NEW Multicultural Children's & YA Books October 2022

Here is our selection of new multicultural children’s & YA books for October 2022! Some real gems on this list!

Our favourites this month are Me & The Family Tree (Babies & Toddlers), Namaste Is A Greeting (Preschool), Am I Made Of Stardust? (Elementary School), Undercover Latina (Middle School), and A Scatter of Light (High School).

NEW Multicultural Children’s & YA Books October 2022

Babies & Toddlers

We Are Friends
by Sue Downing

Watch as baby plays with everything they can find at home, and see the twinkle in their eyes as the first bonds in the playroom are made! Introducing babies to the idea of friendship, adorably illustrated We Are Friends is the perfect book about the friends that are all around us. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Leo, Sleep Tight! (Leo Can!)
by Anna McQuinn

Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Mommy and Leo Loves Daddy, is back in a new bedtime story that helps him to relax using all five senses! Perfect for establishing nighttime routines, Leo, Sleep Tight is sure to delight. Leo had a long day, and it is time to get ready for bed. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Me and The Family Tree
by Carole Boston Weatherford

“I’ve got my brother’s ears / And my sister’s big bright eyes. / I’ve got my grandpa’s hands / Though mine are a smaller size.” As a young girl reflects on the characteristics she shares with her family, she also notices and appreciates what makes her unique. Me And The Family Tree is an adorably sweet book reminds children of the love and security of family and celebrates the wonderful diversity among the people that make up our families and who love us so much! ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Preschool

Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun!
by Valerie Bolling

“Pedal, pump. / Speed bump! / Ride, roll, run. / Friends and fun!” Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun! is a joyful, rhyming picture book that celebrates community and friendship, following children as they play their way through their vibrant neighbourhood. Paired with stunning illustrations, this book makes for an exciting read-aloud. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day
by Erica Kim

Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Korean-American author-illustrator Erica Kim shares her pride in her delicious cultural food through her cut paper art technique. The Hanji paper that is used to illustrate the book comes from a paper mulberry tree native to Korea. Whether round and crunchy like a kimchi pancake or pinched and plump like a kimchi dumpling, Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day shows the many ways to enjoy this Korean traditional dish, and will inspire children to take pride in their cultural foods, too. ~ Asian – Preschool

Twelve Dinging Doorbells
by Tameka Fryer Brown

Every holiday, family and neighbours come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact. The task becomes trickier as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there’s no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise. Twelve Dinging Doorbells is exuberant holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy. ~ African – Preschool

Hanukkah, Here I Come!
by D. J. Steinberg

The candles are lit and the latkes are frying – Hanukkah is here! Welcome in the holiday with poems – and a sheet of stickers! – that highlight the family fun, dizzying dreidels, and mighty Maccabee stories that Hanukkah is sure to bring. Hanukkah. Here I Come is a collection of funny and festive poems from the author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!~ Diverse – Preschool

Brown Is Beautiful: A Poem of Self-Love
by Supriya Kelkar

On a hike with her grandparents, a young Indian-American girl makes note of all the things in nature that are brown, too. From a nurturing mother bear, to the steadiness of deep twisting roots, to the beauty of a wild mustang, brown is everywhere! On her way, the girl collects the beautiful brown things she encounters as mementos for a scrapbook to share with a very special new addition to her family–a baby brother! For fans of Hair Twins and Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, Brown Is Beautiful is an empowering picture book about recognizing the beauty around you and within you. ~ Asian – Preschool

Alphabedtime
by Susanna Leonard Hill

It’s a busy night for the Alphabet Family—after all, there are 26 kiddos to get ready for bed. A, B, and C declare they are not ready, and Impish I and Jazzy J don’t want to settle down, but by toothbrushing-time the crew seems to be headed in the right direction. Bath time requires six bathtubs and is super-splashy—and getting into jammies is no joke—but finally, after a story has been read and they are all tucked in tight, peace should reign. With a cast of adorable alphabet characters Alphabedtime is a clever bedtime story that kids will love! ~ African – Preschool

