Back to School Reading: Embracing Inclusivity Through Literature
Foster inclusivity with diverse literature. Cultivate acceptance, resilience, and belonging in your classroom with this back-to-school reading list.
As the new school year begins, there's excitement (and anxiety) in the air. It's a time for fresh starts, new friendships and creating welcoming, inclusive environments for all students. At the heart of fostering such an environment is the power of literature. Books open minds, broaden perspectives and nurture empathy. When gearing up for a new school year, educators, parents, and communities for middle and high school students should harness the power of storytelling to build a school culture where every student feels seen, heard and valued.
Celebrating Diversity Through Stories
Creating an inclusive school community starts with understanding and celebrating our differences. When students read about characters from diverse backgrounds, they gain insights into others' lives, fostering empathy and connection. Educators and parents can support this growth by encouraging students to explore books that challenge perceptions and expand horizons.
Themes of Acceptance and Resilience
Our back to school reading booklist highlights themes of acceptance, resilience and the beauty of diversity. These selections tackle important social issues such as:
- Mental health
- Cultural identity
- LGBTQIA+ rights
- Community and belonging
- Dealing with loss and grief
- Courage and empowerment
- Friendship and support networks
- Advocacy for differently abled students
These books offer students a chance to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to understand the diverse experiences of others. So, how else can these stories help foster welcoming and inclusive classrooms?
Sparking Meaningful Discussions
Imagine a classroom where discussions are sparked by stories that resonate with students' experiences or introduce them to new ones. A book about a student navigating life in a new country can help peers understand the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. A novel featuring a protagonist dealing with mental health issues can open up conversations about support and compassion. These narratives become starting points for deeper, meaningful dialogues that strengthen our school communities.
Affirming Identities
Inclusive literature also affirms students' identities. For a student who identifies as LGBTQIA+, seeing a character with similar experiences can be incredibly validating. It sends a powerful message that they are not alone and that their stories matter. This sense of belonging is fundamental to a positive school experience.
Building a Safe Haven
Creating classrooms where every student feels respected and appreciated is essential. Incorporating inclusive books into our curriculum and reading lists is a significant step toward this goal. These stories educate and inspire students to become advocates for inclusion and equity.
Reigniting a Love for Reading
This booklist can also reignite a love for reading. With captivating plots, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, these books engage even reluctant readers. Encouraging a culture of reading for pleasure has lasting benefits for students' academic performance and personal growth.
Planning Your Lessons
As you plan your lessons, consider including these inspiring stories in your curriculum. Let literature be the bridge that connects us, helps us understand one another, and celebrates our diverse world. When role models like educators, parents and community members share these stories, every student walks into school feeling proud, valued and ready to thrive.
Back to School Reading Booklist
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
A graphic novel that weaves together three stories exploring Chinese American identity and stereotypes, addressing themes of self-acceptance and cultural assimilation.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Follows Simon Spier as he navigates coming out as gay.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
A semi-autobiographical novel about a Native American teenager attending an all-white high school.
Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
A compelling story about a teenager with autism navigating a summer job in a law firm.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Chronicles Justyce McAllister's experiences with racial profiling and social justice.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
A story of two misfit high schoolers finding solace in each other.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Follows Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina teen who finds her voice through poetry.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
A novel in verse about a teen grappling with avenging his brother’s death.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
Centers on Julia, a Mexican-American teen dealing with family expectations and loss.
If you’d like to get more reading ideas, read my recent blog Sunlit Stories: Top Young Adult Novels to Read This Summer—for Adults and Teens Alike.
Back to School: Professional Development Webinars
Looking for great advice from the experts and interested in earning free PD credit at the same time? We think these Share My Lesson on-demand webinars will be the perfect fit to get you ready for the new school year.
Andy Kratochvil is an SML team member who loves hiking, video games, scary books, Mexican food, and finding great content for the Share My Lesson community. He studied political science and French at California State University, Fullerton and received his Master’s in International Affairs from... See More
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