The 100 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2021

Time to kick off our Best of round-up for 2021! Normally we feature the 50 best multicultural picture books, but this year there were so many beautiful new releases that we ended up listing the 100 best multicultural picture books of 2021! These gorgeous books cover a wide range of subjects, styles, and ethnicities, so there is something for everyone. Enjoy browsing!

The 100 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2021

Babies & Toddlers

Count to LOVE!
by Andrea Pinkney

“Count to love on fingers and toes. 1-2-3-4, touch your nose!” Snuggle up with your little one to celebrate sweet baby love! You won’t be able to resist this adorable board book full of cutie charms, belly kisses, and magic wishes. With bouncing, rhythmic text and warm illustrations, Count to Love is a joyful celebration of roly-poly, perfectly huggable, oh-so lovable little ones that is just-right for the whole family. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Global Baby Playtime (Global Babies)
by Global Fund for Children

Babies all over the globe clap, point, wave, and touch. They play with balls, rattles, and blocks–and with other babies. No matter how they play, they’re learning about the world around them. Featuring adorable babies from all around the world, Global Baby Playtime is the perfect baby-shower gift or first bedtime read. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Sumo Counting (Little Sumo)
by Sanae Ishida

Take a peek into the lives of sumo wrestlers in this adorable counting book! With simple text and charming illustrations, Sumo Counting lets young readers practice numbers from one to ten, fifty, and one hundred, while they learn how sumo wrestlers do chores, practice, sleep, bathe, and eat together. Each page features a Japanese word related to sumo culture, as well as the number in English and Japanese. ~ Asian – Babies & Toddlers

More in the series: Sumo Opposites (Little Sumo)

We All Play
by Julie Flett

Animals and kids love to play! We All Play celebrates playtime and the connection between children and the natural world. The gorgeous illustrations show birds who chase and chirp, bears who wiggle and wobble, whales who swim and squirt, owls who peek and peep, and a diverse group of kids who love to do the same. At the end of the book, animals and children gently fall asleep after a fun day of playing outside, making this book a great bedtime story. Includes a glossary of Cree words. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Families Can
by Dan Saks

“A family can be / Any kind of number / Maybe there’s one parent / Strong like thunder.” Families Can is a charmingly heartfelt board book is for families: families who cook together and families who sing together, families with lots of members and families with a special few, families who live together and families who live separately–for all families. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Available for pre-order: Families Grow

You Are Home
by Mackenzie Porter

“So if you ride to the corner, to the mountains, the sea, / there’s not a place in this world that I won’t be. / Wherever you travel and wherever you roam, / just know, my sweet child, you will always be home.” Home begins as a parent’s arms, and as the child in this story grows up, home then has grass, and sky, and a street that doesn’t end. Beautifully illustrated You Are Home reassures children that wherever they go, they carry the love of a parent. ~ Asian – Babies & Toddlers

Baby, Sleepy Baby
by Atinuke

“Baby, sleepy baby, I’ll sing down the stars / till they dance right into your room.” It’s bedtime, and the whole family takes turns to cuddle and sing the sleepy baby to bed. One by one the baby’s sister, grandmother, father, and mother call on the winds, the clouds, the stars, and the moon to sail and rock and delight their little one until dreams take over. With soothing language and deep, moonlit colours, Baby, Sleep Baby celebrates tender family moments. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Related: 11 Multicultural Lullabies

Baby Young, Gifted, and Black: With a Mirror!
by Jamia Wilson

“There are so many things I am and can be… There’s a whole world waiting for me.” In the spirit of Nina Simone’s famous song, Young Gifted Black introduces Black icons from past and present — from leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, to cultural trailblazers like Zadie Smith and athletes like Serena Williams. The lyrical text and colourful illustrations are sure to keep babies and toddlers engaged. Includes mirror. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

My First Behaviour and Manners Book Set
by Sophie Beer

This gorgeous illustrated series introduces the littlest readers to the concepts of some of the most important social-emotional qualities: love, appreciating diversity, being kind and being the change you want to see in the world. Love Makes a Family: Whether you have two mums, two dads, one parent, or one of each, there’s one thing that makes a family a family… and that’s love. Change Starts With Us: From saving water to ditching the car, there are many small changes we can make to help save our beautiful planet. Kindness Makes Us Strong: Whether we share a toy or rescue an animal, all acts of kindness – big or small – make our community stronger! ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Preschool

I Dream of Popo
by Livia Blackburne

“I dream with Popo as she rocks me in her arms. / I wave at Popo before I board my flight. / I talk to Popo from across the sea. / I tell Popo about my adventures.” When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. I Dream of Popo is an emotionally rich picture book that celebrates a special connection that crosses time zones and oceans as Popo and her granddaughter hold each other in their hearts forever. ~ Asian – Preschool

Being You: A First Conversation About Gender
by M. Madison & J. Ralli

Research shows that talking about issues like race, gender, consent and body positivity from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness and self-esteem. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, the First Conversations board book series offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp. Being You begins the conversation on gender. Backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Also available: Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent

