about the issues of tolerance and respect.
Journey to the Beginning of the World Virginia McLean
Join Sophie and her brother Kit on their quest to find out how the World was made. They meet many characters who claim to have ‘the answer’, but they can’t all be right, can they? A beautiful picture book as well as a powerful resource for teaching the practice of religious tolerance.
The Pain and the Great One Judy Blume
Judy Blume's quintessential tale of sibling rivalry.
When an eight-year-old girl and her six-year-old brother take turns describing each other, it's no surprise that "The Pain" and "The Great One" are the nicknames that emerge. As this duo debates whom Mom and Dad love most, their competition becomes increasingly humorous--because when it comes to family affection, there's no such thing as win or lose. A great springboard for discussion on perspective and tolerance.
If the World Were a Village David J Smith
Explains facts about the world's population in a simple and fascinating way. Instead of unimaginable billions, it presents the whole world as a village of just 100 people. We soon find out that 22 speak a Chinese dialect and that 17 cannot read or write. We also discover the people's religions, their education, their standard of living, and much, much more...This book provokes thought and elicits questions. It cannot fail to inspire children's interest in world geography, citizenship and different customs and cultures,
Let’s Talk About Race. Julius Lester
"This stunning picture book introduces race as just one of many chapters in a person's story" (School Library Journal). "Lester's poignant picture book helps children learn, grow, discuss, and begin to create a future that resolves differences" (Children's Literature).
Julius Lester says, "I write because our lives are stories. If enough of these stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details."
I am a story. So are you. So is everyone.”
The Sneetches Dr. Seuss
In 1998 NATO translated this story into Serbo-Croatian and planned to distribute 500,000 copies to children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of a campaign to encourage tolerance. Dr. Seuss himself wrote it satirising Intolerance and anti-Semitism in particular, in 1953.
The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce (age 8-11)
"My brother believes he is being chased by a demon... a demon that makes things vanish." Carnegie medallist Frank Cottrell Boyce transports readers from the steppe of Mongolia to the streets of Liverpool in a story that is compelling, miraculous and laugh-out-loud funny.
*Ali’s Story by Salvador Maldonado
This picture book tells the story of 10-year-old refugee Ali who, accompanied by his grandmother, flees his home country of Afghanistan to avoid the conflict caused by war.
Number the Stars Lois Lowry (age 8-10)
A powerful story set in Nazi occupied Denmark in 1943. Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is called upon for a selfless act of bravery to help save her best-friend, Ellen – a Jew.
Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman (age 8-11)
Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top of the dung heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey, but little by little he has to admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun. But then something terrible happens to Davey. . . Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship, that changes two boys lives for ever.
Girl with a White Dog by Anne Booth (age 8-11)
Jessie is excited when her gran gets a white Alsatian puppy, but with Snowy's arrival a mystery starts to unfold. As Jessie learns about Nazi Germany at school, past and present begin to slot together and she uncovers something long-buried, troubling and somehow linked to another girl and another white dog…
Y5-6
*The Lie Tree Francis Hardinge
Faith seeks the truth and discovers that lies are most easily spread when people want to believe them.
*Who Made you the Boss? The Rapscallions
School Paper reporter Lil is hot on the heels of her brother Toby, as he sets off on a quest to find the best of all possible worlds in this funny, fast-paced political satire.
*Chester and Gus Cammie McGovern
Heartwarming and humorous novel about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. Told from Chester the dog’s perspective.
*And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see.
*Seven Blind Mice Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mouse explores the complete ‘Something’ do they see the whole truth
*The Butter Battle Book Dr. Seuss
The Yooks and Zooks share a love of buttered bread, but animosity brews between the two groups because they prefer to enjoy the tasty treat differently. The timeless and topical rhyming text is an ideal way to teach young children about the issues of tolerance and respect.
*The Adventures of Tintin Herge
Resourceful junior reporter Tintin embarks on a series of exciting international adventures, accompanied by his faithful dog Snowy, in this popular series. Be sure to look out for other familiar characters such as Captain Haddock, the disaster-prone Thomson twins, and inventor Professor Calculus. Told in zippy comic strip-style, these entertaining, action-packed stories offer much to appeal to young readers. The meticulously-drawn pictures tell much of the story, in combination with a simple and engaging text.
