Diversity isn't just a checkbox or a trend; it's a cognitive workout. When kids consume stories with diverse characters—covering race, LGBTQ+ identity, neurodivergence, and physical disability—they are literally practicing perspective-taking.

In a digital world where kids are increasingly siloed into "Ohio" memes and Roblox servers with people exactly like them, diverse media is the antidote to the "main character syndrome" that social media thrives on. It teaches them that their experience is an experience, not the experience.

At this age, kids are sponges. They are noticing differences, even if they don't have the vocabulary for it yet. You want shows and books where diversity is just... there. It’s not the "point" of the story; it’s the fabric of the world.

I know, I know—everyone talks about Bluey. But listen, the way this show handles neurodivergence and disability is masterclass level. Look for the episode "Army," which introduces Jack, a Jack Russell terrier who "can't sit still" and "forgets things." It’s the best depiction of ADHD I’ve seen in kids' media. Then there's Dougie, a character who uses Auslan (sign language). It’s never explained or made a "big deal." He’s just a kid playing. That is the gold standard.

Based on the Ada Twist, Scientist book, this show is fantastic for showing a Black family where the focus is on intellectual curiosity and STEM. It’s the opposite of "brain rot." It actually encourages kids to ask "Why?" (Though, fair warning, they will start asking you "Why?" about everything from why the sky is blue to why you're eating the "adult" chocolate in the pantry).

Created by Sonia Manzano (Maria from Sesame Street), this show follows a young Puerto Rican girl in the Bronx. It’s excellent for showing urban life and Latine culture without falling into stereotypes. Plus, it teaches "think-throughs," helping kids model social-emotional problem-solving.

Ask our chatbot for more diverse shows for toddlers

This is the age where kids start to form their social identities. They’re also starting to spend more time on YouTube and TikTok, where the content can get pretty homogenous.

If your kid likes Percy Jackson or Harry Potter, hand them this. It’s a middle-grade fantasy about a Black girl who discovers a world of magic while looking for her missing brother. It tackles themes of prejudice and "othering" through a supernatural lens that is actually gripping, not preachy.

This show is a masterpiece of modern animation. It features a predominantly Black cast but includes kids from every imaginable background, including neurodivergent characters and LGBTQ+ families. It celebrates the "low-tech" joy of playing outside in a creek, which is a vibe we should all be encouraging.

This book deals with the immigrant experience, poverty, and systemic racism in a way that is accessible for a 10-year-old. It’s based on the author’s real life growing up in a motel. It’s a "window" book that will spark some really deep conversations at dinner.

Teens are looking for authenticity. They can smell "forced diversity" from a mile away and they will roast it mercilessly.

Based on the Heartstopper graphic novels, this is the "cozy" version of a teen drama. It’s a queer coming-of-age story that is actually sweet and joyful rather than tragic. In a world where LGBTQ+ stories for teens are often filled with trauma, this is a breath of fresh air.

Based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, this show blends high school awkwardness with Chinese mythology. It’s a great look at the "code-switching" many immigrant kids have to do between home and school.

Miles Morales is the Spider-Man this generation deserves. The movie doesn't just feature a diverse lead; the entire multiverse concept is a metaphor for how many different ways there are to be a "hero." Also, the animation is objectively better than 99% of what's out there.

Not all "diverse" media is created equal. Sometimes, studios try so hard to be inclusive that they forget to write a good story, or they rely on "tokenism" (adding one diverse character who has no personality other than being "the diverse one").

Check out our guide on identifying high-quality media vs. brain rot

You don't need to hold a seminar after every movie. In fact, that's the fastest way to make your kids hate "diverse" media. Instead, try these low-key prompts:

Diversity in media isn't about being "woke" or following a political agenda; it's about giving your kids a map of the world that actually matches the world they're going to live in. By intentionally choosing shows like Craig of the Creek or books like Amari and the Night Brothers, you’re helping them build the muscle of compassion.

And honestly? Most of these shows are just better written than the generic stuff. You might actually enjoy watching them, too.

Learn more about how to diversify your child's digital library