El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!
by Donna Barba Higuera

Ramón is a little boy who can’t sleep. He is nervous for his first day at a new school. And El Cucuy is the monster who lives in Ramón’s cactus pot. He can’t sleep, either. It turns out that he is scared, too! Rooted in Mexican folklore, El Cucuy is scared, Too! is a gentle story that explores the worries that can accompany moving to a new place and beginning a new journey—and reveals how comfort and strength can be found through even the most unlikely friendships. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Most Days
by M. Leannah & M.E Baratta

“Good things happen in the ordinary minutes of an ordinary day.” Most Days is a book about mindfulness. About relishing the magic of the here and now. About enjoying the extraordinary unfoldings of an ordinary day. Moving from morning to night, the narrator becomes, by turns, boy or girl, of ever-changing ethnicity and ability, inhabiting city, country, or suburb. They are all children everywhere, opening themselves to the gift of time. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Also available: Most People

Words to Make a Friend: A Story in Japanese and English
by Donna Jo Napoli

When a young Japanese girl moves into her new house, she is happy to see a girl her age playing in the snow just outside her window. The only problem is the Japanese girl doesn’t speak English and the American girl doesn’t speak Japanese. How will these two girls have any fun at all? Words To Make A Friend is a sweet bilingual picture book that shows that you don’t need to speak the same language to befriend each other. ~ Asian – Preschool

Between the Lines
by Lindsay Ward

A young boy who loves his community notices that as neighbours stop interacting, the colours around them slowly fade. Then a thunderstorm sweeps away the last hints of bluebird skies and lemon-Popsicle days and leaves a rift in the road that doesn’t get fixed. As the adults around him move on, the boy dreams of the way life once was. He decides that he doesn’t want to live in a world without colour, so he sets out to change things… With vibrant art that shifts to a colourless world and back again, Between the Lines is a story of a community lost and rediscovered—and how one child can make a difference. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Santa in the City
by Tiffany D. Jackson

Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her. After all, as a city kid, she doesn’t have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer! But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city. With bold illustrations that capture the joy of the holidays, Santa In The City is a sweet ode to the magic of Christmas. ~ African – Preschool

Bodies Are Cool
by Tyler Feder

“My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL!” From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party comes this exuberant celebration of all the different human bodies that exist in the world. Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types, Bodies Are Cool is a truly inclusive book that helps instill body acceptance and confidence in young children. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Big Feelings
by A. Penfold & S. Kaufman

In their bestselling picture book All Are Welcome, the authors celebrate kindness, inclusivity, and diversity. Now with Big Feelings, they help children navigate the emotional challenges they face in their daily lives. What should we do when things don’t go to plan? We may feel mad, frustrated, or overwhelmed, but by talking it through, compromising, and seeing another point of view, we can start fresh, begin anew. ~ Diverse – Preschool

In My Mosque
by M. O. Yuksel

No matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone is welcome here. From grandmothers reading lines of the Qur’an and the imam telling stories of living as one, to meeting new friends and learning to help others, mosques are centers for friendship, community, and love. In My Mosque celebrates the joys and traditions found in every mosque around the world Includes author’s note, glossary, and information about significant mosques around the world. ~ Asian – Preschool

I Am a Bird
by Hope Lim

Every day, as a little girl rides to school on the back of her father’s bike, she spreads her arms like wings and sings her birdsong for all to hear. But when they pass a strange woman in blue who carries a mysterious bag, the girl goes quiet until the woman is out of sight. One day, when they’re running late, the little girl discovers what the woman does with her bag each morning—a surprise that transforms her wariness into a feeling of kinship. With simple text and expressive illustrations, I Am A Bird is a touching book that encourages readers to embrace our similarities rather than focus on our differences. ~ Asian – Preschool

Everybody in the Red Brick Building
by Anne Wynter

Everybody in the red brick building was asleep. Until . . . WaaaAAH! Rraak! Pitter patter STOMP! Pssheew! A chain reaction of noises wakes up several children (and a cat) living in an apartment building. But it’s late in the night, so despite the disturbances, one by one, the building’s inhabitants return to their beds—this time with a new set of sounds to lull them to sleep. Everybody in the Red Brick Building is a fresh, urban take on bedtime stories, brought to life by Mora’s stunning illustrations. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Related: 11 Multicultural Lullabies

Pride Puppy!
by Robin Stevenson

A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Day―meeting up with Grandma, making new friends and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family. Pride Puppy! is a rhyming alphabet book that offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Liberty’s Civil Rights Road Trip
by Michael M. Waters

Time to board the bus! Liberty and her friend Abdullah, with their families and a diverse group of passengers, head off to their first stop: Jackson, Mississippi. Next on their map are Glendora, Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery, and finally Selma, for a march across the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge. Told through the innocent view of a child, Liberty’s Civil Rights Road Trip serves as an early introduction to places, people, and events that transformed history. ~ African – Preschool

Sweet People Are Everywhere
by Alice Walker

They are all over the globe. Sweet people can be found from Canada to Congo to Cuba, from Afghanistan to Australia, from Ireland to Iraq…there are sweet people in the thirty-seven places listed in these pages and almost everywhere else on the planet. Take a trip and meet some of them! Featuring a poem by internationally renowned writer and activist Alice Walker, Sweet People Are Everywhere is a powerful celebration of humanity. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
by Amanda Gorman

