Our earliest perceptions of the world and its cultures are shaped by the books we read and it is essential that children see a true reflection of our society in the literature recommended and available to them. An absence of an inclusive range of role models or characters in our books risks detering children from minority backgrounds from the joy and enrichment that a love of reading can bring. 

The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) Reflecting Realities Survey of Ethnic Representation within UK Children’s Literature shows shows that 17% of children’s books published in 2023 feature a racially minoritised character. 

While this demonstrates a significant increase from the 4% first reported in 2017, it is the first year that the survey has shown an annual decrease, down from 30% in 2022. This decrease is also echoed in the percentage of racially minoritised main characters, down 7 percentage points from 14% in 2022 to 7% in 2023. The annual CLPE survey, which is funded by Arts Council England, launched in 2017 with the key focus of determining the extent and quality of ethnic minority characters featured within Picturebooks, Fiction and Non-Fiction for ages 3–11 published in the UK.

The seven years of reporting provide benchmark statistics which have shown, up until 2023, a sustained increase in the number and percentage of fiction books that contain characters from racial minorities,; a standard which is vital in ensuring all children have the opportunity to become readers by providing books where they can see themselves, their experience and the wider world reflected. For the first time in its history, the annual CLPE Reflecting Realities survey reports an overall drop in the percentage of racially minoritised characters featured in published children’s books reviewed – from 30% in 2022 to 17% in 2023. The report shows the number of racially minoritised main characters has dropped by half to 7% in 2023, compared to 14% in 2022.

Farrah Serroukh Executive Director of Research and Development said "The ethical imperative should go without saying. However, beyond this the principle of inclusion simply makes books better. Through every annual review of the last seven years we have had the privilege of being treated to stories, characters, writing and worlds that have elevated the literary landscape, enriched the culture and transformed reading experiences. This can only be a good thing for the publishing industry and with the appropriate investment can have positive commercial and reputational implications. We encourage the industry to take the lessons learned and remain steadfast in their commitment to reflecting realities and serving their readership."

You can read the full CLPE Reflecting Realities Survey of Ethnic Representation within UK Children’s Literature, published in November 2024 here.

We have brilliant authors, illustrators and relevant literature to recommend, enabling all children to find themselves reflected in books. We have curated an exciting and diverse list of books to help build understanding, empathy and tolerance of our different backgrounds and that also entertain and celebrate our rich, shared cultural heritage.

The books in our selection include a diverse cast, some actively teach about diversity and inclusion and others celebrate role models and historical figures in non-fiction titles. Many of the novels include diverse families without actively teaching about diversity and are great additions to every child's library. Scroll down for a selection of books that celebrate difference, suitable for toddlers to teens, catalogued in age order. 

LoveReading4Kids editorial expert Julia Eccleshare has spent much of her career championing the need for more diversity in children's books, said “The images and stories that children hear from the very beginning of their lives are instrumental in expanding their view of the world and in shaping their later attitudes. Born without any sense of the artificial divisions between people or hierarchies in their status, which may later be imposed, pre-schoolers are open-minded. For that reason, making sure that everyone is represented in pictures and words is vital.” Read more from Julia in her article The Importance of Diversity in Children's Books.

We will continuously update this category as we read and review new, relevant publications. 

You can find further recommended reads in :

20+ Kids Books that celebrate Family Diversity

30+ Children Books Celebration Neurodiversity

50+ Children's Books Exploring Black History & Culture

40 Books with Positive Images of Disability

20+ Brilliant Books featuring Deaf or Hard of Hearing Characters

15 Children's Books featuring Poverty and Homelessness