Not So Different

Not So Different is a children’s picture book that encourages young readers to celebrate diversity and embrace inclusion.

The story spotlights a biracial main character who is learning to understand his family’s unique interracial dynamic and navigate friendships within a diverse community. Throughout the narrative, he recognizes the importance of our distinct individual characteristics and what they bring to the group, as well as the ways in which we are really all the same.

While playful and lighthearted, Not So Different is a wonderful tool that can be used to start necessary difficult conversations with our children about race, diversity, racism, bullying, and inclusion.

Written for readers from ages 1-10, this children’s book can be understood on many levels by young readers of all ages. Babies and toddlers will enjoy the bold, colorful pictures and quick poetic pace, while school-aged children will be able to sympathize with the main character’s deeper experiences relating to self-esteem, self-respect, and respect for others.

Breakout children's book author, Cyana Riley was born and raised in Washington DC. She graduated from George Washington University, and spent the first 6 years of her career as a preschool teacher. It was during that time when she fell in love with writing children stories, and also when she realized the underrepresentation of black and brown children of color in existing stories.