Namaste Is a Greeting
by Suma Subramaniam

What is namaste? It’s found in a smile, a friendship, a celebration. It exists in silence; it can be said when you’re happy or when you’re feeling low. For one small girl in a bustling city, namaste (“I bow to you”) is all around her as she and her mother navigate a busy marketplace—and when she returns with a little plant and chooses to give it to an elderly neighbor, it can be seen in the caring bond between them. With sweet, universal text and delightful illustrations, Namaste Is A Greeting shines a light on a word with significance far beyond yoga class. ~ Asian & Preschool

Mama’s Home
by Shay Youngblood

Home can be a blue house with white trim you share with your mama. But it can be bigger than that, with lots of Big Mamas to take care of you when your mom works—different houses for every day of the week. Mondays mean Nurse Louella and bike riding. Tuesdays mean eating fufu with your fingers with Miss Zikora. And Wednesdays . . . well, no matter where you are, as long as you are with your Big Mamas, you are home. Mama’s Home is a powerful love letter to chosen families and the villages that raise us. ~ African – Preschool

Elementary School

The Talk
by Alicia D. Williams

Jay’s most favourite things are hanging out with his pals, getting kisses from Grandma, riding in his dad’s cool car, and getting measured by his mom with pencil marks on the wall. But as those height marks inch upward, Grandpa warns Jay about being in too big a group with his friends, Grandma worries others won’t see him as quite so cute now that he’s older, and Dad has to tell Jay how to act if the police ever pull them over. The Talk is a gently honest and sensitive starting point for this far-too-necessary conversation, for Black children, Brown children, and for ALL children. Because you can’t make change without knowing what needs changing. ~ African – Elementary School

Indigo Dreaming
by Dinah Johnson

A young girl living on the coast of South Carolina dreams of her distant relatives on the shores of Africa and beyond. Indigo Dreaming is a poetic meditation between two young girls—on different sides of the sea—who wonder about how they are intricately linked by culture, even though they are separated by location. The girls’ reflections come together, creating an imaginative and illuminating vision of home, as well as a celebration of the Black diaspora. ~ African – Elementary School

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

As affirming as it is touching and warm, this picture book encourages young children to hold close their joy, the words of their ancestors and elders, as well as their power to change the world. From the celebrated author of Your Name Is a Song, gorgeously illustrated Hold Them Close is a a joyful love letter to Black children that will inspire young people to march forth with pride, glow, and happiness. ~ African – Elementary School

The Unbreakable Thread
by Emily Joof

The thread between a mother and child starts to unwind when the child begins to walk, talk, and run. It stretches a little more on the first day of school. It swirls and unfurls the further the child gets from Mom’s reach. One thing is constant ― that thread always remains. Inspired by the Gambian tradition of leaving a thread with the child when a parent travels, The Unbreakable Thread is a bittersweet celebration of the everlasting bond between a mother and child through the changing phases of their lives. ~ African – Elementary School

Still Dreaming / Seguimos Soñando
by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez

Faced with the prospect of being separated from each other, a young boy and his family make the difficult decision to leave their home and begin a journey filled with uncertainty. On the road, they meet other people like them. Families with deep roots tied to the land. Others that helped build the railroads. Some were shop owners and factory workers. Each with similar hopes and dreams. Between 1930 and 1940, an estimated two million people living in the United States were forcibly removed and sent to live in Mexico. Told from a child’s perspective, Still Dreaming shines a light on this often-overlooked period of United States history–Mexican Repatriation. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Black Gold
by Laura Obuobi

When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth–rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the Universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of Black Gold. With lyrical text and lustrous illustrations, Black Gold is a joyous celebration of Black children and a reminder of the Universe’s unconditional love. ~ African – Elementary School