Number the Stars Lois Lowry
A powerful story set in Nazi occupied Denmark in 1943. Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is called upon for a selfless act of bravery to help save her best-friend, Ellen – a Jew.
Let’s Talk About Race. Julius Lester
Julius Lester says, "I write because our lives are stories. If enough of these stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details.”
Wonder by R J Palacio
"Is it always going to be like this?" Augie asks his mother when he had been brought especially low. What marks him out is a terrible facial abnormality, caused by a mutant gene, which has resulted in him having 27 operations.
Early in the book, Augie says: "I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.” Thankfully, society has moved on in many ways and intolerance is now sometimes confronted properly by the people who count. This is shown in Auggie's humane, bold headmaster, Mr Tushman, who emphasises how easy it is to hurt people and how we all have in us the choice always to be kind.
Auggie and Me by R J Palacio
AUGGIE & ME is a different side to the WONDER story: three new chapters from three different characters - bully Julian, oldest friend Christopher and classmate Charlotte - giving an insight into how Auggie has touched their own lives. Published previously as digital shorts entitled THE JULIAN CHAPTER, PLUTO and SHINGALING, this collection is thought-provoking, surprising, infuriating, heartbreaking and heartwarming.
If the World Were a Village David J Smith
Explains facts about the world's population in a simple and fascinating way. Instead of unimaginable billions, it presents the whole world as a village of just 100 people. We soon find out that 22 speak a Chinese dialect and that 17 cannot read or write. We also discover the people's religions, their education, their standard of living, and much, much more... This book provokes thought and elicits questions. It cannot fail to inspire children's interest in world geography, citizenship and different customs and cultures,
Oddly Normal by Otis Frampton (graphic novel)
Join Oddly as she navigates a strange new school, monstrous bullies, and Evil itself on an unforgettable fantasy adventure through the vibrant world of Fignation.
Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman
Jamal loves playing football, which isn't easy if your goalie only has one leg and you keep having to dodge landmines to get your ball back. Jamal's stubborn little sister Bibi is even better at football than Jamal. But girls playing football is against the law in Afghanistan. When it is discovered that Jamal's mother has been secretly running a school, the family must leave their home immediately and begin a long and dangerous journey to Australia. The children survive separation from their parents, hunger, and violent smugglers only to find that Australia isn't as welcoming as they had thought but, even though they face an uncertain future, Jamal, Bibi and their parents know that as long as they are together, that is all that matters.
“Although a lot of my work has looked at social problems and questions, I think of myself primarily as a humanist. What interests me most is writing about young people who aren’t afraid of grappling with problems. I like to explore the ways in which people struggle against things that can’t be totally overcome but find ways of not being crushed.
Hollywood, in fact human culture going back millennia, has always thrown up heroes who have an absolute mastery over whatever problems they are grappling with. You know that they are going to be victorious in the end. This, however, is not the experience most people, and certainly not young people, have. I guess I’ve tried to champion a different type of hero, one that is heroic because they don’t give up.”
Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman (age 8-11)
Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top of the dung heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey, but little by little he has to admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun. But then something terrible happens to Davey. . . Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship, that changes two boys lives forever.
Girl with a White Dog by Anne Booth (age 8-11)
Jessie is excited when her gran gets a white Alsatian puppy, but with Snowy's arrival a mystery starts to unfold. As Jessie learns about Nazi Germany at school, past and present begin to slot together and she uncovers something long-buried, troubling and somehow linked to another girl and another white dog…
Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman (age 9-12)
An unflinching story about racism and culture clash in the 1960s.
*How to be Invisible by Tim Lott (age 10+)
Strato Nyman couldn’t be more of an odd-one-out. He’s the only black kid in Hedgecombe-upon-Dray, he knows more about particle physics than his teacher, and he’s constantly picked on by school bully Lloyd Archibald Turnbull. It’s only at home
that he blends in to the background – his parents are too busy arguing to notice he exists. But one day, Strato picks up a dusty old book in a mysterious bookshop and learns how to become invisible. He soon discovers that people aren’t always what they seem … and realizes standing out isn’t so bad after all.
The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan (age 10+)
Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother head for England. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother's heart is breaking and at school friends are scarce. But when someone special swims into her life, Kasienka learns that there might be more than one way for her to stay afloat. "The Weight of Water" is a startlingly original piece of fiction; most simply a brilliant coming of age story, it also tackles the alienation experienced by many young immigrants. Moving, unsentimental and utterly page-turning, we meet and share the experiences of a remarkable girl who shows us how quiet courage prevails.
