The most recommended books about diversity

Who picked these books? Meet our 17 experts.

17 authors created a book list connected to diversity, and here are their favorite diversity books.
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Book cover of The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America

Gena Cox Author Of Leading Inclusion: Drive Change Your Employees Can See and Feel

From my list on the need for DEI and workplace inclusion.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been an organizational psychologist and executive coach for more than two decades, advising high-level executives, including Fortune 500 leaders, to build workplace cultures in which all employees can flourish. Yet, for many employees of color, the workplace is so challenging that many feel professionally stifled. I realized many years ago that to accomplish my own goals; I needed to take control of my career and not depend upon the vagaries of individual leaders. I needed to set goals, take a long game view, be honest with myself and my leaders, and help leaders understand how changing some habits could help them and me succeed in a disrupted world. 

Gena's book list on the need for DEI and workplace inclusion

Gena Cox Why did Gena love this book?

The First, The Few, The Only is the first book I have read that accurately captures the angst of my day-to-day experience as a high-achieving woman of color in corporate America. I love that the book also proposes empowering systemic and individual actions to enhance those experiences.

By Deepa Purushothaman,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The First, the Few, the Only as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A deeply personal call to action for women of color to find power from within and to join together in community, advocating for a new corporate environment where we all belong-and are accepted-on our own terms.

Women of color comprise one of the fastest-growing segments in the corporate workforce, yet often we are underrepresented-among the first, few, or only ones in a department or company. For too long, corporate structures, social zeitgeist, and cultural conditioning have left us feeling exhausted and downtrodden, believing that in order to "fit in" and be successful, we must hide or change who we are.ā€¦


Book cover of The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business

Kate Truitt Author Of Healing In Your Hands: Self-Havening Practices to Harness Neuroplasticity, Heal Traumatic Stress, and Build Resilience

From Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Kate Truitt Why did Kate love this book?

Culture Map by Erin Meyer captivated me with its profound exploration of how culture shapes communication, leadership, and relationships in a globally interconnected world. Meyer's talent for distilling complex cross-cultural dynamics into actionable strategies is invaluableā€”not just for understanding organizational behavior but also for informing the work I do as a psychologist and neuroscientist, where cultural context is integral to shaping human interactions and mental health outcomes. Her framework emphasizes how culture deeply influences our perceptions, behaviors, and responses, echoing the approach I take in trauma-informed care. By illuminating the nuances of communication across cultures, Meyer fosters a more empathetic and globally aware mindset, which is essential for building authentic connections. Her focus on adaptability and cultural sensitivity aligns perfectly with my work in resilience-building, making this book an essential read for anyone seeking to navigate todayā€™s diverse environments with greater effectiveness. I highly recommend it for enhancing cross-cultural competence,ā€¦

By Erin Meyer,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Culture Map as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Whether you work in a home office or abroad, business success in our ever more globalized and virtual world requires the skills to navigate through cultural differences and decode cultures foreign to your own. Renowned expert Erin Meyer is your guide through this subtle, sometimes treacherous terrain where people from starkly different backgrounds are expected to work harmoniously together.When you have Americans who precede anything negative with three nice comments French, Dutch, Israelis, and Germans who get straight to the point ( your presentation was simply awful") Latin Americans and Asians who are steeped in hierarchy Scandinavians who think theā€¦


Book cover of But No Elephants

Matthew Ralph Author Of Family Means...

From my list on childrenā€™s books about diversity and inclusion.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a British author who specializes in writing about diversity and inclusion. Iā€™ve always been a firm believer in equality for all, and I think diversity is such a vital subject for children to learn. Itā€™s so important to teach children to love themselves and treat others how they would want to be treated, even if they are different than you. I believe a little bit of love goes a long way. I hope you enjoy my list of childrenā€™s books about diversity and share in my passion for childrenā€™s books that champion love and acceptance for everyone.

Matthew's book list on childrenā€™s books about diversity and inclusion

Matthew Ralph Why did Matthew love this book?

This book is an enduring memory from my own childhood. I remember my parents used to read this to me, and they put on funny voices for each of the characters. I love the message of this book, that even though you are different from others, we can all coexist and learn to celebrate our differences. The illustrations are also so charming and really bring the story to life. 

By Jerry Smath,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked But No Elephants as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Grandma Tildy, who lives alone and works so hard she has no time to play, decides to adopt a variety of pets


Book cover of The Family Book

Thomas Tracy Author Of Scoochie & Skiddles: Scoochie's Adoption Story

From my list on about LGBTQ+ families.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a gay father of two transracially adopted daughters, I am constantly searching for books that feature families like mine. It is important for children to see families that look like theirs represented in their storybooks. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of childrenā€™s books spotlighting adoption and even less featuring LGBTQ+ families. I am happy to share this list of some of my favorites that represent diverse/LGBTQ+ families.   