Space Blasters: Suzie Saves the Universe
by Katie & Kevin Tsang

Suzie Wen loves gadgets and inventing things – but her inventions don’t always turn out how she expects . . . When she invents the Super 3DTV Gizmo she ends up getting transported into her favourite TV show – Space Blasters! On board the space ship with Captain Jane, Spaceman Jack and alien with attitude Five-Eyed Frank, Suzie is soon exploring new planets – like the smelly Planet Cheddar – and meeting plenty of aliens. But when moons start disappearing, it’s up to Suzie to save the universe. Can she put her inventing skills to use? And will she ever get home? Highly illustrated Space Blasters is a hilarious new adventure series that includes real space facts and pages from Suzie’s inventors’ notebook. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Am I Made of Stardust?: Dr Maggie Answers the Big Questions for Young Scientists
by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock

How long would it take me to fly to a star? What would happen if I fell inside a black hole? Would I get a phone signal in space? From whether there are rainbows on other planets to what dinner tastes like on the International Space Station, this book is packed full of fabulous facts, mind-blowing insights and engaging explanations from the renowned space scientist. Written in Dr Maggie‘s fun, accessible style, and featuring out-of-this-world illustrations throughout, Am I Made of Stardust? is guaranteed to bring the wonders of space and science to life for young readers. ~ African – Elementary School

Alcatoe and the Turnip Child
by Isaac Lenkiewicz

Alcatoe the town witch and the local children of Plum Woods are up to some witchy business…like casting spells and growing a prize-winning turnip. When their grouchy neighbour Mr. Pokeweed chases them out of his garden, the kids ask Alacatoe for help to win the Annual Harvest Festival Vegetable Pageant. From cursed fruit salad to potions filled with the sneeze of a donkey and the tail hair of a copy cat, Alcatoe knows all the right ingredients to make the magic happen. But when their prize-winning vegetable comes alive, it soon becomes a friend, in danger of being prepared for the feast. Will they save Turnip Child in time? Alcatoe and the Turnip Child is a wild and fun book that young readers will love. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers
by Rebel Girls

100 Inspiring Young Changemakers, the newest addition to the best-selling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls collection, shines a spotlight on extraordinary young women making their mark on the world today. Readers of all ages will be inspired by the fascinating stories of well-known women, such as Zendaya, and the Linda Lindas, as well as up-and-coming powerhouses like inventor Vinisha Umashankar, stuntwoman Sadiqua Bynum, poet Alexandra Huynh, and environmental activist Helena Gualinga. The diverse girls and women in the book all share a common goal: making the world a better place. Each story is told in the whimsical fairy tale style that has made this series a success and is paired with a bold, full-page portrait created by young female and nonbinary artists from around the world. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Ways to Share Joy
by Renée Watson

Ryan Hart is caught in the middle. She has an older brother and a new baby sister, and she’s in a friendship tug-of-war with two friends who both want to be her best best friend. How can Ryan think about being kind to a classmate who is relentless with his teasing? Or be her signature sunny self when her brother, Ray, pulls the ultimate prank? But even when it seems like nothing is going her way, Ryan still looks for a way to see the bright side of things, refusing to let anything steal her joy, and finding ways to share it with everyone she meets. Ways To Share Joy is the third book in a charming young middle grade series starring Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit and sunshine. ~ African – Elementary School

More in the series: Ways to Make Sunshine // Ways to Grow Love

Middle School

Children of Stardust
by Edudzi Adodo

Zero Adedji dreams of joining one of the Saba guilds―groups of intergalactic travelers who explore space, retrieve lost treasures, and hunt down criminals. Instead, he must scrape by as a guide to travelers stranded on his home planet of Anansi 12. Then he meets Wanderblatch, a strange creature with an even stranger object: a golden pyramid that houses a legendary Kobasticker called the Jupiter. When the Jupiter chooses Zero as its next host, he is recruited by a top Saba guild so he can harness his newfound powers. But the stakes are rising, and Zero and his friends Camih and Ladi are tasked with recovering an artifact known as the Mask of the Shaman King, which can grant wishes at a terrible price. And they’re not the only ones on the hunt―Space Mafia head Rozan Leombre is desperate to use the Mask to break his family’s curse. The trio must use their wits, courage, and friendship to achieve their quest and protect the galaxy. Action-packed, wildly imaginative, and laugh-out-loud funny, Children of Stardust rockets through space on an epic quest to protect the galaxy. ~ African – Middle School

