What is tolerance?It is the capacity and willingness to endure hardship and accept differing beliefs and behaviours. It depends greatly on the context which could be social and or cultural.
Acceptance of Differences: A fair, objective, and patient attitude toward people with different religions, political views, lifestyles, or cultures.
Peaceful Coexistence: The moral and social practice of allowing others to think and act differently without judgment or conflict, as outlined by organisations such as UNESCO.
Tolerance is something we all need much more of right now!
Entitlement is quite a problem at the school I teach at because of the socioeconomic background of the students and parent body, so tolerance is something to aim for on a daily basis. Many of the teachers will come to the library with an issue that has arisen in their class which stems from a lack of tolerance or understanding of difference. They are looking for me to suggest a book with the magic answer and choosing the right books is crucial. However once the teacher leaves the library with the book I am never sure what happens. Knowing how to use the books to the best effect is equally important.
Kirsten Gallagher from the blog The Children's Library Lady gives these tips:
1. Be Intentional: Choose books reflecting diverse experiences, avoiding stereotypes and celebrating uniqueness.
2. Provide Context: Explain complex themes with age-appropriate language to facilitate understanding.
3. Model Inclusive: Show inclusivity through your actions and address bias or exclusion promptly.
A good teacher librarian will have many suggestions for tip 1, choosing books, but there are also many book sites that will help you make the right choice. Look here:
Inclusive Books for Children where books are grouped by age, topic, representation.
Books for Topics where books are also grouped by age, topic and experience.
Read for Empathy Collections where each year a new collection of books is chosen for their power to boost empathy for, and understanding of, other people's feelings and life experiences.
Here's ten books to start your list and which all school libraries will have:
Elmer's patchwork of colours makes him different from the other elephants. He changes his skin to grey to fit in but discovers he enjoys being different. The other elephants accept Elmer for who he is, and he realises it is okay to be different. Elmer explores individuality, acceptance, self-awareness, open-mindedness, and the importance of being oneself.
A cheerful red umbrella stands by the front door, ready to provide shelter. No matter how many people (or even a dog) come under it, the big umbrella can cover them all because “there is always room.”
No one wants to be left out. Join a boy and his little elephant as they face disappointment and as they try to participate in the local Pet Club and are rejected. Soon, they decide to create their own community — their own club — where all are welcomed.
There's a wall in the middle of the book, and a young knight is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side-like an angry tiger and giant rhino. But our knight doesn't seem to notice the crocodile and growing sea of water that are emerging on his side. When he's almost over his head and calling for help, an individual who isn't as dangerous as the knight thought, from a side of the book that might just have some positive things to offer after all!
A picture book that celebrates the rich tapestry of human diversity, illustrating how, despite our differences in appearance, language, and culture, we all share universal emotions and experiences. Through simple, poetic text and vibrant illustrations, it encourages young readers to embrace empathy and recognize the common humanity that unites us all.
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.
CJ begins his weekly bus journey around the city with disappointment and dissatisfaction, wondering why he and his family can't drive a car like his friends. Through energy and encouragement, CJ's nana helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine.
Badgers are best. Or so Badger thinks. If it's not black and white then it's just not right! he says.
But what if he's wrong?
A book about acceptance, difference and learning to say sorry.
A humorous introduction to comparisons and opposites. 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?
When no amount of shrinking, folding or crumpling works, he simply settles for Zim – but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step boldly into his long name. A story that encourages young readers to celebrate their individuality, and shows how no-one should ever have to shrink themselves down to fit in.