Thomas' book list on about LGBTQ+ families

Thomas Tracy Why did Thomas love this book?

I love all of Todd Parrā€™s work, as he takes hard topics and makes them easy. The Family Book is no different. This book celebrates families of all types, regardless of composition. Parr normalizes difference by beautifully illustrating that no one family is the same and all families are special. You canā€™t help but feel like youā€™ve been wrapped in a warm blanket when you read Parrā€™s books.  

By Todd Parr,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Family Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Some families have two moms or two dads. Some families have one parent instead of two.
Some families live in a house by themselves. Some families share a house with other families.
All families can help each other be strong!

The Family Book celebrates families and all the different varieties they come in. Whether they're big or small, look alike or different, have a single parent or two, Todd Parr assures readers that every family is special in its own unique way.


Book cover of The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers and Changed the Face of Space Travel

Christopher Gainor Author Of The Bomb and America's Missile Age

From my list on the exploration of space.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I was inspired by the feats of the first astronauts and cosmonauts, culminating with the Apollo expeditions to the Moon. As I grew up, I found that I was more of a historian than an engineer or a physicist. So, I began writing the stories of some of the people who were involved in the 1960s space race. I have since written about topics ranging from the strategic missiles that kicked off the space race to the Hubble Space Telescope, and today, I am the editor of Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly. 

Christopher's book list on the exploration of space

Christopher Gainor Why did Christopher love this book?

The Space Shuttle program opened up space travel to women and visible minorities, changing the whole meaning of who astronauts are.

This book tells the story of the first group of shuttle astronauts and their exploits in the Space Shuttle era in a form that I enjoyed, and that will appeal to readers who arenā€™t familiar with the history of the shuttle program.

By Meredith Bagby,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The New Guys as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The never-before-told story of NASAā€™s 1978 astronaut class, which included the first American women, the first African Americans, the first Asian American, and the first gay person to fly to space. With the exclusive participation of the astronauts who were there, this is the thrilling, behind-the-scenes saga of a new generation that transformed space exploration

The story of NASAā€™s Astronaut Class 8, or ā€œThe F*cking New Guys,ā€ as their military predecessors nicknamed them, is an unprecedented look at these extraordinary explorers who broke barriers and blasted through glass ceilings. Egos clashed, ambitions flared, and romances bloomed as the New Guysā€¦


Book cover of Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work

Genevieve Hawkins Author Of Mentally at Work: Optimising health and business performance through connection

From Genevieve's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Executive Elephant shrinker Connection discoverer

Genevieve's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Genevieve Hawkins Why did Genevieve love this book?

I had always thought of myself as an inclusive leader. Then I discovered my child is transgender. This opened up my eyes to biases I just didnā€™t realize existed and I am so grateful for this experience.

Reading Inclusion on Purpose helped open up my eyes to further biases we have when we are in positions of privilege. Filled with incredible stories, data to support them and practical ways of making change, it is well worth a read by those who want to create more inclusive workplaces. Belonging is a foundation of mental health and this book helps with ideas on how to create this.

By Ruchika Tulshyan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Inclusion on Purpose as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

How organizations can foster diversity, equity, and inclusion: taking action to address and prevent workplace bias while centering women of color.

Few would disagree that inclusion is both the right thing to do and good for business. Then why are we so terrible at it? If we believe in the morality and the profitability of including people of diverse and underestimated backgrounds in the workplace, why donā€™t we do it? Because, explains Ruchika Tulshyan in this eye-opening book, we donā€™t realize that inclusion takes awareness, intention, and regular practice. Inclusion doesnā€™t just happen; we have to work at it. Tulshyanā€¦


Book cover of Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future

Minette Norman Author Of The Boldly Inclusive Leader: Transform Your Workplace (and the World) by Valuing the Differences Within

From my list on amazing leader, listener, and human being.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent 20 years leading global teams in Silicon Valley, and I had few role models for empathetic, human, and inclusive leadership. I was committed to being the leader I wished Iā€™d had all those years. I had a lot of success, a big VP-level job, and I loved my work. Then, I got a new manager who bullied, undermined, and silenced me. I decided I wanted to help leaders do better. I became an author, speaker, and consultant focused on inspiring leaders to create an environment where everyone is heard, seen, and respected.

Minette's book list on amazing leader, listener, and human being

Minette Norman Why did Minette love this book?

As I listened to the audiobook version of this book, I felt optimistic and hopeful, which is not a common feeling when I read business, leadership, or DEI books. I found the whole book to be an invitation to do better as a leader, a community member, and a human being.

I felt a strong call to action without the usual shaming or blaming that Iā€™ve found in too many recent books. I wanted to sit down and have a conversation with Denise, even though I had never met her. After finishing the book, I felt inspired, uplifted, and committed to taking ownership of my role in making our world more inclusive and indivisible. 