Undercover Latina (The Factory)
by Aya de Leon

14-year-old Andréa Hernández-Baldoquín hails from a family of spies working for the Factory, an international organization dedicated to protecting people of color. For her first solo mission, Andréa straightens her hair and goes undercover as Andrea Burke, a white girl, to befriend the estranged son of a dangerous white supremacist. In addition to her Factory training, the assignment calls for a deep dive into the son’s interests—comic books and gaming—all while taking care not to speak Spanish and blow her family’s cover. But it’s hard to hide who you really are, especially when you develop a crush on your target’s Latino best friend. Can Andréa keep her head, her geek cred, and her code-switching on track to trap a terrorist? Undercover Latina is a smart, entertaining, and politically astute upper-middle-grade novel. ~ Hispanic – Middle School

The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism
by Tiffany Jewell

What is racism? What is antiracism? Why are both important to learn about? The Antiracist Kid explains systemic racism and gives the antiracist tools to fight it to young readers. This must-have guide explains what identity is and how it applies to you, what justice is, what racism has to do with it, and how to address injustice. It teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice–and what to do when they encounter it at home, at school, and in the media they watch, play, and read. ~ Diverse – Middle School

Frizzy
by Claribel Ortega

Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and “growing up.” That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have “presentable”, “good hair”. But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn’t understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby―she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair. Frizzy is an empowering middle grade graphic novel about embracing who you are. ~ African – Middle School

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel
by Lauren Tarshis

Barry’s family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans. But when his little sister gets terribly sick, they’re forced to stay home and wait out the storm. At first, Katrina doesn’t seem to be as bad as predicted. But overnight the levees break, and Barry’s world is literally torn apart. He’s swept off by the floodwaters, away from his family. Can he survive the storm of the century ― alone? The story of a boy, a dog, and the storm of the century is brought vividly to life in this graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis’s bestselling I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005. Includes facts and photos about the real-life event. ~ African – Middle School

Holler of the Fireflies
by David Barclay Moore

Javari knew that West Virginia would be different from his home in Bushwick, Brooklyn. But his first day at STEM Camp in a little Appalachian town is still a shock. Though run-ins with the police are just the same here. Not good. Javari will learn a lot about science, tech, engineering, and math at camp. And also about rich people, racism, and hidden agendas. But it’s Cricket, a local boy, budding activist, and occasional thief, who will show him a different side of the holler—and blow his mind wide open. Holler of the Fireflies is a brilliant new novel from the award-winning author of The Stars Beneath Our Feet. ~ African – Middle School

Garvey in the Dark
by Nikki Grimes

Garvey’s finally happy—he’s feeling close to his father through their shared love of music, bullies are no longer tormenting him, and his best friends Manny and Joe are by his side. But when the schools, stores, and restaurants close because people are getting sick, Garvey’s improved life goes into lockdown as well. And when Garvey’s father gets sick, Garvey must find a way to use his newfound musical skills to bring hope to both his father and himself. Capturing the shock and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of Grimes’ beloved character, Garvey In The Dark is a powerful novel-in-verse that shows readers how even small acts have large reverberations, how every person can make a difference in this world, and how—even in the most difficult times—there are ways to reach for hope and healing. ~ African – Middle School

More in the series: Garvey’s Choice // Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel

The Door of No Return
by Kwame Alexander

Young Kofi lives and dreams on the banks of the river Offin. He loves these things above all else: his family, the fireside tales of his father’s father, a girl named Ama, and, of course, swimming. It is in the river that he feels invincible and where he thinks he can finally prove himself in a race against his schoolyard rival. But the river also holds dark secrets that Kofi will soon discover. Told never to venture there after nightfall but never told why, Kofi seeks his own answers. One night is all it takes to transform a life. As his world turns upside down, Kofi ends up on a harrowing journey that steals him away from everything he loves. The Door of No Return is an epic and unforgettable tale of adventure, family, betrayal and bravery. ~ African – Middle School

