If you are looking for KS2 books to support RSHE lessons, or mapping out your PSHE scheme of work, you’ll know that one of the DfE statutory mandates is that, by the end of primary school, pupils need to understand that “families can look different, but all provide stability, love, and protection.”
An impactful way to teach children about diverse families is through sharing brilliant books. Books that give pupils ‘windows and mirrors’ moments. Books that allow them to see their own lives validated, or gain an insight into someone else’s reality. Books that reinforce the truth: families can look different, but all provide love, stability and protection.
Integrating inclusive stories (such as those listed below) into your English sessions, using them as class read-alouds (or within guided reading slots) makes embedding RSHE a natural part of the school day.
So here goes: 12 recommendations of KS2 books to support RSHE (‘different families’ topic), plus a completely free RSHE lesson plan and pupil worksheet on this topic to download.
KS2 Books to support RSHE Lessons
The Accidental Diary of BUG
Two Mums
Adoption
Hilarious and engaging. Find out more on my website.
The Dad Trap and The Last Firefox
Two Dads
Adoption
Heart-warming adventures.
Proud of Me and Max and Ella Stuck Together
Two Mums
Donor Conceived
Highly relatable, modern narratives.
The FAMOUS series
Two Mums
Fostering
Adventure comedies with comic strips – an excellent, sensitive choice for exploring the dynamics of fostering. Find out more on my website.
Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths
Intergenerational British-Chinese family
Relatable and funny.
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
Step-Families
A relatable comedy; great for empathy.
RSHE Learning Outcomes
Every book listed above serves as an excellent launchpad for meaningful classroom discussion. They allow you to challenge stereotypes naturally while reinforcing the core DfE message: family structures take many shapes, but safety, care, and love are universal.
By using real literature, you easily create a supportive, inclusive classroom environment where all children feel safe and visible.
Download Your Free RSHE Lesson Plan & Worksheet
If you want a FREE, simple, highly effective RSHE lesson plan and a student worksheet to teach a specific lesson on this topic, you can find one on this page of my website.