“I can hear change humming / In its loudest, proudest song. / I don’t fear change coming, / And so I sing along.” In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey that shows them that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. With lyrical text and dynamic illustrations, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference. ~ Diverse – Preschool

A Song of Frutas
by Margarita Engle

“When we visit mi abuelo, I help him sell frutas, singing the names of each fruit as we walk, our footsteps like drumbeats, our hands like maracas, shaking…” From Pura Belpré Award–winning author Margarita Engle comes A Song of Frutas, a lively, rhythmic picture book about a little girl visiting her grandfather who is a pregonero—a singing street vendor in Cuba—and helping him sell his frutas. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Beautifully Me
by Nabela Noor

When Bangladeshi girl Zubi sees her mother frowning in the mirror and talking about being “too big,” she starts to worry about her own body and how she looks. As her day goes on, she hears more and more people being critical of each other’s and their own bodies, until her outburst over dinner leads her family to see what they’ve been doing wrong. Beautifully Me is a much-needed picture book about loving yourself as you are. ~ Asian – Preschool

Zonia’s Rain Forest
by Juana Martinez-Neal

Zonia lives in the Peruvian Amazon rain forest, where it is always green and full of life. Every morning, the rain forest calls to her, and every morning, she answers. Zonia visits the sloth family, greets the giant anteater, and runs with the speedy jaguar. But one morning, the rain forest calls to her in a troubled voice… Zonia’s Rain Forest is an engaging story of a young girl’s bond with her home, brought to life by expressive illustrations. Includes a translation of the story in Asháninka, information on the Asháninka community and on the Amazon rain forest and its wildlife. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Jazz for Lunch!
by Jarrett Draper

Auntie Nina and her nephew are cooking up a symphony of food and sounds. The lip-smacking smells and be-bopping tunes might just get the whole neighbourhood shimmying over to join in. From Nat King Cole Slaw to Art Tatum Tots to Billie Hollandaise Sauce, Jazz For Lunch is a finger-licking good celebration of music, food, and family. ~ African – Preschool

Looking for a Jumbie
by Tracey Baptiste

“I’m looking for a jumbie, I’m going to find a scary one.” But Mama says jumbies exist only in stories. So Naya sets out on a nighttime adventure to find out for herself. “No such thing”, say the friends she makes along the way. But Naya is sure that jumbies are real. Some have big mouths. Or thick fur. Or glowing skin. Or sharp teeth. Kind of like her new friends.… Looking for a Jumbie is a bouncy and creepily fun read-aloud inspired by traditional Caribbean tales. ~ African – Preschool

Making a Baby
by Rachel Greener

“To make a baby you need one egg, one sperm, and one womb. But every family starts in its own special way.” With gorgeous, inclusive illustrations, Making A Baby answers the “Where did I come from?” question no matter who the reader is and how their life began. From all different kinds of conception through pregnancy to the birth itself, this candid and cozy guide is just right for first conversations about how babies are made. ~ Diverse – Preschool

G My Name Is Girl
by Dawn Masi

“A, my name is ALBA and my sister’s name is AYELÉN. We come from ARGENTINA and we are ADVENTUROUS.” G My Name Is Girl Girls beautifully and thoughtfully represents girls from 26 different countries—Argentina to Zambia— in this A to Z tribute to global girlhood. Children will enjoy reading about each girl’s name, empowering character trait, and country, while learning how we are all connected. Includes map. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Aaron Slater, Illustrator (The Questioneers)
by Andea Beaty

Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. Aaron is sure his dream of being a storyteller is out of reach . . . until inspiration strikes, and he finds a way to spin a tale in a way that is uniquely his. Part of the popular Questioneers Picture Book Series, Aaron Slater, Illustrator tells the empowering story of a boy with dyslexia who discovers that his learning disability does not define who he is. ~ African – Preschool

Also available: The Questioneers Chapter Book Collection

Jump at the Sun
by Alicia D. Williams

Zora’s mama always told her “to jump at the sun”, because even though you might not land quite that high, at least you’d get off the ground. So Zora jumped from place to place, from the porch of the general store where she listened to folktales, to Howard University, to Harlem. And everywhere she jumped, she shined sunlight on the tales most people hadn’t been bothered to listen to until Zora wrote them down. Jump At The Sun is an inspiring picture book about extraordinary writer Zora Neale Hurston who changed the face of American literature. ~ African – Preschool

Carla and the Christmas Cornbread
by Carla Hall

Carla loves spending Christmas at her grandparents’ house, where she helps grandma bake cornbread and listens to her grandpa’s marvelous travel stories. But when she accidentally takes a bite out of Santa’s sugar cookie, she thinks she’s ruined Christmas. How will Santa know to stop at their house if they don’t leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother’s help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas? Inspired by superstar chef Carla Hall’s childhood, Carla and the Christmas Cornbread is a heartwarming tale about Christmas, family, and making things right. ~ African – Preschool

