How To Write a Children’s Book With Diversity 

When you think of diversity, what comes to mind? Maybe you immediately think of race, gender, or ethnicity. 

But here’s the real question: Do you consider diversity when writing your book? Maybe you feel like it doesn’t apply to you, so you believe you couldn’t possibly write about it. The truth is: diversity goes much deeper than race or gender alone.

Think back to when you were reading books as a child. Did you see yourself or your experiences reflected in the books you read? How did that make you feel? What if there had been a book about your family, your culture, or your challenges? Maybe you would have felt more seen and understood. 

Today, more than ever, representation matters in our children’s books. Let’s look at what diversity in children’s books really means and practical ways you can include it in your own children’s book. 

Defining Diversity in Children’s Books and Why It Matters 

Merriam-Webster defines diversity as “an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities; an instance of being diverse.” In other words, diversity brings together a mix of different people, ideas, and backgrounds. 

But do you see all the diversity around you? 

The little girl with glasses. 

The young boy in a wheelchair. 

The friend who grew up with divorced parents. 

The different skin tones in your child’s class. 

The neighbor who speaks two languages at home.

The boy who was adopted.

Odds are, there is diversity all around you—people living all kinds of different lives and having all kinds of different experiences. Being able to identify this and weave it into your children’s book is powerful. 

See, children notice things. They recognize illustrations with children who look like them, and also the ones who don’t. They’ll notice the small details. By including diversity in your story, you play a role in encouraging children to grow up without bias, with open hearts, and with a respect for differences. 

6 Ways To Include Diversity in Your Story 

Before you think, but my story isn’t about diversity, it doesn’t have to be! You can actually include diverse elements without centering your entire message around them. Here are six ways to include diversity in your story: 

1. Look At the People in Your Own Life

Start with who you know! You don’t typically have to look too far—think about your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers. What is special about their culture, stories, experiences, or families that makes them unique? Maybe it’s your friend who celebrates a different holiday than you, or a coworker who grew up in a different country. Pay attention to the details of the people in your life—this can be a great starting point for inspiration. Sometimes it just takes opening your eyes to what’s around you. 

2. Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes 

This is a great moment to practise empathy. Step outside of your own experiences and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Consider your characters from a perspective other than your own. Maybe you ask: 

• How might this character experience the world? 
• What challenges or joys might they face?
• How might their background or identity shape their day-to-day life?

For example, what does a school day feel like for a child who uses a wheelchair? What about a child who is a part of a blended family? Doing an exercise like this can help you create authentic characters who feel real—not just “the kid with braces” or “the kid in the wheelchair.”

3. Talk to People! 

If you want to avoid stereotypes, have real conversations and listen closely. Tell people you are writing a children’s book, and you want to ensure your characters feel genuine and have layers to them. Many people will actually appreciate that you are making the effort to get it right. Ask questions like:

• What’s something you wish more people understood about your experience? 
• What are some common myths or assumptions people make that aren’t true?
• What challenges or frustrations do you face that others might not realize?

Having conversations like these can help you write more than just surface-level details. Remember, this isn’t just for research. You’re also learning and gaining a new perspective that will not only help you grow as a writer but also as a person. 

4. Read Widely

One of the best ways to learn how to include diversity? Read! Head to your local bookstore or library and just read. What language does the author use? How do they describe their characters and settings? Then, notice the characters themselves—who they are and what backgrounds they come from. How do the illustrations help tell the story? 

Don’t forget to read books from diverse authors as well. Make note of how they describe their own experiences, or how they weave in their culture, language, or traditions into the book. It could be something as simple as including a special food in the illustrations! Pay attention to what feels natural and authentic. 

5. Avoid Stereotypes 

It’s easy—and often unintentional—to fall into the trap of labeling a child as just one thing. Every child is multi-dimensional, and your story should show their personality, dreams, and challenges. When you are creating diverse characters, it’s important you go beyond what’s on the surface. 

For example, if you are writing a book on autism, don’t let their diagnosis be their entire identity. Yes, you’ll want to thoughtfully and accurately represent the true challenges they may face, but you’d also want to empower them by providing a chance for them to learn about their differences and celebrate who they are. This applies to every character you create! 

6. Remember: Diversity Is More than Race

Think broadly when you are considering your characters. Remember, diversity also includes disability, family structure, religion, language, body type, and socioeconomic background. 

Maybe one has a chronic illness, while another comes from a family struggling to make ends meet. Take time to consider all the different experiences you could incorporate. Ask yourself: Whose stories don’t I usually see in books? Whose voices are missing? Let these thoughts guide you as you write your story. 

Every Child Deserves To Be Seen 

Every child, no matter their race, gender, disability, background, or family story, deserves to see themselves reflected on the pages of a book. When you are writing a book with diversity, don’t just add elements for the sake of checking boxes. Help your readers see people for who they truly are, not for the labels they carry. 

Don’t just tell readers what a character is — show who they are.

Imagine the encouragement a child might have to go on and do great things, all because they held a book that reflected their world. You have the power to do that. 

I believe in you! 

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FAQs

Why is diversity important in children’s books? 

When children see a variety of characters from different backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and experiences, it helps them develop empathy, and it shapes the way they view themselves and the world around them. 

What does diversity look like in children’s books? 

Diversity is more than just race, ethnicity, and gender. It also includes disability, body type, religion, language, neurodiversity, family structure, socioeconomic background, and lived experiences. 

What are some tips that can help me include diversity in my children’s book? 

To help you write your children’s book with authentic diversity, start by looking at the people in your own life, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, have real conversations with people, read a wide range of books, avoid stereotypes, and remember that diversity goes beyond skin colour.