*Trash by Andy Mulligan (age 10+)
Andy Mulligan has written a powerful story about unthinkable poverty—and the kind of hope and determination that can transcend it. With twists and turns, unrelenting action, and deep, raw emotion, Trash is a heart-pounding, breath-holding novel.
*Fattipuffs and Thinnifers by Andre Maurois
This is a 1941 translation of the French children's book Patapoufs et Filifers originally written in 1930 by André Maurois. It concerns the imaginary underground land of the fat and congenial Fattypuffs and the thin and irritable Thinifers, which is visited by the Double brothers, the plump Edmund and the thin Terry. Fattypuffs and Thinifers do not mix, and their respective countries are on the verge of war when Edmund and Terry make their visit.
Y6+
To Kill a Mocking Bird
Diary of Anne Frank
Lord of the Flies
Let’s Talk About Race. Julius Lester
Yankee Girl
Here are some of our top picks for books approaching discussions around critical thinking and tolerance
Reception
And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see.
*Voices in the Park Anthony Browne
Four different voices tell the story of a walk in the park. Perspectives uncovered.
*Seven Blind Mice Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mice explores the complete Something do they see the whole truth.
*The Day the Crayons Quit Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers
How does it feel to be beige? A day in the life of a crayon from each colour’s perspective.
The Cow that went Oink! Bernard Most
This mixed-up barnyard tale of tolerance and friendship teaches kids (and creatures) that it's okay to be different . . . and sometimes even more fun!
Giraffes Can’t Dance Giles Andrae
Joyful read about an outsider who finds acceptance on his own terms.... there's also a simple moral about tolerance and daring to be different
Guji-Guji Chen Chih-Yuan
A brave 'crocoduck' saves his family from becoming duck dinner. Raised from an egg by Mother Duck, Guji Guji is quite content with his life as a duckling, despite the fact that he doesn't look anything like his brothers. Then he meets three nasty creatures who not only convince him that he is, like them, a crocodile, but also try to persuade him to deliver his duck relatives for their dinner.
*The IKadoos The Rapscallions
Planet IK stands for ‘Infinite Kindness’ and two very curious young IKadoos want to find out how their planet came into existence. Join them on a fizzing, sparkling, philosophical adventure as they discover the epic creation stories told by the keepers of IK wisdom. But who has the real answer?
Night Monkey Day Monkey by Julia Donaldson
Night Monkey and Day Monkey's worlds are as different as night and day! What one fears, the other one loves, what one understands, only confuses the other. But in learning about each other's opposite worlds and laughing at their own misunderstandings, they learn to be the best of friends.
No More Teasing by Emma Chichester Clark
Mimi loves her cousin Momo but he teases her all the time and she doesn't like it. When Grandma finds out about it, she and Mimi make a cunning plan—and soon Momo realizes that teasing isn't such a good idea. He and Mimi end up better friends than ever.
The Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman
This remarkably moving picture book follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school. Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened.
The Most Magnificent Mosque by Ann Jungman
Ann Jungman's moving story and Shelley Fowles's captivating images show how cooperation and respect for others can lead to great things
Y1-2
And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Empathy and perceptions, identity, science and art, all in 32 pages, very few words, and much repetition. Everyone, everywhere, sees the world differently from their neighbour. No wonder we struggle to get along sometimes!
What is the solution? Start by trying to see what others see, then try and understand why they see it that way. Then talk. Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see
*Chameleon Boy Onofrio & The Rapscallions
Graphic novel about a chameleon who overcomes his greatest fears despite all the ‘evidence’ that reinforces them.
*Voices in the Park Anthony Browne
Four different voices tell the story of a walk in the park. Perspectives uncovered.
*Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mice explores the complete Something do they see the whole truth
*The Butter Battle Book Dr. Seuss
The Yooks and Zooks share a love of buttered bread, but animosity brews between the two groups because they prefer to enjoy the tasty treat differently. The timeless and topical rhyming text is an ideal way to teach young children about the issues of tolerance and respect.
*The IKadoos by The Rapscallions
Planet IK stands for ‘Infinite Kindness’ and two very curious young IKadoos want to find out how their planet came into existence. Join them on a fizzing, sparkling, philosophical adventure as they discover the epic creation stories told by the keepers of IK wisdom. But who has the real answer?
