4 Children's Stories that Teach Tolerance

Children are like sponges. They listen and absorb everything. That’s why it’s so important to instill good values from a young age so that our children are kind and polite to others.

As a mother, you should talk to your children about diversity and expose them to different cultures. It’s also important they learn to be both compassionate and understanding.

If you need some support, books and stories are an excellent way to expose children to new ideas. That’s why today we want to share a list of the best books that teach tolerance to children.

Take note and choose your favorite!

The best books that teach tolerance to children

1. The Boy in the Dress, by David Williams

First we want to mention the incredible story of Dennis, a young boy who is suffering as a result of his parents’ separation. Dennis misses his mom and finds solace using her clothes.

Even though the protagonist is a great soccer player, he has a secret passion: Fashion. This seems incompatible with his passion for sports.

David Williams‘ story sketches a criticism of the social prejudices that still surround us, combined with themes about friendship, humor, tolerance and respect.

2. Wonder, by R.J. Palacio

Wonder is a precious book for children age 9 and up. It tells the the story of a young boy born with a serious facial anomaly. After having been home-schooled all his life, at age 10, it’s time for him to attend a regular school.

At school, the only thing he wants is to be accepted. However, unfortunately, it won’t be that easy for him to convince his new classmates that he’s just like them.

Without a doubt, this is a touching story about acceptance and tenacity. Don’t just give it to your kids to read – read it yourself as well!

3. Thelma the Unicorn, by Aaron Blabey

Thelma, the main character of this book, dreams of being a glamorous unicorn. One day, her dream becomes reality. She becomes an instant international star, but at an unexpected price.

After some time, Thelma realizes she was much happier when she was an ordinary being. Finally, she takes off her crown and all of her sparkles and decides to go home, where her best friend awaits her with a hug.

This book aims to place emphasis on the need to accept and love oneself without reproach. The message of this story is to love being yourself and not worry about what others have or think. You’re good enough just by being you.

Furthermore, this story deals with issues like acceptance, solidarity, tolerance, friendship and simplicity through fun characters and enchanting rhymes.

5. Best friends, by Rachel Anderson

Lastly, we present a story with a very special main character. Jessy is a young girl with Down syndrome who loves her little sister dearly.

One day, Jessy feels excluded and becomes very upset when her sister comes home from school with her best friend. So, Jessy becomes friends with a boy that has just moved in next door, and manages to solve her conflicts with her sister’s friend.

This story reveals some of the conflicts that children with this type of disability often experience. The situation that Jessy encounters in the book is one that children like her face very often. Feelings of tolerance and understanding towards people with this condition flow naturally from Jessy’s story.

Finally, don’t forget that books that teach tolerance are ideal for encouraging and instilling good values in children. What are you waiting for? Head out to your local library or bookstore and enjoy some exceptional reading time with your little ones.