By Denise Hamilton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Indivisible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Embrace the Power of You: Owning Your Identity at Work

Daina Middleton Author Of Grace Meets Grit

From my list on ambitious women embracing their authentic selves.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve been passionate about personally and professionally lifting women up throughout my career. Today, it is how I spend my time and energy ā€“ in a way that makes a difference to those individuals and the greater world. Books have always filled my insatiable desire to continuously learn and explore mysterious, unknown worlds. As a writer, I read books to expand my understanding and push my comfort zones. I also read them so that I can share with others what I have learned in the hopes they will have a positive impact on them ā€“ a pay-it-forward of sorts. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as much as I have!

Daina's book list on ambitious women embracing their authentic selves

Daina Middleton Why did Daina love this book?

Authenticity is the key to success in the workplace.

I love how Tricia tackles head on how she overcame her fear and shame to embrace her authentic self in the workplace resulting in personal and professional success.

Her book provides a step-by-step approach that enables embracing authenticity achievable for everyone, even those who feel workplace stereotypes prevent them from doing so and understand fear is inhibiting them from doing so.

By Tricia Montalvo Timm,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Embrace the Power of You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Embrace the Power of You

In the competitive world of Silicon Valley, corporate lawyer Tricia Montalvo Timm knew that talent and drive weren't enough to succeed. She had to belong. Timm took a cue from her days as a child actor, when she had to change her name to get auditions. As an adult, she downplayed her Latino heritage and her life as a mother to fit in. And it worked: at the height of her success, she sold software company Looker to Google for $2.6 billion. But when a LinkedIn post about her roots went viral, she knew sheā€¦


Book cover of When Cultures Collide: Leading Across Cultures

Derek Sivers Author Of How to Live: 27 Conflicting Answers and One Weird Conclusion

From my list on to change how you understand the world.

Why am I passionate about this?

The greatest thrill is seeing something a new way. Remember the end of the movie The Sixth Sense, when you learn he was dead the whole time? It blows your mind and makes you re-think everything you saw. That's how it feels to learn another philosophy or a new distinction in understanding the world. I'm always seeking more of those moments, and these five books (plus mine) do that more than any I've found so far.

Derek's book list on to change how you understand the world

Derek Sivers Why did Derek love this book?

Masterpiece of cultural observations. I wish there were more books like this. Insights into different countries' cultures. Some amazing, like the reason for American's lack of manners, or Japanese procedures. I practically underlined the entire book, I loved it so much.

By Richard D. Lewis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked When Cultures Collide as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A major new edition of the classic work that revolutionised the way business is conducted across cultures and around the globe. It provides leaders and managers with practical strategies to embrace differences and successfully work across diverse business cultures.

Capturing the rising influence and the seismic changes throughout many regions of the world, cross-cultural expert and international businessman Richard Lewis has significantly broadened the scope of his seminal work on global business and communication. Thoroughly updated to include the latest political events and cultural changes, as well as covering nine new countries to complete Europe, broadening the scope of theā€¦


Book cover of DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right

Frances Frei and Anne Morriss Author Of Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leader's Guide to Solving Hard Problems

From my list on fixing more (and breaking less) at work.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are scholars and writers, coaches and company builders, optimists, and (on our best days) accelerators of action. Itā€™s been the privilege of our lives to work as change agents at some of the worldā€™s most influential companiesā€”and with some of the worldā€™s most inspiring business leaders. But at the core of our identities, we are educators, which is why we write books about leadership. We believe that what weā€™ve learned in the process of changing things can be useful to anyone who seeks to lead, particularly now, when the scale and complexity of our shared challenges can seem overwhelming. 

Frances and Anne's book list on fixing more (and breaking less) at work

Frances Frei and Anne Morriss Why did Frances and Anne love this book?

We love to win. In all the flux and churn of the DEI debate, one thing thatā€™s getting lost is that DEI done right helps organizations to win.

But well-intentioned DEI efforts can still sometimes do the opposite, causing more harm than good. How could this happen? The simplest answer is that there are still some managers out there who havenā€™t read this excellent book.

Itā€™s highly practical, deeply insightful, and a must-read for anyone looking to get more out their workforce with dignity and excellence. 

By Lily Zheng,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked DEI Deconstructed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The definitive comprehensive and foundational text for critically analyzing and applying actionable DEI techniques and strategies, written by one of LinkedInā€™s most popular experts on DEI.

The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace cannot be understated. But when half-baked and under-developed strategies are implemented, they often do more harm than good, leading the very constituents they aim to support to dismiss DEI entirely.

DEI Deconstructed analyzes how current methods and ā€œbest practicesā€ leave marginalized people feeling frustrated and unconvinced of their leadersā€™ sincerity, and offers a roadmap that bridges the neatness of theory with the messiness ofā€¦


Book cover of The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America
Book cover of The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business
Book cover of But No Elephants

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