Books with Characters
from Specific Populations
It's not my intention to box people in with labels, but it's hard for teachers to read everything available.
Many educators seek to increase diversity on their bookshelves,
both so readers can find themselves in literature,
and so readers can learn about other perspectives in literature (mirrors and windows).
Although many books are written by white authors featuring white characters, the availability of books by and about people of color is growing, and so are stories featuring people who are LGBTQ, people with varied families and backgrounds, and people who live outside of North America.
This list might help you find books about people whose stories you may not have discovered.
Many educators seek to increase diversity on their bookshelves,
both so readers can find themselves in literature,
and so readers can learn about other perspectives in literature (mirrors and windows).
Although many books are written by white authors featuring white characters, the availability of books by and about people of color is growing, and so are stories featuring people who are LGBTQ, people with varied families and backgrounds, and people who live outside of North America.
This list might help you find books about people whose stories you may not have discovered.
See also Book Topics: The Arts (artists), Careers (scientists, soldiers), Sports (athletes)
See also Book Topics: Education (academically gifted, academic challenges)
See also Book Topics: Health - People with Physical Disabilities, People with Social Interaction Challenges
See also Book Themes: Overcoming Obstacles (economic hardship)
See also Book List by Setting
Please see the Main Page List of Themes for more categories, as well as Book Lists by Topic
Please click each title for an individual book summary and review, with a list of topics and themes, awards, and related book recommendations.
See also Book Topics: Education (academically gifted, academic challenges)
See also Book Topics: Health - People with Physical Disabilities, People with Social Interaction Challenges
See also Book Themes: Overcoming Obstacles (economic hardship)
See also Book List by Setting
Please see the Main Page List of Themes for more categories, as well as Book Lists by Topic
Please click each title for an individual book summary and review, with a list of topics and themes, awards, and related book recommendations.
LGBTQ People - Main Character,
or Central to the Main Idea of the Story
Anger is a Gift
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
The Best Man
Carry On
The 57 Bus
George
Gracefully Grayson
Lies We Tell Ourselves
Lily and Dunkin
One True Way
The Porcupine of Truth
The Pros of Cons
Tumbling
We Are Okay
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
The Best Man
Carry On
The 57 Bus
George
Gracefully Grayson
Lies We Tell Ourselves
Lily and Dunkin
One True Way
The Porcupine of Truth
The Pros of Cons
Tumbling
We Are Okay
LGBTQ People - Supporting Character
The Heroes of Olympus series
The House That Lou Built
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
The Incredible Magic of Being
Long May She Reign
Mascot
Six Impossible Things
Sparrow
The War That Saved My Life
When You Trap a Tiger
The House That Lou Built
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
The Incredible Magic of Being
Long May She Reign
Mascot
Six Impossible Things
Sparrow
The War That Saved My Life
When You Trap a Tiger