Teaching Tolerance Grades K-2

The books on this list have been curated for grades K-2 by Guilford Free Library and Guilford Public Schools librarians. These books address acceptance of others and of yourself by showcasing stories of all kinds of characters (some fictional, some based on real people & events) overcoming hardships and/or bias they have experienced. These books may introduce children to the concept of injustice and provide a conversation starter between children and adults. By reading and/or discussing "tough topics" through the safety of a book, children will build the social-emotional skills and resilience necessary to confidently handle these issues when they come up in the real world later on. Sensitive topics are presented in these books in age-appropriate language and visuals. This project is also presented by the Guilford Anti-Bias Anti-Racist (ABAR) Alliance, a collaborative partnership of educators, parents, and caregivers who work to further inclusion, equity, and tolerance within Guilford Public Schools. Learn more at www.GuilfordCtABAR.com .

Showing 1 - 9 of 9  There are a total of 24 valid entries on the list.
Book cover for "Alma and how she got her name"
Star rating for Alma and how she got her name
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
When Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela asks her father why she has so many names, she hears the story of her name and learns about her grandparents.
Book cover for "Amy Wu and the patchwork dragon"
Star rating for Amy Wu and the patchwork dragon
Average Rating:
4 stars
Description:
Amy loves craft time at school. But when her teacher asks everyone to make their own dragon, Amy feels stuck. Her first dragon has a long, wingless body, stag-like horns, and eagle claws, but her friends don't think it's a real dragon. Then she makes dragons like theirs, but none of them feels quite right...None of them feels like hers. After school, a story from Grandma sparks new inspiration, and Amy rounds up her family to help her. Together, can...
Book cover for "Amy Wu and the perfect bao"
Star rating for Amy Wu and the perfect bao
Description:
Amy is determined to make a perfect dumpling like her parents and grandmother do, but hers are always too empty, too full, or not pinched together properly.
Book cover for "The Arabic quilt"
Star rating for The Arabic quilt
Author:
Description:
When her new classmates tease her, Kanzi finds comfort in wrapping up in a quilt from her teita and writing poetry.
Book cover for "I believe I can"
Star rating for I believe I can
Description:
"From the New York Times bestselling creators of I Am Enough comes an empowering follow-up that celebrates every child's limitless potential. I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves"--Amazon.com.
Book cover for "Julián at the wedding"
Star rating for Julián at the wedding
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
"Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It's not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side"--
Book cover for "Julián is a mermaid"
Star rating for Julián is a mermaid
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
"While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for...
Book cover for "Julián Stories"
Star rating for Julián Stories
Description:
Julián Is a Mermaid While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds...
Book cover for "Where are you from?"
Star rating for Where are you from?
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
"When a young girl is asked where she's from--where she's really from--she's no longer as she was. She decides to turn to her dear abuelo for some help with this ever-persistent question. But he doesn't quite give her the answer she expects."--Page [2] of cover.