The Day the Crayons Quit Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers
How does it feel to be beige? A day in the life of a crayon from each colour’s perspective.
*Babar the King Jean de Brunhoff
An affectionate, close up caricature of an idealized society to elicit discussions about what kind of society our children would like to live in.
Journey to the Beginning of the World Virginia McLean
Join Sophie and her brother Kit on their quest to find out how the World was made. They meet many characters who claim to have ‘the answer’, but they can’t all be right, can they? A beautiful picture book as well as a powerful resource for teaching the practice of religious tolerance.
Never Say a Mean Word Again Jacqueline Jules
Inspired by a powerful legend of conflict resolution in Muslim Spain, this is the compelling story of a boy who is given permission to punish an enemy. What will he do?
The Sneetches Dr. Seuss
In 1998 NATO translated this story into Serbo-Croatian and planned to distribute 500,000 copies to children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of a campaign to encourage tolerance. Dr. Seuss himself wrote it satirising Intolerance and anti-Semitism in particular, in 1953.
The Star-Bellied Sneetches have bellies with Stars, but the Plain-Bellied Sneetches have none upon thars! Rivalries rocket when Sylvester McMonkey McBean steps in to prey on their prejudices, but in the end we realise that prejudice is nothing more than a ridiculous waste of time.
Red Michael Hall
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times–bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo and It's an Orange Aardvark! Funny, insightful, and colourful, Red: A Crayon's Story, by Michael Hall, is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way. Red will appeal to fans of Lois Ehlert, Eric Carle, and The Day the Crayons Quit.
The Sandwich Swap Queen Rania of Jordan, Kelly DiPucchio
Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus-but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences? Or will a sandwich come between them? The smallest things can pull us apart-until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference. In a glorious three-page gatefold at the end of the book, Salma, Lily, and all their classmates come together in the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
Something Else Kathryn Cave and illustrated by Chris Riddell.
Cave and Riddell were awarded the very first international UNESCO prize for Children's and Young People's Literature in the Service of Tolerance for Something Else.
The Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman
This remarkably moving picture book follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school. Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened.
The Most Magnificent Mosque by Ann Jungman
Ann Jungman's moving story and Shelley Fowles's captivating images show how cooperation and respect for others can lead to great things.
Y3-4
*Encounter Jane Yolen
The Arrival of Columbus through the eyes of a Taino boy. Teaches importance of different points of view for famous historical events, a beautifully illustrated alternative to the story most students hear about the arrival of the European explorers in the Americas.
*Chester and Gus Cammie McGovern
Heartwarming and humorous novel about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. Told from Chester the dog’s perspective.
*And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see.
*Voices in the Park Anthony Browne
Four different voices tell the story of a walk in the park. Perspectives uncovered.
*Seven Blind Mice Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mice explores the complete Something do they see the whole truth
*The Butter Battle Book Dr. Seuss
The Yooks and Zooks share a love of buttered bread, but animosity brews between the two groups because they prefer to enjoy the tasty treat differently. The timeless and topical rhyming text is an ideal way to teach young children about the issues of tolerance and respect.
Journey to the Beginning of the World Virginia McLean
Join Sophie and her brother Kit on their quest to find out how the World was made. They meet many characters who claim to have ‘the answer’, but they can’t all be right, can they? A beautiful picture book as well as a powerful resource for teaching the practice of religious tolerance.
The Pain and the Great One Judy Blume
Judy Blume's quintessential tale of sibling rivalry.
When an eight-year-old girl and her six-year-old brother take turns describing each other, it's no surprise that "The Pain" and "The Great One" are the nicknames that emerge. As this duo debates whom Mom and Dad love most, their competition becomes increasingly humorous--because when it comes to family affection, there's no such thing as win or lose. A great springboard for discussion on perspective and tolerance.
If the World Were a Village David J Smith
Explains facts about the world's population in a simple and fascinating way. Instead of unimaginable billions, it presents the whole world as a village of just 100 people. We soon find out that 22 speak a Chinese dialect and that 17 cannot read or write. We also discover the people's religions, their education, their standard of living, and much, much more...This book provokes thought and elicits questions. It cannot fail to inspire children's interest in world geography, citizenship and different customs and cultures,
Let’s Talk About Race. Julius Lester
"This stunning picture book introduces race as just one of many chapters in a person's story" (School Library Journal). "Lester's poignant picture book helps children learn, grow, discuss, and begin to create a future that resolves differences" (Children's Literature).
