The books were written and illustrated by high school students competing in the B’nai B’rith Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge. They are aimed at kids between the ages of 5 and 10 and teach them about the importance and benefits of a diverse society and to promote tolerance. The books will be distributed to children in schools and local Boys & Girls Clubs of America branches throughout the month of December in Maine, Connecticut, Indiana, and New Jersey.

“It has truly been a joy to provide the gift of an insightful and creative book to school children at this time of year,” said B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick. “The invaluable lessons shared in Diverse Minds books embody the goals of explaining and commending diversity perfectly.”

The contest, now in its fifth year, is an education and awareness initiative created in conjunction with B’nai B’rith programs that promote acceptance and communicate a message of equality among all citizens. The program aims to enlighten, inspire, and educate America’s young people and their families in an effort to destroy prejudices and strengthen the future of our youth. This year’s contest will take place in Memphis and New York City. The winning authors and illustrators in each city receive a $5,000 college scholarship and have their book professionally published.

“The Diverse Minds writing challenge serves the dual purpose of engaging young minds to apply the values of tolerance and diversity to a story for young readers, and to provide elementary-age children with creative and appealing books containing essential lessons for growing up in our diverse society.” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “We are so proud of these books and the lessons they teach.”

B’nai B’rith’s collaboration with the Today Show continues our long history of assisting those in need through community service projects such as clothing, toy, and food drives held across the United States each year.