Carpenter’s Helper
by Sybil Rosen

Renata and Papi are hard at work at renovating their bathroom. One morning, she finds a nest on the corner shelf, and inside it are four rosy eggs! Weeks pass, and Renata watches as the wrens come and go, building a home in her bathroom… until, one day, with a little help from Renata, the birds are ready to fly. Carpenter’s Helper is a warm, wonderful picture book that gently reminds us of the importance of respecting our natural world and highlights the joys and rewards of helping others. ~ African – Preschool

The Tree in Me
by Corinna Luyken

“The tree in me is strong. It bends in the wind, and has roots that go deep . . . to where other roots reach up toward their own trunk-branch-crown and sky.” Through poetic text and stunning illustrations of children reveling in nature, The Tree In Me explores the various ways we as human beings are strong, creative, and connected to others. Each of us is like a tree, with roots and fruit, and an enduring link to everything else in nature. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Stay This Way Forever
by Linsey Davis

From the bestselling author of The World Is Awake and One Big Heart, comes another beautiful picture book that parents and grandparents can share with their little ones to let them know how special they are. With charming illustrations and playful read-aloud rhymes, Stay This Way Forever celebrates the joy, wonder, and innocence of being a child. ~ African – Preschool

Keeping the City Going
by Brian Floca

We are here at home now, watching the world through our windows. Outside we see the city we know, but not as we’ve seen it before. The once hustling and bustling streets are empty. Well, almost empty. Around the city there are still people, some, out and about. These are the people keeping us safe. Keeping us healthy. Keeping our mail and our food delivered. Keeping our grocery stores stocked. Tenderly illustrated Keeping The City Going is a stirring homage to all the essential workers who keep their cities going during the COVID-19 pandemic. ~ Diverse – Preschool

An ABC of Equality
by Chana G. Ewing

A is for Accessibility, B is for Belief, C is for Class. Bestselling An ABC of Equality introduces complicated concepts surrounding social justice to the youngest of children. Each right-hand page includes a brightly decorated letter with the word it stands for and an encouraging slogan. On the left, a colourful illustration and bite-size text sum up the concept. Cheerful people from a range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities lead the way through the alphabet. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Remember to Dream, Ebere
by Cynthia Erivo

When Ebere’s mother puts her to bed at night, she always says, “Remember to dream, Ebere.” And dream, Ebere does! Encouraged by her mother to make her dreams as big as possible, Ebere imagines herself as the captain of a rocket ship with the ability to go anywhere in the universe. Written by a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner, Remember to Dream, Ebere is an inspiring ode to a child’s imagination, a parent’s love, and the big dreams shared by both. ~ African – Preschool

The Queen on Our Corner
by Lucy Christopher

Nobody notices the queen on the corner. Nobody, that is . . . except one young girl. Through her eyes, the woman who dwells in the abandoned plot is a warrior queen, with many battles fought and won. When, one day, danger comes to the street and the queen on the corner sounds the alarm, the little girl must find a way to thank her. Can she bring the community together to turn the queen’s corner into a home? The Queen on our Corner is a thought-provoking story that encourages children to sit up and take notice. ~ African – Preschool

Our Skin: First Conversations About Race
by M. Madison & J. Ralli

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, the new First Conversations series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. With stunning art and simple, interactive text, Our Skin begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Includes additional resources. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Available for pre-order: Being You: A First Conversation About Gender // Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent

Where’s Halmoni?
by Julie Kim

Beautifully illustrated in graphic-novel style, Where’s Halmoni? follows a young Korean girl and boy whose search for their missing grandmother leads them into a world inspired by Korean folklore, complete with mischievous goblins (dokkebi), a greedy tiger, a clever rabbit, and a wily fox. ~ Asian – Preschool

I’ll Meet You In Your Dreams
by Jessica Young

“Each evening when the sun has set, as nighttime casts a starry net, I’ll hitch a ride on moonbeams, and meet you in your dreams.” With poetic text and striking illustrations by award-winning artist Rafael López, I’ll Meet You In Your Dreams is a tender story that celebrates the ever-evolving relationship of a parent and child across time. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Related: Pura Belpré Award Winners 1996 – 2021

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers. She realizes that they are like her mother’s, her grandmother’s, and her little sister’s. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, the girl recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. Eyes That Kiss In The Corners is a powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. ~ Asian – Preschool

Grandad’s Camper
by Harry Woodgate

Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn’t felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again. Grandad’s Camper is a beautiful picture book that honours love and reminds us not only to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate them. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Where Wonder Grows
by Xelena González

Grandma knows that there is wondrous knowledge to be found everywhere you look. She takes her granddaughters to their special garden, and asks them to look over their collection of rocks, crystals, seashells, and meteorites to see what marvels they have to show. “They were here long before us and know so much more about our world than we ever will,” Grandma says. With dazzling illustrations and poetic text, Where Wonder Grows is the perfect book to encourage the children’s curiosity and cultivate an enthusiastic approach to learning. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Windows
by Patrick Guest

“Out the window, I can see / a new world looking back at me. / The streets are still, / there are no crowds … /but looking up, I see the clouds.” Told through the voices―and windows―of children from around the world, this story’s comforting message and bright illustrations bring hope into your home even as our world changes outside. Windows is a timely and heartfelt book about how we can all feel together even when we are far apart. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites
by D. Michiko Florence & J. Michalak