Julius Lester says, "I write because our lives are stories. If enough of these stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details."
I am a story. So are you. So is everyone.”
The Sneetches Dr. Seuss
In 1998 NATO translated this story into Serbo-Croatian and planned to distribute 500,000 copies to children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of a campaign to encourage tolerance. Dr. Seuss himself wrote it satirising Intolerance and anti-Semitism in particular, in 1953.
The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce (age 8-11)
"My brother believes he is being chased by a demon... a demon that makes things vanish." Carnegie medallist Frank Cottrell Boyce transports readers from the steppe of Mongolia to the streets of Liverpool in a story that is compelling, miraculous and laugh-out-loud funny.
*Ali’s Story by Salvador Maldonado
This picture book tells the story of 10-year-old refugee Ali who, accompanied by his grandmother, flees his home country of Afghanistan to avoid the conflict caused by war.
Number the Stars Lois Lowry (age 8-10)
A powerful story set in Nazi occupied Denmark in 1943. Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is called upon for a selfless act of bravery to help save her best-friend, Ellen – a Jew.
Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman (age 8-11)
Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top of the dung heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey, but little by little he has to admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun. But then something terrible happens to Davey. . . Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship, that changes two boys lives for ever.
Girl with a White Dog by Anne Booth (age 8-11)
Jessie is excited when her gran gets a white Alsatian puppy, but with Snowy's arrival a mystery starts to unfold. As Jessie learns about Nazi Germany at school, past and present begin to slot together and she uncovers something long-buried, troubling and somehow linked to another girl and another white dog…
Y5-6
*The Lie Tree Francis Hardinge
Faith seeks the truth and discovers that lies are most easily spread when people want to believe them.
*Who Made you the Boss? The Rapscallions
School Paper reporter Lil is hot on the heels of her brother Toby, as he sets off on a quest to find the best of all possible worlds in this funny, fast-paced political satire.
*Chester and Gus Cammie McGovern
Heartwarming and humorous novel about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. Told from Chester the dog’s perspective.
*And They All Saw a Cat Brendan Wenzel
Glorious celebration of observation, curiosity and imagination. Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see.
*Seven Blind Mice Ed Young
One by one, six different coloured blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. Only when the seventh mouse explores the complete ‘Something’ do they see the whole truth
*The Butter Battle Book Dr. Seuss
The Yooks and Zooks share a love of buttered bread, but animosity brews between the two groups because they prefer to enjoy the tasty treat differently. The timeless and topical rhyming text is an ideal way to teach young children about the issues of tolerance and respect.
*The Adventures of Tintin Herge
Resourceful junior reporter Tintin embarks on a series of exciting international adventures, accompanied by his faithful dog Snowy, in this popular series. Be sure to look out for other familiar characters such as Captain Haddock, the disaster-prone Thomson twins, and inventor Professor Calculus. Told in zippy comic strip-style, these entertaining, action-packed stories offer much to appeal to young readers. The meticulously-drawn pictures tell much of the story, in combination with a simple and engaging text.
Number the Stars Lois Lowry
A powerful story set in Nazi occupied Denmark in 1943. Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is called upon for a selfless act of bravery to help save her best-friend, Ellen – a Jew.
Let’s Talk About Race. Julius Lester
Julius Lester says, "I write because our lives are stories. If enough of these stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details.”
Wonder by R J Palacio
"Is it always going to be like this?" Augie asks his mother when he had been brought especially low. What marks him out is a terrible facial abnormality, caused by a mutant gene, which has resulted in him having 27 operations.
Early in the book, Augie says: "I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.” Thankfully, society has moved on in many ways and intolerance is now sometimes confronted properly by the people who count. This is shown in Auggie's humane, bold headmaster, Mr Tushman, who emphasises how easy it is to hurt people and how we all have in us the choice always to be kind.
Auggie and Me by R J Palacio
AUGGIE & ME is a different side to the WONDER story: three new chapters from three different characters - bully Julian, oldest friend Christopher and classmate Charlotte - giving an insight into how Auggie has touched their own lives. Published previously as digital shorts entitled THE JULIAN CHAPTER, PLUTO and SHINGALING, this collection is thought-provoking, surprising, infuriating, heartbreaking and heartwarming.