High School

Foul Lady Fortune
by Chloe Gong

Since Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, she cannot die. Now she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country. But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits. Although Rosalind finds his playboy demeanor infuriating, she must pose as the wife of Orion Hong, another Nationalist spy. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined. Foul Lady Fortune is the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies. ~ Asian – High School

Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice
by T. Smith, D. Barnes & D. Anyabwile

On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. Both men were forced to leave the Olympics, received death threats, and faced ostracism and economic hardships. In Victory. Stand! Tommie Smith looks back on his childhood growing up in rural Texas through to his stellar athletic career, culminating in his historic victory and Olympic podium protest. This book is a stirring portrait of an iconic moment in Olympic history that still resonates today. ~ African – High School

Creep: A Love Story
by Lygia Day Peñaflor

Laney Villanueva and Nico Fiore are the perfect couple: beautiful, popular, talented, and hopelessly in love. Everyone looks up to them at Holy Family High School. But Rafi doesn’t just admire them. She watches them. She’s drawn to them. Intent on becoming their closest friend, Rafi weaves her way into their lives. She starts small: taking photos of the senior class for the yearbook, joining Laney’s club, and babysitting Nico’s little sister. And it works—soon they invite her to parties, take her on joyrides, and ask her for favors. Rafi’s actions quickly turn invasive, delving deeper and deeper until she’s consumed by their most intimate secrets. When tragedy strikes the young lovers, Rafi’s obsession spirals, and she will do anything to keep the perfect couple together. Anything . . . Creep: A Love Story is a twisted, tragic love story that follows Holy Family High School’s cutest couple—as told through the eyes of the classmate who’s stalking them. ~ Hispanic – High School

Well, That Was Unexpected
by Jesse Q. Sutanto

After Sharlot Citra’s mother catches her in a compromising position, she finds herself whisked away from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia. When George Clooney Tanuwijaya’s father (who is obsessed with American celebrities) fears he no longer understands how to get through to his son, he decides to take matters into his own hands. To ensure that their children find the right kind of romantic partner, Sharlot’s mother and George’s father strike up a conversation online, pretending to be their children. When the kids find out, they’re horrified. Not even a trip to one of the most romantic places on earth could possibly make Sharlot and George fall for each other. But as the layers peel back, the truth becomes more complicated. As unlikely as it may seem, did their parents manage to find their true match after all? Well, That Was Unexpected is a laugh-out-loud rom-com from the bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties and The Obsession. ~ Asian – High School

A Scatter of Light
by Malinda Lo

After a graduation party gone wrong, Aria Tang West’s parents exile her to California to stay with her grandmother, artist Joan West. Aria expects boredom, but what she finds is Steph Nichols, her grandmother’s gardener. Soon, Aria is second-guessing who she is and what she wants to be, and a summer that once seemed lost becomes unforgettable—for Aria, her family, and the working-class queer community Steph introduces her to. A Scatter of Light is a masterful queer coming-of-age story, set against the backdrop of the first major Supreme Court decisions legalizing gay marriage. And almost sixty years after the end of Last Night at the Telegraph Club, it also offers a glimpse into Lily and Kath’s lives since 1955. ~ Asian – High School

The First to Die at the End
by Adam Silvera

Can Death-Cast actually predict when someone will die, or is it just an elaborate hoax? Orion Pagan has waited years for someone to tell him that he’s going to die. He has a serious heart condition, and he signed up for Death-Cast so he could know what’s coming. Valentino Prince is restarting his life in New York. He has a long and promising future ahead and he only registered for Death-Cast after his twin sister nearly died in a car accident. Orion and Valentino cross paths in Times Square and immediately feel a deep connection. But when the first round of End Day calls goes out, their lives are changed forever—one of them receives a call, and the other doesn’t. Though neither boy is certain how the day will end, they know they want to spend it together…even if that means their goodbye will be heartbreaking. Prequel to bestselling They Both Die at the End, The First To Die At The End is a bittersweet story that celebrates living life to the fullest. ~ Diverse – High School