Write it
Student authors pitch stories about bodies, feelings and fitting in, then draft them with an editor.
A STUDENT-RUN CHILDREN'S PUBLISHER
Changing perspectives, one page at a time.
Western students writing and illustrating picture books about health, diversity and belonging, then putting them in the hands of kids who need them.
How a book gets made
From a dorm room
From a dorm room
to a classroom
Draw it
Illustrators bring every page to life, so kids from every background can spot themselves.
Print it
Sticker sales and donations pay for real, hold-in-your-hands copies.
Share it
Books land in elementary schools and libraries, free for the kids who read them.
The shelf · 2 books and counting
Books that help kids feel seen
Every story starts with a real feeling: not fitting in, looking different, wanting to belong. Shuffle the deck to meet them, or swipe the top card away.
01 / 03
Visit the full shelf
The Girl Under the Rambutan Tree
by Nadith Ranasinghe
The Girl Under the Rambutan Tree
A young girl with big dreams learns to embrace her uniqueness despite not fitting in.
Feels like:a hug after a hard day
Themes:resilience, self-worth
Nobody Looks Like Me!
by Emily Leha
Nobody Looks Like Me!
A story about friendship, families, and the differences that make each of us who we are.
Feels like:finding your people
Themes:difference, family
Your story could go here
by you?
Book three is in the works
We're hiring authors and illustrators on a rolling basis. Got an idea?
Looking for:writers & artists
Experience:not required
our mission
"Kids' Health Shelf is dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and health education through accessible children's books that empower young readers, reflect diverse lived experiences, and foster compassion, understanding, and belonging in every community."
What we believe
a
Every kid deserves a mirror
Stories should reflect the many different lives kids actually live.
b
Health is more than a body
Feelings, friendships and self-worth are health topics too.
c
Books should be easy to find
We put copies where kids already are: classrooms and libraries.
Get involved
Pick up a pencil.
we're HIRING
Authors, illustrators, directors and VPs (communications, finance, media). Applications open on a rolling basis.
See open rolesSTICKERsale
Stickers are $2 each, and every one helps print another book. Look for our table on campus.
$2Support us!
Lend us a hand by donating to our GoFundMe. It lets us print more books for elementary schools and libraries.
How to donate