1. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peรฑa, illustrated by Christian Robinson
This heartwarming story follows a young boy named CJ and his grandmother as they ride the bus across the city. Along the way, CJ learns to see the beauty in everyday life and the people around him. The book celebrates kindness, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places.
2. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
“Hair Love” is a beautiful story about the bond between a father and his daughter, Zuri. Zuri’s hair is special, and her dad learns how to style it just right for a big day. The book celebrates the beauty of natural hair and the love between parents and children. It’s a story about confidence, self-love, and family.
3. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
This touching story is about a girl named Unhei who moves from Korea to the United States. On her first day of school, she decides she wants to choose an American name, so she brings a jar to collect suggestions from her classmates. But in the end, Unhei learns the importance of embracing her own name and identity. The book teaches about cultural pride and the importance of being true to yourself.
4. Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
“Julian Is a Mermaid” is a joyful story about a boy who dreams of becoming a mermaid. After seeing women dressed as mermaids on the subway, Julian imagines himself as one too. His Abuela supports him, helping Julian express himself in a way that makes him feel happy and free. The book celebrates individuality, acceptance, and the freedom to be who you truly are.
5. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of fry bread, a traditional Native American food, and what it means to different people. The book explores the history, culture, and family connections behind this simple dish, showing how food can bring people together. Itโs a celebration of Native American heritage and the importance of family traditions.
6. Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
“Festival of Colors” is a vibrant and colorful story about the Indian festival of Holi. The book follows two children, Chintoo and Mintoo, as they prepare for the celebration by gathering flowers and making colorful powders. The story introduces readers to the joyful traditions of Holi and the beauty of Indian culture.
7. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
This beautifully written and illustrated book tells the story of a young Asian girl who notices that her eyes are different from her friends’. She learns to appreciate the way her eyes look and sees the beauty in her family and cultural heritage. The book celebrates self-acceptance, cultural pride, and the love of family.
8. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lรณpez
This book is about the courage it takes to stand out and share your story, even when you feel different from everyone else. It follows several children as they find the strength to embrace their unique backgrounds and experiences. The book is a powerful reminder that our differences make us special and that everyoneโs story matters.
9. Islandborn by Junot Dรญaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa
“Islandborn” tells the story of Lola, a young girl who was born on an island but moved away when she was very young. When her teacher asks the class to draw pictures of their homelands, Lola sets out to learn more about the island she came from. The book is a beautiful celebration of cultural roots, identity, and the power of memory.
10. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
This award-winning book is inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect water and the Earth. It tells the story of a young girl who stands up to protect her community’s water from pollution. The book is a powerful call to action and a reminder of the importance of caring for our planet. It celebrates Indigenous culture and the role of children in creating a better future.
Why Diverse Books Are Important
Diverse books help children see the world through different eyes. They teach kids about the many cultures, traditions, and experiences that make our world so rich and interesting. By reading these stories, children learn to appreciate and respect the differences in others and to embrace their own unique backgrounds.
Adding diverse books to your reading list is a wonderful way to explore the world and learn about the many ways people live and celebrate life. So, pick up one of these books and start your journey into a world of diverse stories and experiences. Happy reading!
