10 Must-Read Preschool Books About Cultural Identity

10 Must-Read Preschool Books About Cultural Identity

As an educator or parent, it’s important to teach children about diversity and cultural identity. To begin with, one must understand what cultural identity is and how it impacts us. Cultural identity refers to the cultural background that shapes individuals, the beliefs, customs, practices, and values that comprise their heritage. What better way to teach children about cultural identity than through reading books? Here are 10 must-read preschool books about cultural identity that are guaranteed to make an impact on young minds:

1. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

This book is about a young boy, CJ, who takes the bus across town with his grandma every Sunday after church. Along the way, he sees the beauty and diversity of their city, and his grandma teaches him to appreciate the world around him.

2. Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

This book emphasizes that no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what your customs are, you are still human and deserving of love.

3. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Unhei moves from Korea to the United States and feels ashamed of her name. Her classmates suggest that she should pick a new name, but in the end, she decides to keep her Korean name and shares its meaning with her classmates.

4. The Family Book by Todd Parr

This book talks about all kinds of families, from single-parent to biracial to stepfamilies, to emphasize that every family is unique and special.

5. Swift Walker: A Continental Journey by Verlyn Tarlton

Swift Walker is a young boy on a journey around the world, where he visits different continents and learns about the cultures of the people who live there.

6. Islandborn by Junot Diaz

Lola is a young girl who was born on an island but now lives in the United States. She has to learn about her home country through the stories of others, and she discovers the beauty and diversity of her culture.

7. The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah

Two friends, Lily and Salma, have different cultural backgrounds, and they disagree on what makes a perfect sandwich. By the end of the book, they learn to embrace and celebrate their differences.

8. My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits

Yoon moves to the United States from Korea and struggles with her new surroundings. Through writing her name in different ways, she learns to embrace her Korean heritage and cultural identity.

9. The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

Lena learns about the different shades that make up skin tone and the unique beauty of each individual. This book celebrates diversity and encourages children to embrace their own differences.

10. Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina

Mia’s grandmother moves from the Dominican Republic to live with her family in the United States. Even though they don’t speak the same language, they bond over the mango tree in the backyard, and they learn about each other’s cultures.

Reading is an excellent way to teach children about cultural identity and diversity. These books teach children about different cultures, customs, and heritage in a fun and engaging way. Children will learn to embrace diversity and celebrate differences, which will help them become better global citizens.