A Heartfelt Review of Included by Jayneen Sanders: A Must-Read for Teaching Kids About Diversity and Empathy

Introduction: Why This Book Matters

In a world where differences often divide rather than unite, teaching children about inclusion, diversity, and empathy has never been more crucial. Jayneen Sanders’ Included: A Book for All Children About Inclusion, Diversity, Disability, Equality, and Empathy is a beautifully crafted picture book that tackles these big themes with simplicity, warmth, and profound impact.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this book is an essential tool for fostering kindness and understanding in young minds. But does it live up to its promise? Let’s dive deep into what makes Included so special—and why it deserves a spot on every child’s bookshelf.

Plot Summary: A Celebration of Differences

Included doesn’t follow a traditional narrative but instead presents a series of vignettes showcasing children from all walks of life. Each page introduces a different child with unique abilities, backgrounds, and experiences, emphasizing that everyone deserves to be included.

From a child in a wheelchair playing soccer to a girl with hearing aids enjoying music, Sanders illustrates how differences don’t define us—they enrich us. The book gently guides young readers through scenarios where exclusion happens (like leaving someone out of a game) and then models positive behavior (like inviting them to join).

The absence of a rigid plot allows the book to focus on its core message: inclusion is a choice, and kindness is always possible.

Character Analysis & Development: Every Child Sees Themselves Reflected

While Included doesn’t have recurring characters in a traditional sense, each child depicted is thoughtfully designed to represent real-life diversity:

  • Children with disabilities (e.g., a boy using a wheelchair, a girl with Down syndrome)
  • Cultural diversity (kids from different ethnic backgrounds, wearing hijabs, etc.)
  • Different family structures (same-sex parents, single parents)
  • Neurodiversity (a child with autism enjoying their own way of playing)

What stands out is how Sanders avoids tokenism—each child is portrayed with dignity, joy, and agency. They’re not just “teaching tools” but fully realized kids who laugh, play, and belong.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simple Yet Powerful

Sanders’ writing is clear, direct, and age-appropriate, making complex ideas accessible to young readers. The book uses:

  • Short, rhythmic sentences (“Some kids talk with their hands. Some kids talk with their eyes.”)
  • Repetition for emphasis (“Everyone is different. Everyone belongs.”)
  • Interactive questions (“How can YOU include others?”)

The illustrations (by Camila Carrossine) are vibrant and expressive, reinforcing the text without overwhelming it. The combination of words and images ensures that even pre-readers can grasp the message.

Thematic Exploration: More Than Just a “Lesson Book”

While many children’s books preach kindness, Included goes deeper by addressing:

  1. Disability Inclusion – Shows kids with disabilities as active participants, not just passive recipients of pity.
  2. Empathy in Action – Doesn’t just say “be kind”; shows how (e.g., adjusting a game so everyone can play).
  3. Self-Reflection – Encourages kids to think: “Have I ever left someone out? How can I do better?”
  4. Intersectionality – Recognizes that identity is layered (e.g., a child can be both disabled and from a minority background).

This isn’t a book that shames or lectures—it inspires change through positive examples.

Personal Reading Experience: Why It Resonated

Reading Included with my niece was an eye-opening experience. At first, she pointed out differences (“Why does that girl have those things in her ears?”), but by the end, she was excitedly brainstorming ways to include a shy classmate.

The book’s strength lies in its normalization of diversity—it presents differences as simply part of life, not something to fear or mock. As an adult, I appreciated that it didn’t oversimplify; it acknowledged that exclusion happens but always circled back to solutions.

Comparison to Similar Books

Compared to other inclusion-themed children’s books like All Are Welcome (Alexandra Penfold) or The Big Umbrella (Amy June Bates), Included stands out because:

✅ More explicit about disability (many books focus only on racial/cultural diversity).
✅ Action-oriented (doesn’t just say “be kind”—gives concrete examples).
✅ Broader scope (covers neurodiversity, family structures, and physical disabilities).

That said, if you’re looking for a story-driven book, Included might feel more like a teaching tool than a narrative. But that’s precisely its strength—it’s a conversation starter, not just a story.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✔ Diverse representation done right – No stereotypes, no pity, just real kids.
✔ Practical lessons – Kids walk away with actionable ideas.
✔ Engaging illustrations – Bright, expressive, and inclusive.
✔ Perfect for classrooms – Great for group discussions.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Lacks a central storyline – Some kids might prefer a plot-driven book.
❌ Text can feel repetitive – But this reinforces the message for young readers.

Who Should Read This Book?

Included is ideal for:

  • Kids aged 4–8 (though older children can benefit too).
  • Parents & caregivers who want to discuss inclusion early.
  • Teachers & librarians looking for SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) resources.
  • Therapists & child psychologists working on empathy development.

If you’re searching for a book that normalizes differences and empowers kids to be inclusive leaders, this is it.

Memorable Quotes

“Everyone is different. Everyone belongs.”
“Inclusion is a choice. What will YOU choose?”

These lines capture the book’s essence—simple yet profound.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Raising Kind Kids

Included is more than a book—it’s a toolkit for building a kinder generation. Jayneen Sanders has created a resource that’s as educational as it is heartwarming, proving that even the youngest readers can (and should) learn about empathy and belonging.

Whether you buy it for your child, your classroom, or your local library, this book will spark meaningful conversations—and maybe even change a few hearts along the way.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Question for Readers: How do you talk to kids about inclusion? Have you found any other books that handle diversity as well as this one? Share your thoughts below!

Get this book on Amazon

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