Books about the diversity of family life
Published on: 10 October 2024
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and for all children, it’s important to see their own experiences reflected in the stories they read. Books can offer comfort, validation, and a sense of belonging by showing that there is no one "right" way to be a family.
We’ve selected these books to highlight the many permutations of family life in our society. From traditional nuclear families to foster, adoptive, and kinship families, these stories celebrate the beautiful diversity of what it means to be a family. As you explore these books, we hope children will see their own family set-up—and the families of their friends—reflected in these pages, leading to a sense of pride and understanding.
Discover out book recommendations reflecting the diversity of family life below:
1. My Family, Your Family by Laura Henry-Allain and Giovana Medeiros
An accessible, useful non-fiction guide to all types of families, including kinship families and foster families. Who is in your family?
2. All About Families by Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero
A non-fiction celebration of family diversity, that includes foster and adoptive families, with inclusive illustrations and an example of a family tree. What can you spot in the pictures?
3. The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith
A non-fiction book showcasing a diverse mix of different types of families. What can you spot in the pictures?
4. Is that your Mama? by Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewan
A story about a mixed-race family with the message that you don’t have to explain your family to anyone. Who is in Josie’s family?
5. Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
Told with simple text and a sense of humour, love shines through all families’ days. Lots of different families are shown in the vibrant illustrations. Can you find the muddy puddles picture?
6. Changing Tides by Júlia Moscardó
Lula, Theo and their parents are at the seaside. A gentle story about the mixed emotions in becoming a stepfamily. How would you decorate your sandcastle?
All books should be available from a public library or a good bookshop.