If the World Were a Village David J Smith
Explains facts about the world's population in a simple and fascinating way. Instead of unimaginable billions, it presents the whole world as a village of just 100 people. We soon find out that 22 speak a Chinese dialect and that 17 cannot read or write. We also discover the people's religions, their education, their standard of living, and much, much more... This book provokes thought and elicits questions. It cannot fail to inspire children's interest in world geography, citizenship and different customs and cultures,
Oddly Normal by Otis Frampton (graphic novel)
Join Oddly as she navigates a strange new school, monstrous bullies, and Evil itself on an unforgettable fantasy adventure through the vibrant world of Fignation.
Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman
Jamal loves playing football, which isn't easy if your goalie only has one leg and you keep having to dodge landmines to get your ball back. Jamal's stubborn little sister Bibi is even better at football than Jamal. But girls playing football is against the law in Afghanistan. When it is discovered that Jamal's mother has been secretly running a school, the family must leave their home immediately and begin a long and dangerous journey to Australia. The children survive separation from their parents, hunger, and violent smugglers only to find that Australia isn't as welcoming as they had thought but, even though they face an uncertain future, Jamal, Bibi and their parents know that as long as they are together, that is all that matters.
“Although a lot of my work has looked at social problems and questions, I think of myself primarily as a humanist. What interests me most is writing about young people who aren’t afraid of grappling with problems. I like to explore the ways in which people struggle against things that can’t be totally overcome but find ways of not being crushed.
Hollywood, in fact human culture going back millennia, has always thrown up heroes who have an absolute mastery over whatever problems they are grappling with. You know that they are going to be victorious in the end. This, however, is not the experience most people, and certainly not young people, have. I guess I’ve tried to champion a different type of hero, one that is heroic because they don’t give up.”
Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman (age 8-11)
Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top of the dung heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey, but little by little he has to admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun. But then something terrible happens to Davey. . . Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship, that changes two boys lives forever.
Girl with a White Dog by Anne Booth (age 8-11)
Jessie is excited when her gran gets a white Alsatian puppy, but with Snowy's arrival a mystery starts to unfold. As Jessie learns about Nazi Germany at school, past and present begin to slot together and she uncovers something long-buried, troubling and somehow linked to another girl and another white dog…
Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman (age 9-12)
An unflinching story about racism and culture clash in the 1960s.
*How to be Invisible by Tim Lott (age 10+)
Strato Nyman couldn’t be more of an odd-one-out. He’s the only black kid in Hedgecombe-upon-Dray, he knows more about particle physics than his teacher, and he’s constantly picked on by school bully Lloyd Archibald Turnbull. It’s only at home
that he blends in to the background – his parents are too busy arguing to notice he exists. But one day, Strato picks up a dusty old book in a mysterious bookshop and learns how to become invisible. He soon discovers that people aren’t always what they seem … and realizes standing out isn’t so bad after all.
The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan (age 10+)
Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother head for England. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother's heart is breaking and at school friends are scarce. But when someone special swims into her life, Kasienka learns that there might be more than one way for her to stay afloat. "The Weight of Water" is a startlingly original piece of fiction; most simply a brilliant coming of age story, it also tackles the alienation experienced by many young immigrants. Moving, unsentimental and utterly page-turning, we meet and share the experiences of a remarkable girl who shows us how quiet courage prevails.
*Trash by Andy Mulligan (age 10+)
Andy Mulligan has written a powerful story about unthinkable poverty—and the kind of hope and determination that can transcend it. With twists and turns, unrelenting action, and deep, raw emotion, Trash is a heart-pounding, breath-holding novel.
*Fattipuffs and Thinnifers by Andre Maurois
This is a 1941 translation of the French children's book Patapoufs et Filifers originally written in 1930 by André Maurois. It concerns the imaginary underground land of the fat and congenial Fattypuffs and the thin and irritable Thinifers, which is visited by the Double brothers, the plump Edmund and the thin Terry. Fattypuffs and Thinifers do not mix, and their respective countries are on the verge of war when Edmund and Terry make their visit.
Y6+
To Kill a Mocking Bird
Diary of Anne Frank
Lord of the Flies
Let’s Talk About Race. Julius Lester
Yankee Girl