What better opportunity to put the spotlight on some of the fabulous female artists from past and present than Women’s History Month! In this list of multicultural children’s books, I am using the term “artist” in a broader sense here, and have included not only painters, sculptors and performing artists but also architects and a fashion designer, and more.
40 Multicultural Children’s Books About Fabulous Female Artists
The Life of/La Vida De Celia
by Patty Rodriguez
The latest in the Lil’ Libros series, The Life of/La Vida De Celia is a bilingual first concept book about Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. With her powerful voice and eccentric style, Celia Cruz is one of the most popular singers in the world. The sweet colourful illustrations will appeal to any baby or toddler. ~ Hispanic – Babies & Toddlers
More in the Lil’ Libros series: The Life of /La Vida De Selena // Counting With/Contando Con Frida // Guadalupe: First Words/Primeras Palabras // La Catrina: Emotions/Emociones // Zapata: Colors/Colores
Frida Kahlo // Maya Angelou // Ella Fitzgerald
by Isabel Sanchez Vegara // Lisbeth Kaiser
This cute little series makes the life stories of some amazing artists accessible to younger readers. Painter Frida Kahlo, poet Maya Angelou and singer Ella Fitzgerald all achieved international fame, yet all of them started off as little girls with a dream. These inspiring biographies come with extra facts about the artists’ lives at the back. ~ Diverse – Preschool
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
by Monica Brown
Based on the life of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos tells the story of the animals that inspired her art. This stunning multi-award-winning picture book recounts Frida’s beloved pets—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn—and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. ~ Hispanic – Preschool, Elementary School
More award-winning Hispanic books: Pura Belpré Award Winners 1996 – 2017 // 2016 Américas Award-Winning Children’s Books
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines
by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Bestselling Maya Lin tells the story of the bold artist-architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Starting with her childhood, young readers will learn that Maya loved exploring the forest in her backyard and building tiny towns out of paper and scraps. The daughter of a clay artist and a poet grew up with art and went from her first experiments with light and lines to nationwide success. ~ Asian – Preschool, Elementary School
More books with Asian or Asian American characters: 30 Asian & Asian American Children’s Books
The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid
by Jeanette Winter
Growing up in Baghdad, Iraq, Zaha Hadid dreamed of designing her own cities. After studying architecture in London, she opened her own studio but as a Muslim woman faced many obstacles. Determined to succeed, she went on to design buildings all over the world. With engaging illustrations and simple text, The World Is Not A Rectangle tells of the architect’s life and her triumph over adversity. ~ Asian – Preschool, Elementary School
More Books about Women in STEM/STEAM: 50+ Multicultural STEAM Books for Children
The Little Piano Girl: The Story of Mary Lou Williams, Jazz Legend
by Ann Ingalls
Another stunning picture book biography of a female jazz legend! Mary Lou Williams started playing the piano when she was only four years old; at eight she became a professional musician. One of the most powerful women in jazz, Williams wrote and arranged music for Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. The Little Piano Girl tells the story of her childhood in Pittsburgh. ~ African – Elementary School
Frida
by Jonah Winter
This striking picture book tells the story of Frida Kahlo’s life in simple words and with gorgeous acrylic paintings full of Mexican folk art icons (monkeys, devils, smiling skeletons). Frida is a playful and insightful tribute to one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School
More books set in Mexico: 24 Children’s Books set in Mexico
Harlem’s Little Blackbird
by Renee Watson
Florence Mills, an African American singer born in 1896, was known as Harlem’s Little Blackbird. The picture book follows Mills from singing with her mother to breaking into the musical world. Despite her success, Mills declined the role of a lifetime and chose to perform in all-black musicals only. An empowering book about an amazing woman who is remarkable for her talent as well as her generosity and faith. ~ African – Elementary School
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story
by Paula Yoo
Stunningly illustrated Shining Star tells the rags-to-riches story of Anna May Wong, a Chinese American Hollywood star in the 1930s and 1940s. Wong confronted racial discrimination and stereotypes and broke new ground for future generations of Asian American actors. ~ Asian – Elementary School
My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela
by Monica Brown
Gabriela Mistral loved words and sounds and stories. The Chilean poet and teacher inspired children across many countries to let their voices be heard. Gabriela became the first Nobel Prize-winning Latina woman in the world. Told with the rhythm a poem, My Name Is Gabriella is a beautifully crafted story about a remarkable woman. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School
Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music
by Margarita Engle