Niki faced many naysayers in her pursuit of haute cuisine. Using the structure of a traditional kaiseki meal, this picture book biography details Niki’s hunger for success in thirteen “bites” ― from wonton wrappers she used to make pizza as a kid to yuzu-tomatillo sauce in her own upscale Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka. Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites tells the story of the powerhouse Japanese-American chef’s rise to fame. ~ Asian – Preschool

The Lost Package
by Richard Ho

Like other packages, this one began as an empty box. It was packed with great care, sealed tight, and given a personal touch. Like other packages, it left the post office with hope. But unlike most packages, before it got to its destination… it got lost. The Lost Package is a heartwarming story of a package that gets lost and of a friendship that proves distance can’t always keep us apart. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Outside, Inside
by LeUyen Pham

Something strange happened on an unremarkable day just before the season changed. Everybody who was outside . . . went inside. Outside, it was quieter, wilder, and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried, and we grew. We remembered to protect the ones we love and love the ones who protect us. While the world changed outside, we became stronger on the inside and believed that someday soon spring would come again. Outside, Inside is a moving picture book celebrating essential workers and the community coming together to face the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. ~ Asian – Preschool

My Monster & Me
by Nadiya Hussain

A little boy’s worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It’s there when he gets dressed, when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries? Having struggled with anxiety for as long as she can remember, Nadiya Hussain (winner of The Great British Baking Show and star of Nadiya’s Time to Eat) has written this heartfelt story to ensure that no child suffers in silence. My Monster And Me gives children and parents the necessary tools to talk about worries and anxiety. ~ Asian – Preschool

Bindu’s Bindis
by Supriya Kelkar

When Nani comes to visit Bindu from India, she brings her bindis, just in time to wear something new to the school talent show. Bindu and Nani work together to shine their brightest and embrace their sparkle, even when they stand out from the crowd. A charming companion book to Kelkar’s The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh, Bindu’s Bindis features a little girl whose bindis connect her to family and help her find courage to compete in the school talent show. ~ Asian – Preschool

Hair Twins
by Raakhee Mirchandani

Every morning Papa combs through his daughter’s waves like he does his own—parting it down the middle, using coconut oil to get all the tangles out. Some days he braids her hair in two twists down the side of her face. Other days he weaves it into one long braid hanging down her back, just like a unicorn tail. But her favourite style is when he combs her hair in a tight bun on the top of her head, just like the joora he wears every day under his turban. They call this their hair twin look! Hair Twins is charming story about a Sikh father and daughter with a special hair bond. ~ Asian – Preschool

The End Is Just The Beginning
by Mike Bender

Starting a book at the end may seem confusing. But the end of one thing is just the beginning of something new in this innovative and heartfelt book. Accompanied by beautiful and inspiring illustrations, The End Is Just The Beginning is ideal for helping kids understand how to meet life’s challenges and uncertaintities with optimism and hope. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Laxmi’s Mooch
by Shelly Anand

Laxmi never paid much attention to the tiny hairs above her lip. But one day while playing farm animals at recess, her friends point out that her whiskers would make her the perfect cat. She starts to notice body hair all over–on her arms, legs, and even between her eyebrows. With her parents’ help, Laxmi learns to accept her body hair. With affirming text and endearing illustrations, Laxmi’s Mooch is a celebration of body confidence and heritage. ~ Asian – Preschool

When Lola Visits
by Michelle Sterling

For one young girl, summer doesn’t start until her lola—her grandmother from the Philippines—comes for her annual visit. Lola fills the house with the aroma of mango jam, funny stories of baking mishaps, and her quiet sweet singing in Tagalog. And in turn, her granddaughter brings Lola to the beach, to view fireworks at the park, and to catch fish at their lake. When Lola Visits is an evocative picture that celebrates the gentle bonds of familial love that span oceans and generations. ~ Asian – Preschool

Elementary School

Ambitious Girl

by Meena Harris

When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as “too assertive” and “too ambitious,” it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down. “No “too that” or “too this” will stop what’s inside us from flowering.” Anyone who’s ever been underestimated or overshadowed will find inspiration in Ambitious Girl, the empowering new picture book from Meena Harris, bestselling author of Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea. ~ African – Elementary School

The First Blade of Sweetgrass
by Suzanne Greenlaw

Wabanaki girl Musquon is excited to accompany her grandmother for the first time to harvest sweetgrass for basket making. She must overcome her impatience while learning to distinguish sweetgrass from other salt marsh grasses, but slowly the spirit and peace of her surroundings speak to her, and she gathers sweetgrass as her ancestors have done for centuries. The First Blade of Sweetgrass is a gorgeous own voices picture book about family, culture and tradition. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

