The 100 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2024

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3 days ago

The 100 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2024

It’s that time of the year again: Presenting the 100 best multicultural picture books of 2024!

Another year flown by, and what a crazy one it was. Now more than ever do we need to get multicultural books into the hands of children for them to see that there is beauty and strength in diversity.

There are plenty of gems on this extensive list, with a wide variety of ethnicities, ages and subjects. Enjoy browsing!

You can buy the books on this list from Amazon USA by clicking on the book titles or images or from my Bookshop page.

As an Amazon & Bookshop Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

The 100 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2024

Babies & Toddlers

I Love You Like a Rainbow
by Lala Watkins

“I love you so RED, you’re the apple of my eye. I love you so ORANGE, you’re my peachy surprise.” Featuring a rainbow-shaped die-cut and shiny mirror that peeks through the cover, I Love You Like A Rainbow is a sweet interactive novelty book that celebrates all the colors of love. With simple heartfelt text and adorable illustrations on every page, this sweet board book is a must-have for every first library! ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Eyes, Nose, Belly, Toes: My First Human Body Book

by Krupa Bhojani Playforth

Learning how the human body works is an important skill for toddlers. Eyes, Nose, Belly, Toes is an adorable anatomy book that walks the littlest readers through every major body part. Simple language and vibrant artwork keep them engaged as they explore how they use their eyes to see, their nose to smell, their legs to move, and their arms to wave hello! ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Las Posadas: Numbers / Números
by Lil’ Libros

Embark on a festive journey with your little ones as we celebrate Las Posadas, blending the joy of a 400-year-old Latin American tradition with the magic of numbers in two languages. In this bilingual board book, travelers, carolers, and musicos come together to make counting a celebration! Join the merriment as we explore the wondrous world of your little one’s first numbers, intertwined with everything you find at a posada: delicious food, activities, and sweet holiday treats. This cultural celebration honors Mary and Joseph’s nine-day pilgrimage from Bethlehem to Nazareth as they seek shelter for the birth of Baby Jesus. Las Posadas: Numbers / Números is a delightful counting board book, offering a perfect blend of cultural richness and mathematical exploration. ~ Hispanic – Babies & Toddlers

This Baby. That Baby.
by Cari Best

“Somewhere in the big, big city / two happy babies look out their morning windows / at the very same time.” Just what will these two babies do today? Well, this baby meows like his cat, and that baby barks like her dog. This mellow baby listens to a story, and that rambunctious baby sings a song. Soon enough, both babies get hungry…and a bit cranky. How will this Mama and that Papa help them feel better? Perhaps a play date in the park will help! This Baby. That Baby is a delightful read-aloud that will have little listeners clapping and giggling right alongside this baby and that baby. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

On Powwow Day
by Traci Sorell

This eye-catching, interactive board book is sure to keep toddlers engaged. Count one through ten as you make your way through the day of the powwow, looking for colors, family members, jingle dresses, musical instruments, and tribal citizens in this introduction to a traditional Native event. On Powwow Day is a warm and vibrant board book by best-selling Native author Traci Sorell. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

It’s Time to Hush and Say Good Night
by Chitra Soundar

Travel a lush dreamscape world as a father lulls his toddler towards sleep, weaving a quilt of dreams across the roaring seas and through the inky night – and dealing with some big toddler emotions en route. Sumptuously illustrated and infused with the spirit and flora and fauna of India, It’s Time To Hush And Say Good Night is a dream-ride of a bedtime book. ~ Asian – Babies & Toddlers

Awake, Asleep
by Kyle Lukoff

“A kiss, a blink, a dawn, a break. / A yawn, a peep, a stretch, awake!” From sunup to sundown, a young child’s day is bursting with discovery and wonder-filled moments. Follow a day in the life of three diverse families and their little ones, as everyday moments like sharing breakfast and exploring the park are rendered full of love, exploration, joy, and wonder. With sparse, beautiful rhyming text, Awake, Asleep is a poetic read-aloud perfect for any time of day, paired against luminous, tender illustrations. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

The Littlest Food Critic
by Debbie Rigaud

Little Sebastian has a lot of opinions when it comes to food, so his parents call him their own baby food critic! He even has a personal rating system, from one to five binkies, and he’s prepared to knock off a binky or two if his food is too gooey, doesn’t smell quite right, or is touching other food. When a restaurant outing throws him for a loop, a one-binky review seems inevitable . . . but then his parents save the day and Sebastian realizes the special ingredient they’ve been adding to every meal—one that definitely deserves five binkies! The Littlest Food Critic is an adorable picture book about a sweet little picky eater who is learning to appreciate nourishing food. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

How We Share
by Leah Osakwe

Explore what it means to share! From playtime and laughter to giving advice, How We Share shows the importance of sharing and the value of generosity. With simple, accessible text and a diverse cast of characters, this sweet board book helps to develop a child’s social emotional skills, as well as build confidence and courage. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Also available: How We Feel

My Body and Me: My First Body Positivity Book
by Ceece Kelley

“I love my body. It’s special to me. It’s exactly the way it’s meant to be.” My Body and Me is an adorable board book tackles common body insecurities by turning them into attributes to celebrate early on, such as gratitude for our puffy cheeks that help us eat; strength in our round bellies that help store our food; pride in our natural hair; appreciation for the colour of our skin; and more. The upbeat rhyming text paired with vibrant illustrations makes for an engaging read aloud. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