Based on the life of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, Drum Dream Girl tells the story of a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo of female drumming. Dreaming of pounding congas and tapping bongós, Millo practices in secret and becomes the first well-known female drummer in Cuba. With lyrical text and enchanting illustrations, this award-winning picture book tells of a young girl’s determination to make her dream come true. ~ Diverse – Elementary School
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Ella’s fictional cat ‘Scat Cat Monroe’ tells the story of the amazing life of “the first lady of song”. With engaging text and vibrant illustrations, Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa celebrates the distinctive style of one of the most talented jazz performers and her impact on contemporary music. ~ African – Elementary School
More books about jazz: 18 Multicultural Children’s Books about Jazz
Talking to Faith Ringgold
by Faith Ringgold
Talking to Faith Ringgold is a conversational account of the artist’s life and work. In short sections (“Introducing Myself,” “Growing Up”, “Being an Artist” etc.), accompanied by photographs, Faith Ringgold tells young readers about herself. She also challenges them to think about their own lives: Who they are, where they come from, and what they want to be. This is a wonderful book to use in the classroom. ~ African – Elementary School
More books by Faith Ringgold: Author Spotlight: Faith Ringgold
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
by Patricia Hruby Powell
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker is a detailed portrait (104 pages!) of the legendary performer and civil rights activist. In lively free-verse, complemented by colourful acrylic illustrations, the picture book tells of the struggles and triumphs of this extraordinary woman and important figure of the Harlem Renaissance who worked her way from the slums of St. Louis to the grandest stages of the world. ~ African – Elementary School
More books about the Harlem Renaissance: 15 Children’s Books about the Harlem Renaissance
Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat: Ella Fitzgerald
by Roxane Orgill
Orphaned, with raggedy clothes and often no place to spend the night, Ella Fitzgerald dances on the streets for small change. One amateur night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, she discovers her singing voice. Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat follows Ella from her tough childhood and youth all the way to her number-one radio hit “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.” ~ African – Elementary School
More books about jazz: 18 Multicultural Children’s Books about Jazz
Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina
by Maria Tallchief
Growing up on the Osage Indian reservation, Maria Tallchief was a gifted pianist and dancer. According to Osage tradition, women are not permitted to dance, but Maria’s parents recognized her gifts and allowed her to break the rule. When Maria turned twelve, her father asked her to choose between her two loves. Maria chose ballet – a decision that would change her life and the face of classical ballet in America. Tall Chief tells the fascinating story of Maria Tallchief’s rise to become America’s prima ballerina. ~ Diverse – Elementary School
More Native American books: 32 Native American Children’s Books
Mahalia Jackson: Walking with Kings and Queens
by Nina Nolan
With gorgeous illustrations, Mahalia Jackson captures the fascinating story of how the African American singer became the Queen of Gospel. Growing up under difficult circumstances, singing gospels always lifted the young girl’s spirits and made her feel special. Despite hardships, Mahalia went on to share her powerful voice with the world. Includes a timeline and further reading section. ~ African – Elementary School
Swing Sisters: The Story of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm
by Karen Deans
Swing Sisters is a vibrant tribute to the famous all-female jazz band International Sweethearts of Rhythm, founded in a home for African American orphans in 1939. When they left the home and moved to Washington, the Sweethearts took on musicians of many races and nationalities and – despite facing race and gender discrimination – became an international sensation. ~ African – Elementary School
Viva Frida
by Yuyi Morales
Distinguished author and illustrator Yuyi Morales illuminates Frida Kahlo’s life and work in this award-winning picture book biography. In short sentences and unusual mixed-media illustrations – created with puppets, paintings and digital elements – bilingual Frida celebrates the famous Mexican painter’s creativity and talent. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School
Leontyne Price: Voice of a Century
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Born in Mississippi in 1927, Leontyne Price surrounded herself with church hymns and hallelujahs, soaked up opera arias on the radio, and watched the great Marian Anderson on stage. While racism made it unlikely that a poor black girl from the South would pursue an opera career, Leontyne’s wondrous voice and unconquerable spirit prevailed. Leontyne was soon recognized and celebrated for her leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera and around the world. Leontyne Price is a stunning picture book biography of the iconic African American opera star. ~ African – Elementary School
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
by Pam Munoz Ryan
“With one breath she sounded like rain,/ sprinkling high notes in the morning sun./ And with the next, he was thunder,/ resounding deep in a dark sky.” When Marian Sang traces the life of an extraordinary African-American diva whose debut with the Metropolitan Opera was delayed until she was 57 due to discrimination and racism. ~ African – Elementary Schoo