My Day with the Panye
by Tami Charles

“To carry the panye, we move gracefully, even under the weight of the sun and the moon.” In the hills above Port-au-Prince, a young girl named Fallon wants more than anything to carry a large woven basket to the market, just like her Manman. As she watches her mother wrap her hair in a mouchwa, Fallon tries to twist her own braids into a scarf and balance the empty panye atop her head, but it’s much harder than she thought. Lyrical and with vibrant illustrations, My Day with the Panye is a story of family legacy, cultural tradition, and hope for the future. ~ African – Elementary School

Poem in My Pocket
by Chris Tougas

“I had a poem in my pocket, / but my pocket got a rip. / Rhymes tumbled down my leg / and trickled from my hip.” Thus begins the journey of a young poet’s words out into the world, where they join randomly with other words to form funny riffs and puns all over a busy city street. The child scrambles to capture the loose words and arrange them back into poem form, only to lose them again as a storm swoops in on a rushing wind. Eventually, the words plant themselves in the muddy ground, where they grow into something that might be even better than the original poem: a Poet-Tree. Not only a fanciful rhyming adventure tale, Poem In My Pocket is also a delightful allegory for the creative writing process. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

We Shall Overcome
by Bryan Collier

“We Shall Overcome” is one of the most recognizable anthems of the Civil Rights movement, widely performed at protests and rallies to promote nonviolent civil rights activism. Now, these empowering lyrics are brought to life with Collier’s breathtaking illustrations of the most emblematic moments of the twentieth-century Civil Rights movement. Offering historical context while remaining relevant to the present-day, We Shall Overcome is an impactful picture book, perfect for classroom use. ~ African – Elementary School

Dream Street
by Tricia Elam Walker

Welcome to Dream Street– where love between generations rules, and everyone is special! Meet kids like Azaria, who loves to jump double-Dutch; Zion, whose dream is to become a librarian; and cousins Ede and Tari, who dream of creating a picture book together one day. Meet grown-ups like Mr. Sidney, a retired mail carrier who greets everyone with the words, “Don’t wait to have a great day. Create one!” and Ms. Sarah, who has stories to share between the lines of her face. With vibrant, expressive illustrations, Dream Street is a joyful celebration of love and community. ~ African – Elementary School

When We Say Black Lives Matter
by Maxine Beneba Clarke

“Little one, when we say Black Lives Matter, / we’re saying Black people are wonderful-strong. / That we deserve to be treated with basic respect, / and that history’s done us wrong.” With rich illustrations and lyrical text, When We Say Black Lives Matter is a moving picture book that explores the strength and resonance behind the words ‘Black Lives Matter’. In family life, through school and beyond, the refrains echo and gain in power, among vignettes of protests and scenes of ancestors creating music on djembe drums. ~ African – Elementary School

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone
by Traci N. Todd

Little Eunice sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons and went on to perform under the name Nina Simone. Nina’s voice soon became a thunderous roar as she raised her voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination. With expressive illustrations, Nina: A Story of Nina Simone tells the extraordinary story of acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy. ~ African – Elementary School

My Heart Flies Open
by Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis

“In every situation I can blossom. Breathing in and breathing out, I know…I AM PEACEFUL.” Beautifully illustrated, My Heart Flies Open takes readers on a yoga journey of mindful reflection, self-discovery, and self-love. With every yoga pose, each breath in, and each breath out, this uplifting picture book brings young readers home to themselves: they are life, love, joy, and kindness; bold, fierce, peaceful, and whole. ~ African – Elementary School

The Girl in the Gold Dress
by Christine Paik

10-year-old Hannah is facing a big performance for her school’s talent show. The trouble is, she’s ashamed of her dress, the dance, even the music – they’re too different, too Korean! That changes when she learns about the gold dress’s mysterious connection to her name and her family’s past, starting with a desperate escape from war and a secret wish hidden for decades in an envelope. Can Hannah make that wish finally come true? Spanning four generations, The Girl In The Gold Dress is a touching story about a young girl who is learning to be proud of her heritage. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Rock by Rock: The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand
by Jennifer Bradbury

Nek Chand’s incredible rock garden, built from stone and scraps and concrete, began as a way for him to express his long-felt grief at having to leave his boyhood village due to the violence caused by the partition of India. What began as a secret and personal (not to mention initially illegal) project became so much more, not only to Nek but to all of India. Rock By Rock is a luminous picture book that tells the fascinating story of artist Nek Chand and how his secret art project—hidden away in a jungle—became one of India’s most treasured wonders, second only to the Taj Mahal. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Shaped By Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez
by A. Harber Freeman & B. Gonzales

The most renowned Native American Indian potter of her time, Maria Povika Martinez learned pottery as a child under the guiding hands of her ko-ōo, her aunt. She grew up to discover a new firing technique that turned her pots black and shiny, and made her famous. Shaped By Her Hands is an inspiring story of family and creativity that illuminates how Maria’s belief in sharing her love of clay brought joy from her New Mexico Pueblo to people all across the country. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Because of You, John Lewis
by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Ten-year-old Tybre Faw is obsessed with history and the civil rights movement, and he devours every book he can find on the subject. When he learns of Congressman John Lewis’s harrowing and heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for the right to vote, Tybre is determined to meet him. Tybre’s two grandmothers take him on the seven-hour drive to Selma. And as the two meet and become fast friends, Tybre joins Lewis for the annual walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Because of You, John Lewis beautifully weaves the story of a boy with a dream with the story of a true-life hero. ~ African – Elementary School

