Diverse Summer Reading List

Summertime is here and with it comes vacations, backyard barbecues and a break for the kids from school and nightly homework! This downtime for school-age children can also provide a great opportunity for summertime adventures and continued learning through reading.

Recognizing the importance of reading as a way to keep student’s skills sharp over the summer, RetailMeNot’s MOSAIC and Parents Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have created a summer reading list of diverse genres, characters and stories that is designed to entertain, stimulate curiosity and facilitate continued learning over the summer in a fun and engaging way.

We invite you to use our summer reading list as a resource to spark new curiosity and learning for the whole family through reading.

Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside — but it’s important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences — and what truly matters. It is an engaging read for toddlers and adults alike.

Why We Love It: This book celebrates individuality while showing people are all related and similar.
Recommended By: Joe, Leader of the Parents ERG

Short stories about a Latinx girl growing up, her neighbors and societal/class challenges she faces.

Recommend By: Valerie, Leader of Mosaic ERG

Positively bursting with energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves, inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! This little girl knows that being proud of being you in the most important thing to remember.

Why We Love It: I Like Myself demonstrates African American representation and encourages self acceptance.
Recommended By: Michelle, Member of Parents ERG

Chocolate Me is about a boy who is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.

Recommended By: Nick, Member of Mosaic ERG

Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations.

Why We Love It: Whoever You Are urges us to accept our differences, to recognize our similarities, and–most importantly–to rejoice in both.
Recommend By: Kelli, COO and Executive Sponsor of Parents ERG

A kid-friendly and scientifically accurate way to describe how babies are made, with respect to all types of people and families.

It’s Okay to Be Different inspires kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence.

Happy reading!

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