Firebird
by Misty Copeland
In her debut picture book, famous African American ballet soloist Misty Copeland enters a poetic dialogue with a young aspiring dancer who is lacking confidence. Copeland encourages the young girl to believe in herself and follow her dreams. “I was a dancer just like you,” Misty tells her, “a dreaming shooting star of a girl with work and worlds ahead.” Stunningly illustrated, Firebird is an inspirational picture book for any girl wanting to follow her dream. ~ African – Elementary School
The Legendary Miss Lena Horne
by Carole Boston Weatherford
“You have to be taught to be second class; you’re not born that way.” Born into a family of teachers and activists. Lena Horne followed her dream to become an actress, despite facing racial discrimination, and many stereotypes. The Legendary Mis Lena Horne is an inspiring and beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates the life of the pioneering African American actress and civil rights activist. ~ African – Elementary School
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone
by Katheryn Russell-Brown
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone tells the story of music-loving Melba Doretta Liston who taught herself to play the trombone. Despite facing race and gender discrimination, unsung hero Melba became a famous trombone player and song arranger for jazz legends Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Billie Holiday, to name but a few. ~ African – Elementary School
Danza!: Amalia Hernández and Mexico’s Folkloric Ballet
by Duncan Tonatiuh
With award-winning author and illustrator Tonatiuh’s distinctive style, Danza! celebrates the life of Amalia Hernández, founder of the famous El Ballet Folklórico de México. Watching a performance of dancers in her town square, little Amalia was fascinated by the way the dancers twirled and swayed, and she knew then that someday she would be a dancer, too. She went on to study different types of dance, including ballet, modern, and regional Mexican dances and brought her own dance company to international fame. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School
More award-winning Hispanic books: Pura Belpré Award Winners 1996 – 2017 // 2016 Américas Award-Winning Children’s Books
Art From Her Heart: Folk Artist Clementine Hunter
by Kathy Whitehead
Imagine being an artist who isn’t allowed into your own show. That’s what happened to folk artist Clementine Hunter. Her paintings of southern farm life went from hanging on her clothesline to hanging in museums, yet because of the colour of her skin, a friend had to sneak her in when the gallery was closed. With lyrical writing and striking illustrations, Art From The Heart introduces children to the life and work of this amazing self-taught artist. ~ African – Elementary School
Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe
by Deborah Blumenthal
“Wisps of cloth would fall from their worktables like confetti, / and Ann would scoop them up and turn them into flowers / as bright as roses in the garden.” Fancy Party Gowns is a beautiful picture book about Ann Cole Lowe, a little-known black fashion designer who – despite hardship and discrimination – pursued her passion and went on to design party gowns for America’s high society, including Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. ~ African – Elementary School
Mama Africa!: How Miriam Makeba Spread Hope with Her Song
by Kathryn Erskine
“Music gets deep inside me and starts to shake things up!” Grammy Award-winning South African singer Miriam Mabeka rose to fame at the height of apartheid, the cruel South African segregation system. Known as Mama Africa, she raised her voice to help fight these injustices at jazz clubs in Johannesburg; in exile, at a rally beside Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.; and before the United Nations. With call-and-response style text and bold illustrations, Mama Africa! offers an intimate view of Mabeka’s fight for equality. ~ African – Elementary School
More books set in South Africa: 23 Children’s Books set in South Africa
Stompin’ at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller
by Alan Govenar
Growing up behind New York’s Savoy Ballroom during the 1920’s Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance, Norma Miller knew early in life that she wanted to be a dancer. At 12 years old, Norma brought the house down at the Savoy for the first time, swing-stepping with Twist Mouth George, one of the premier dancers of the day. Through extensive interviews with Norma Miller, Stompin’ at the Savoy tells the story of how the feisty dancer rose to international fame with humourous style and vibrant illustrations. ~ African – Elementary School, Middle School
More books about jazz: 18 Multicultural Children’s Books about Jazz
More books about the Harlem Renaissance: 15 Children’s Books about the Harlem Renaissance
Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Sa
by Q.L. Pearce & Gina Capaldi
“I remember the day I lost my spirit.” When 8-year-old Zitkala-Sa (“Red Bird”), born in 1876 on the Yankton Sioux reservation in South Dakota, left to go to boarding school, she found herself caught between the White and the Native American world. With vibrant paintings and collages of photos and documents, Red Bird Sings tells the story of how Zitkala-Sa found comfort in music classes and went on to become a music teacher, composer, performer, and activist for Native American rights. ~ Diverse – Elementary School, Middle School
More Native American books: 32 Native American Children’s Books
Who Was Maya Angelou?
