"The Gentle Pen" More On Diversity
- plowmanpublishing
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
🧡 “I’m Not Like You”: Teaching and Parenting with Diversity in Mind
By Liv McLean, Children’s Author
Hello to all the amazing teachers and parents out there,
If you’re reading this, it means you care deeply about raising and teaching kind, compassionate, open-minded children. And that makes you my kind of people.
As a children’s author, I believe stories are one of the most powerful ways to shape how children see the world—and how they see themselves in it. That’s why I’m so excited during this preparation time as we get ready to introduce my newest book, “I’m Not Like You”—a vibrant, inclusive picture book filled with children from all walks of life, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
This isn’t just a book—it’s a mirror, a window, and a gentle call to action. It’s designed for classrooms and bedtime routines alike, to spark meaningful conversations about diversity, acceptance, and belonging.
🌎 Why Representation Matters—In the Classroom and at Home
When children see characters who look like them—who talk like them, move like them, live like them—it tells them: You belong. You matter. And when they see characters who are different, it teaches them: You are not the center of the universe—and that’s a beautiful thing.
As parents and teachers, we have the unique opportunity (and responsibility) to widen our children's worldviews and help them grow into compassionate humans. But how often do we pause and ask:
Are my children/students seeing themselves in books and lessons?
Do the materials we use reflect different cultures, families, languages, and abilities?
Do our stories include children who are adopted, in wheelchairs, living with autism, wearing a headscarf, or exploring gender identity?
Do we talk about inclusion and fairness in a way children can understand?
If not—don’t worry. It’s never too late to start. And the book “I’m Not Like You” was created to help you do just that.
✨ For Educators: Questions to Reflect On While Diversifying Your Curriculum
Whether you're planning a classroom read-aloud or building an entire curriculum, here are some questions to guide your journey toward more inclusive teaching:
Do I use examples and materials that reflect my students’ identities and experiences?
Are the authors, thinkers, and stories I use from a range of cultural and social perspectives?
Do I avoid reinforcing stereotypes (e.g., leaders are always men, families are always heterosexual)?
Are people from underrepresented groups shown in positions of power, creativity, and intelligence?
Does my syllabus or reading list acknowledge the land we’re on and the voices that have been historically silenced?
Do I choose materials that spark empathy, curiosity, and respect for differences?
Incorporating diversity isn’t about being politically correct. It’s about being humanely correct.
🧩 For Parents: Everyday Acts of Inclusion at Home
You don’t need a classroom to raise inclusive kids. Here’s how you can bring these values into your home:
Fill your bookshelf with stories by authors of diverse backgrounds—and talk about the differences you see.
Watch shows and movies with subtitles or different languages—let your kids know there are many ways to communicate.
Talk about fairness, kindness, and what it means to stand up for others.
Use inclusive language. Celebrate different body types, abilities, and identities.
When your child notices something “different,” resist the urge to shush them. Instead, say: “Let’s talk about that!”
“I’m Not Like You” is a great tool for these conversations, using child-friendly language and engaging artwork to celebrate what makes each of us unique.
📝 A Statement of Equity and Diversity – For Teachers and Parents Alike
Whether in a classroom or a living room, creating an equitable, safe, and inclusive environment is an ongoing journey. Here's a simple yet powerful commitment we can all embrace:
In this space—whether it’s a classroom or a kitchen table—every voice matters. We acknowledge that biases and exclusions exist in education, in media, and in daily life. We commit to challenging those injustices by listening to and learning from people of all identities and experiences. We aim to make space for honest, respectful conversations about differences, even when it’s hard. We will create safer spaces where all children—regardless of background, ability, race, religion, or gender—feel respected, valued, and empowered to be themselves. Diversity isn’t a trend. It’s a truth. And equity isn’t charity—it’s justice! liv mclean
💛 Let’s Raise Kids Who Care
If you’re a teacher looking to make your classroom more inclusive—or a parent hoping to raise an open-hearted child—“I’m Not Like You” was written and illustrated for you.
Visit LivMcLean.com to order your copy (available in just a few weeks) or explore more of my inclusive children's books. End of July you’ll find “I’m Not Like You” on Amazon, Kobo, and soon in select bookstores across North America.
Thank you for doing the work. Thank you for showing children the beauty in being different. And thank you for building a world where no child feels left out of the story.
Gently,
With warmth and gratitude,
Liv McLean
Children’s Author, Illustrator, and Proud Nana
for other topics and books follow us at www.LivMcLean.com
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