Diverse Summer Reading List
Summertime is here and with it comes vacations, backyard barbecues and a break for the kids from school and nightly homework! This downtime for school-age children can also provide a great opportunity for summertime adventures and continued learning through reading.
Recognizing the importance of reading as a way to keep student’s skills sharp over the summer, RetailMeNot’s MOSAIC and Parents Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have created a summer reading list of diverse genres, characters and stories that is designed to entertain, stimulate curiosity and facilitate continued learning over the summer in a fun and engaging way.
We invite you to use our summer reading list as a resource to spark new curiosity and learning for the whole family through reading.
Featured Reads
We’re Different, We’re the Same, Ages 3–7
By Joe Mathieu
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Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside — but it’s important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences — and what truly matters. It is an engaging read for toddlers and adults alike.
Why We Love It: This book celebrates individuality while showing people are all related and similar.
Recommended By: Joe, Leader of the Parents ERG
The House on Mango Street, Ages 12+
By Sandra Cisneros
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Short stories about a Latinx girl growing up, her neighbors and societal/class challenges she faces.
Recommend By: Valerie, Leader of Mosaic ERG
I Like Myself, Ages Preschool and up
by Karen Beaumont
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Positively bursting with energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves, inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! This little girl knows that being proud of being you in the most important thing to remember.
Why We Love It: I Like Myself demonstrates African American representation and encourages self acceptance.
Recommended By: Michelle, Member of Parents ERG
Chocolate Me, Ages 4–8
By Taye Diggs
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Chocolate Me is about a boy who is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.
Recommended By: Nick, Member of Mosaic ERG
Whoever You Are, Ages 4–7
By Lisa Staub
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Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations.
Why We Love It: Whoever You Are urges us to accept our differences, to recognize our similarities, and–most importantly–to rejoice in both.
Recommend By: Kelli, COO and Executive Sponsor of Parents ERG
What Makes a Baby, Ages 3–7
By Cory Silverberg & Fiona Smyth
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A kid-friendly and scientifically accurate way to describe how babies are made, with respect to all types of people and families.
It’s Okay to Be Different, Ages 5–6
By Todd Parr
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It’s Okay to Be Different inspires kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence.
More Reads
The Family Book | By Todd Parr | The Family Book celebrates the uniqueness of all different types of families and reinforces that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.
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George | By Alex Gino| When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.
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Ten, Nine, Eight | By Molly Bang | A gentle, sweet countdown-to-bedtime book with captivating illustrations for toddlers.
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Dream Big, Little One| By Vashti Harrison | This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.
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The Princess and the Pea| Rachel Isadora | When a prince sets out to find a princess to marry, he soon discovers this is not a simple task. There is no shortage of so-called princesses, but how can he tell whether or not they are what they claim to be? Then one night a great storm rages, there comes a knock on the palace gate, and the prince’s life is never the same . . .
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My Wish for You| Kathryn Hahn | Here is a timely and necessary message of the intrinsic importance of being who you are, no matter what the world tells you. To be curious, strong, and vulnerable. To live life on your own terms. To always look for that sparkle!
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On the Come Up| Angie Thomas | On the Come Up is the story of fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; and about how, especially for young black people, freedom of speech isn’t always free.
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Please, Baby, Please| Spike Lee| From moments fussy to fond, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee, present a behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills, and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby!
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Happy reading!