I Can Help
by Reem Faruqi

When Ms. Underwood asks if anyone wants to help Kyle, Zahra always volunteers. She loves spending time with Kyle—he’s creative and generous, and he makes the funniest jokes at lunch. But when Zahra’s other classmates start teasing her for helping him, she starts making choices she soon regrets. I Can Help is a gentle, sensitive portrayal of reaching out, facing peer pressure, and learning from past mistakes. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins
by Glenda Armand

Born blind into a life of slavery, Thomas Wiggins was dismissed as a “useless burden.” But with the support of his family, he went on to become one of the greatest musicians of his time. From Tom’s childhood on a plantation to his performances in the concert halls of Europe, Song In A Rainstorm shines a light on the beautiful and at times heart-breaking story of a long-overlooked musical great. ~ African – Elementary School

Pedro’s Yo-yos: How a Filipino Immigrant Came to America and Changed the World of Toys
by Roberto Peñas

Pedro Flores was born in the Philippines in 1896, when Spain still ruled his country. After the US took over, Pedro traveled to California, received an education, and looked for ways to go into business for himself. Then he remembered a toy from his childhood called the yo-yo, which means come back in Tagalog. With some blocks of wood and a little string, Pedro created his first model yo-yo and practiced tricks to show it off. When children saw the yo-yo in action, it became an instant hit! Pedro’s Yo-Yos is the lively story of one immigrant’s way to his American dream. ~ Asian – Elementary School

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
by N. Hannah-Jones & R. Watson

“And the people planted dreams and hope, / willed themselves to keep / living, living.” A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Grandma gathers the whole family, and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders. With powerful verse and striking illustrations, Born on the Water thoughtfully chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States. ~ African – Elementary School

Dad Bakes
by Katie Yamasaki

Dad wakes early every morning before the sun, heading off to work at the bakery. He kneads, rolls, and bakes, and as the sun rises and the world starts its day, Dad heads home to his young daughter. Together they play, read, garden, and―most importantly―they bake. Inspired by muralist Katie Yamasaki’s work with formerly incarcerated people, Dad Bakes is an intimate and tender story of love, family, and reclaiming a life with joy. ~ Asian – Elementary School

We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
by Traci Sorell

We Are Still Here is a companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga that offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people’s past, present, and future. With lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations, twelve Native American kids present historical and contemporary laws, policies, struggles, and victories in Native life, each with a powerful refrain: We are still here! ~ Diverse – Elementary School

What I See: Anti-Asian Racism From The Eyes Of A Child
by Christine T. Leung

What I See is a beautifully illustrated, lyrical picture book about anti-Asian racism, from the child’s own perspective. The rise in xenophobia and anti-Asian hate incidents can be scary and confusing for kids This book is an easy-to-follow guide for the child to reflect, ask questions, and learn more about this important topic. Includes notes for parents and caregivers as well as the sample questions and child-friendly definitions. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Jayden’s Impossible Garden
by Melina Mangal

Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama doesn’t believe there’s nature in the city. So Jayden sets out to help Mama see what he sees. With the help of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden plants the seeds of a community garden to show his neighbors—and Mama—the magic of nature in the middle of the city. Timeless and vibrant, Jayden’s Impossible Garden highlights the power of imagination and perseverance in bringing a vision to life. ~ African – Elementary School

Fatima’s Great Outdoors
by Ambreen Tariq

Fatima Khazi is excited for her family’s first camping trip! The school week might not have gone as planned, but outdoors, Fatima can achieve anything. She sets up a tent with her father and builds a fire with her mother. At the end of an adventurous day, the family snuggles inside one big tent, serenaded by the sounds of the forest. The thought of leaving the magic of the outdoors tugs at Fatima’s heart, but her sister reminds her that they can keep the memory alive through stories. With cheerful illustrations, Fatima’s Great Outdoors is a rollicking family adventure, and a love letter to the outdoors. ~ Asian – Elementary School

America, My Love, America, My Heart
by Daria Peoples-Riley

“America, do you love me? My black. My brown. My pride. My crown.” What begins as a single question from a single child sweeps across the country with every page turn, inviting in more and more children of colour—and their questions. Does America love them when they speak? Or whisper? Or shout? When they stand? Does America love them just as they are? America, My Love, America, My Heart is a poetic and powerful book that encourages young readers to confront bias, prejudice, and discrimination. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

The Me I Choose To Be
by N.A. Tarpley

What will you choose to be? A free spirit? A weaver of words? A star dancing across the night sky? A limitless galaxy? The possibilities are endless in this uplifting ode to the power of potential. With lyrical text and expressive images, The Me I Choose To Be is an immersive call for self-love that highlights the inherent beauty of all Black and brown children. ~ African – Elementary School