by Ellen Labrecque
Maya Angelou’s poems and books, including “Still I Rise” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, brought her international acclaim. With expressive drawings and engaging text, Who Was May Angelou? tells the writer’s fascinating life story, from her difficult childhood during segregation to becoming the first Black and the first female streetcar operator to touring as an opera singer and calypso dancer and eventually pursuing her passion for writing. ~ African – Elementary School, Middle School
More books about poetry: 26 Multicultural Poetry Books for Children
In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage
by Professor Alan Schroeder
In 1890s Florida, all young Augusta wants to do is sculpt little clay figures. Overcoming many obstacles, she moves to New York City to follow her dream of becoming an artist. With captivating warm paintings, In Her Hands is a compelling picture book biography of the unique Harlem Renaissance sculptor. ~ African – Elementary School, Middle School
Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song
by Gary Golio
Jazz and blues performer Billie Holiday’s life changed forever with “Strange Fruit”, a song about injustice and lynching. In the 1930s, the young black woman raised in poverty and Abel Meeropol, the son of Jewish immigrants, combined their talents to create the song that challenged racism and paved the way for the Civil Rights movement. With dynamic illustrations, Strange Fruit is a powerful book, excellent for classroom use. ~ African – Elementary School, Middle School
Zora!: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
by Dennis Brindell Fradin
“Even as a little girl, Zora Neale Hurston was confident, charismatic, and determined to be extraordinary.” Zora! is a compelling portrait of the brilliant African American writer who lived and worked alongside other influential authors, such as Langston Hughes and Alain Locke, during the Harlem Renaissance. Supported by archival photographs and reproductions, this well-researched biography tells of Zora’s life in a straightforward way. ~ African – Middle School
Maya Lin: Thinking with Her Hands
by Susan Goldman Rubin
Another fascinating book about the artist-architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, this one for older readers. With well-researched text and lots of beautiful photos, Maya Lin is an accessible biography that tells the story of the architect, from her struggle to stick with her vision of the memorial to the wide variety of works she has created since then. ~ Asian – Middle School, High School
A Girl Named Faithful Plum
by Richard Bernstein
In 1977, 11-year-old Zhongmei travelled for several days to attend the open auditions of the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy. Against all odds, the poor country girl beat out 60,000 other girls, became a famous dancer, and made her New York debut with her own dance company when she was in just her late 20s. Written by Zhongmei’s husband, A Girl Named Faithful Plum is a fascinating account of one girl’s journey from the remote farmlands of China to the world’s stages. ~ Asian – High School
Stone Mirrors: The Sculpture and Silence of Edmonia Lewis
by Jeannine Atkins
Few facts are known about sculptor Edmonia Lewis: She was the daughter of an Ojibwe woman and an African-Haitian man. She had the rare opportunity to study art at Oberlin, one of the first schools to admit women and people of colour, but lost her place after being accused of poisoning and theft, despite being acquitted of both. She moved to Boston and eventually to Italy, where she became a successful sculptor. Stone Mirrors is a haunting biographical novel in verse that is based on these facts as well as the author’s imagination of what might have been. ~ Diverse – High School
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More Multicultural Children’s Books About Amazing Women:
30 Diverse Children’s Anthologies About Trailblazing Women
32 Multicultural Picture Books About Strong Female Role Models
26 Multicultural Picture Books about Inspiring Women & Girls
