Books about feeling different

Take a look at these selected children's titles, all about feeling different and how we can teach young children to love and accept others.

A Little Bit Different

Meet the ploofers. They're going to do something together, all the same, all at the same time - but wait! Who did that? Who was different? A simple and joyful story about accepting and celebrating our differences.

Borrow book
Be You!

From the author of 'The Same But Different Too' and 'I Am A Tiger' comes an uplifting picture book which encourages young readers to be themselves, even on tough days. For readers aged 3-7, this joyful picture book features rhyming text and a bouncy rhythm which grown-ups will love reading aloud. With an empowering message, the reader is encouraged to be true to themselves, whoever they are and however they are feeling.

Borrow book
Is That Your Mama?

Every family is different. Every family is special. Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister - they're all the best and they all look different. A beautiful, moving celebration of what it truly means to be family, from the brilliant new picture book duo Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen.

Borrow book
The Same But Different Too

These children and animals are all very different to each other. Some are big, some are small. Some are gentle, some are rough. Everyone is playful, but who's the best at hiding? But one thing's certain: they all love a good bedtime story! The perfect picture book for little ones who are just beginning to make sense of their place in the world.

Borrow book
See What I Can Do!

Jon Roberts relates the real-life experiences of children with a variety of differences through their own words in this gently-told but immensely informative picture book.

Borrow book
New in Town

This dog may be alone and without a home, but he's excited and ready to embrace a new life in a new town - and everyone in it! This town is a busy, vibrant place but sometimes it's hard being new and feeling different. Who will embrace him back? A big-hearted celebration of kindness and human connection, from the award-winning creator of 'Little Monkey'. Rich in detail and meaning, with beautiful artwork, this uplifting story is ideal for any child facing a new or daunting situation.

Borrow book
The Same But Different

Little Emer doesn't like it when she's teased for having brown skin and fuzzy hair. She wishes she could look like everyone else. But with a little help from mum, Emer soon learns that we're all the same but different - and life is better that way!

Borrow book
A World for Me and You

Imagine a world where everyone looks identical, where all food tastes the same, where we all speak the same language. A world that is - well, pretty boring. But with an explosion of colour, the pages soon come to life. This joyful picture book encourages children to imagine the world as a vast library, with room on the shelves for everybody's story. It is a celebration of our incredibly diverse world as it really is: home to 195 countries with thousands of different cultures, 10 million colours and 4,300 religions.

Borrow book
The Boy on the Bench

The playground is packed with children playing, but Tom is sitting on a bench with his dad. He's just not sure he's brave enough to join in. Tom can't see a space for himself anywhere in the playground. Not on the slide, or on the roundabout or on the swings. But when a little girl loses her teddy, will Tom have the courage to help? Gabriel Alborozo's warm, friendly illustrations perfectly bring to life this gentle, empathetic story about overcoming fears and being yourself.

Borrow book
My Shadow is Purple

My Dad has a shadow that’s blue as a berry, and my Mum's is as pink as a blossoming cherry. There’s only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it’s both and it’s none. A heartwarming and inspiring book about being true to yourself, by best-selling children's book creator Scott Stuart. This story considers gender beyond binary in a vibrant spectrum of colour.

Borrow book
Sorrel and the Sleepover

Squirrels Sage and Sorrel are just the same: they like the same games, sing the same songs and say the same things at the same time. They even have the same stripe on their tails! But when Sage invites her friend for a sleepover, Sorrel discovers they aren't the same at all! So, while Sage has a huge family and an even bigger treehouse home, Sorrel lives with her mum in a tiny tree. Sorrel must hide how different she is, otherwise Sage won't be her friend - or will she?

Borrow book
Being Me: Poems About Thoughts, Worries and Feelings

Read about the Land of Blue, where it's OK to feel sad, find ideas for what to do with worries or how to slow down when your head is full of hurry. Give yourself time to chill out, find quiet voices in noisy places and discover kindness in yourself and others. Then maybe your own special thought machine will tell you, 'This is going well. You're doing great. You've got this!' And you have! This important and unique anthology of over 40 poems by three leading poets, well known for their empathy and perception, speaks to the heart of what children think and care about, offering understanding, support and encouragement.

Borrow book
Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different

Boys will be boys and girls will be girls - or so the meaningless saying goes. Because what if you’re a girl and you like cage fighting? Or you’re a boy and you love ballet? And what if you’ve always dreamed of being a scientist but you can’t see anyone who looks or sounds like you, and who has left a legacy - in the form of microscopes and Bunsen burners - for you to follow?

Borrow book
Dare to Be You

Drawing examples from sport, science and even business, 'Dare to Be You' empowers young readers to follow their own path, love what makes them different and question the world around them. When you stop doubting yourself, embrace change and let your kindness loose, you become your own action hero.

Borrow book
Bodies Are Cool

My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL! This heart-warming, inclusive book filled with detailed and friendly illustration is a celebration of every kind of body that exists in the world. Through an empowering, rhythmic text that is perfect for reading aloud, little ones can explore various skin tones, body shapes, hair types, and more.

Borrow book
I Am, You Are

'I Am, You Are' is a powerful, practical book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about disability and ableism. This book was written by disability activist Ashley Harris Whaley to support children, parents, teachers and carers, by explaining what disability is and why it should be celebrated.

Borrow book
Perfectly Weird, Perfectly You

Did you know that: finding your confidence is a lot like programming a computer? Understanding photosynthesis can teach you about following your passions? Peer pressure and Isaac Newton have more in common than you might think? Well, welcome to Dr Camilla Pang's scientific survival guide to growing up! As a child Camilla loved patterns and putting things in order. She was obsessed with Stephen Hawking. And the only language she really understood was science. Diagnosed with autism age 8, Camilla saw the world very differently. But with science as her sidekick, she was able to translate ideas she could understand (like gravity, photosynthesis and algorithms) onto things she couldn't (like peer pressure, emotions and finding your voice).

Borrow book
Everybody Has a Body

Everybody is different in some way - and being different is okay! Whether your body is big, small, wide or tall, it is something to celebrate and be proud of. This comical, picture book contains a positive, empowering message about being confident in yourself and is aimed at younger children.

Borrow book
Break the Mould

Sometimes it can seem like the world isn't built for you or like you don't belong. But why should you change who you are for the sake of others? From the power of being different and discovering things you love about yourself, to using your voice to be an ally and show friendship to others, it's time to break the mould and find your place in the world.

Borrow book
No items found.
Support your library
Donate to support us
Make a one off donation or set up regular payments and add gift aid at no cost to you.
Donate
Volunteer with us
Learn new skills, meet new people and make a real contribution to your community.
Volunteer
Explore our vacancies
Read about our latest vacancies and apply online.
Join us