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma
by Joanna Ho

Before Yo-Yo Ma became one of the most celebrated cellists, he wanted to play the double bass. But it was too big for his four-year-old hands. Over time, Ma honed his amazing talent, and his music became a reflection of his own life between borders and cultures. In 2019, Yo-Yo Ma performed at the US-Mexico border as part of his multi-continent “Bach Project” tour to prove that through music, we can build bridges rather than walls between different cultures. With lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, Playing At The Border is a poignant picture book biography about the musician Yo-Yo M. ~ Asian – Elementary School

When We Love Someone We Sing to Them
by Ernesto Javier Martinez

A reclamation of the Mexican serenata tradition, When We Love Someone We Sing to Them tells the story of a young boy who asks his father if there is a song for a boy who loves a boy. This award-winning bilingual book shows how a tradition expands as limitations are lifted to include everyone, all the way to remembering Xochipilli, the Mesoamerican deity of creativity, song, and dance. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Areli Is A Dreamer
by Areli Morales

When Areli was a baby, her parents moved from Mexico to New York with her brother, Alex, to make a better life for the family–and when she was in kindergarten, they sent for her, too. Everything in New York was different. Gone were the Saturdays at Abuela’s house, filled with cousins and sunshine. Instead, things were busy and fast and noisy. Areli’s limited English came out wrong, and schoolmates accused her of being illegal. But with time, America became her home. Written by a DACA Dreamer, Areli Is A Dreamer is a vibrant and powerful immigration story. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Tomatoes for Neela
by Padma Lakshmi

Neela loves cooking with her amma and writing down the recipes in her notebook. It makes her feel closer to her paati who lives far away in India. On Saturdays, Neela and Amma go to the green market and today they are buying tomatoes to make Paati’s famous sauce. But first, Neela needs to learn about all the different kinds of tomatoes they can pick from. And as Neela and Amma cook together, they find a way for Paati to share in both the love and the flavors of the day. With vivid illustrations, Tomatoes for Neela is a beautiful celebration of family, food, and culture. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Watercress
by Andrea Wang

Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl’s parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch. The whole family wades into the muck to collect as much of the snail covered watercress as they can. At first, the young girl is embarrassed. Why can’t her family get food from the grocery store? But when her mother shares a story of her family’s time in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged. Beautifully illustrated Watercress is a moving autobiographical story of a child of immigrants discovering and connecting with her heritage. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Rise Up and Write It!
by Nandini Ahuja

When Farah Patel realizes that the butterflies have disappeared from her neighborhood, she discovers that it’s likely because there aren’t enough flowers to attract them. She can’t help but think, “This isn’t right.” Luckily enough, Grove Hills is looking for ideas on what to do with the empty lot next door. And Farah has the perfect one—make it into a community garden to bring back a little green to their block! But when Farah finds out that she isn’t the only one with a plan for the future of Grove Hills, she’ll have to turn to her community for help. Rise Up and Write It comes complete with a pull-out letter to the mayor, a ready-to-sign petition, a community meeting poster, a protest sign—and more! ~ Asian – Elementary School

The Old Boat
by Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey

Off a small island, an old boat sets sail and a young boy finds home.Together, boy and boat ride the shifting tides, catching wants and wishes until fate calls for a sea change. From the creators of The Old Truck comes The Old Boat, a masterfully crafted celebration of the natural world and tribute to the families we make and the homes that we nurture. ~ African – Elementary School

Wishes
by Mượn Thị Văn

Told through the eyes of a young girl, this is the powerful story of one Vietnamese family’s search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting impact this journey has on the girl. With sparse, lyrical text and expressive illustrations, Wishes is a moving reflection on immigration, family, and home. ~ Asian – Elementary School

We Can: Portraits of Power
by Tyler Gordon

Fifteen-year-old Tyler Gordon’s journey from a regular kid growing up in San Jose, California, to a nationally recognized artist wasn’t without its challenges. For the first six years of his life he was fully deaf, which led to a stutter and bullying. Art gave him a creative outlet for his pain. After painting a portrait of Kamala Harris and posting it on social media, he received a call from the vice president herself, and soon his art was everywhere. We Can: Portraits of Power is Tyler’s debut picture book, featuring his bold paintings of over 30 icons―musicians, artists, writers, civils rights leaders, sports legends, change-makers, record-setters, and more―alongside short explanations of how these people inspire him. ~ African – Elementary School

Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
by Jodie Patterson

Penelope knows that he’s a boy. (And a ninja.) The problem is getting everyone else to realize it. Born Ready is the exuberant companion to Jodie Patterson’s adult memoir, The Bold World. She shares her son Penelope’s frustrations and triumphs on his journey to share himself with the world. Penelope’s experiences show children that it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself and who you really are. ~ African – Elementary School

Sharice’s Big Voice
by Sharice Davids

When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she’d be one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn’t win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from. Beautifully illustrated by an Ojibwe Woodland artist, Sharice’s Big Voice is a powerful picture book biography about using your voice and following your own path. Includes information about the Ho-Chunk, an artist note, and an inspiring letter to children. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
by Carole Boston Weatherford

Unspeakable provides a powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in America’s history. The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa’s Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community. News of what happened was largely suppressed, and no official investigation occurred for seventy-five years. This picture book sensitively introduces young readers to this tragedy and concludes with a call for a better future. ~ African – Elementary School, Middle School