My Hair Is Like Yours
by St. Clair Detrick-Jules

Cornrows, curls, fros, and swirls! How do you wear your hair? Featuring photographs of real kids whose hairstyles match those of family and friends, little ones will love seeing themselves mirrored in these pages and in the world around them. With beautiful photographs and joyous, flowing text, My Hair Is Like Yours is a playful rhyming board book that celebrates the joy of seeing yourself in the ones you love and embracing your unique self. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Also available: My Hair Is Like the Sun

Preschool

Light
by Ruth Foreman

“My eyes carry stars / my eyes see you / and smile.” A boy visits a planetarium with his father and brother for a night of stargazing that opens him to the infinitely bright universe. Brightly illustrated Light is a luminous and poetic board book from bestselling author Ruth Forman. ~ African – Preschool

Also available: One // Bloom // Glow // Ours // Curls

Belong
by Mary Rand Hess

“You matter . . . / in the way you help. / The way you hug. / The way you laugh. / The way you love. / The way you shout. / The way you speak. / The way you give. / The way you . . . express yourself!” In this warm, uplifting story, a new kid in town finds the courage to carve their own path, one that leads to a celebration of friendship and being yourself. Belong is a joyful picture book from a New York Times bestselling duo that celebrates inclusion and reassures children that in good times and bad they always matter—they always belong. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Eli and the Uncles
by Jehan Madhani

Young Eli gets to spend a whole day with his eight adoring uncles–each one bigger and taller than the last, and each with an outsized personality to match, from Aman the dancer to Riz the joke teller. Even better, every one of the uncles sports his own unique set of whiskers! Short or long, curly or straight, bristly or soft, whatever the style or texture, every especially elegant beard is a sight to behold (and a sleepy-time aid for Eli as he says his good-nights one by one). With delightful warmth and whimsy, Eli and the Uncles is a hilarious, hirsute countdown to bedtime that will have kids dreaming of woolly beards instead of woolly sheep. ~ Asian – Preschool

The Band in Our Basement: A Picture Book
by Kelly J. Baptist

“The sounds downstairs are funky / and we start to wiggle toes. / We flip-flop and we giggle / with sheets up to the nose. / The rhythm’s steady, the trumpet’s sweet. / Before too long, we’re on our feet!” After hearing Daddy’s band practicing in the basement, a brother and sister can’t resist sneaking out of bed to watch them play. Careful, careful, can’t be caught. Tiptoe past the squeaky spot! They long to join in the fun, but can’t be seen out of bed—until the discovery of a surprise band member turns the jam session into a family affair. With energetic, lyrical text and exuberant illustrations, The Band in Our Basement will have readers feeling the beat—right before settling back down for bedtime. ~ African – Preschool

Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt!
by Rukhsana Khan

“BEEP BEEP, says Baba. / HONK HONK, says car. TOOT TOOT, says bus. / RUMBLE RUMBLE, says mighty truck. / MEOW MEOW, says Mitu / WHEEE! I say.” Ibraheem and his cat, Mitu, join Baba on a rickshaw trip through the big city, where vehicles of all sorts and sizes have their own language to help them navigate the busy streets. Along the way, Ibraheem notices that though there aren’t traffic signals, the cars, buses, trucks, rickshaws (and even a stray toad!), all navigate the hustle and bustle of the streets safely by communicating in their own language. With poetic text and bright art, Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt is a joyful read-aloud with a message of sharing and respect. ~ Diverse – Preschool

The Helping Sweater
by Rachel Mas Davidson

It’s finally cold enough for Maya to wear her favorite sweater! But when her cat pulls a thread loose, her beloved sweater quickly begins to unravel. Maya is heartbroken, but she doesn’t have time to fix it before school. She starts to realize that maybe her sweater can help other people–and that’s when the magic begins! Maya uses her sweater to help folks in her community throughout the day. But of course, what goes around, comes around and when Maya needs help, someone comes to her rescue. The Helping Sweater is a vibrant and heartwarming book celebrating empathy and community. ~ African – Preschool

Tali and the Toucan
by Mira Z. Amiras

Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco, Tali and the Toucan follows a young girl whose fears hold her back from joining other kids as they tumble, swing, and play across the city—from the neighborhood park to the gymnastics studio and the aikido dojo. At night, however, Tali can soar freely in her dreams—until one evening, a surprise guest swoops into her imagination and inspires her to turn those dreams into reality. With lush, captivating illustrations that evoke the charm of San Francisco’s landscapes and Tali’s vivid inner world, this is a heartening tale that encourages children to face their fears and embrace bravery with wide-spread wings. ~ Diverse – Preschool

A Steminist Force: A STEM Picture Book for Girls
by Laura W. Carter

“We are girls as bright as fire! / We’re a STEMINIST brigade. / Leaving blazing trails behind us / On our groundbreaking crusade.” A Steminist Force is a rallying cry of rhythmic prose that celebrates female contributions in STEM fields across the world and throughout history, from mathematicians to meteorologists, from architects to astronauts. With backmatter detailing each woman’s individual contributions to her field, this colourful picture book is the perfect classroom or living room tool to introduce children to remarkable women in STEM history and to encourage girls to continue exploring STEM subjects in their own education. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Summer’s Magic (An Indigenous Celebration of Nature)
by Kaitlin B. Curtice

Bo, a proud Potawatomi boy, is excited to enjoy long summer days tending his garden, walking his dog, and playing in the river with his big sister, Dani. When he discovers that his family’s favorite spot has been polluted with garbage, Bo realizes that caring for Earth is part of what makes summer special. And when he overcomes his shyness and invites others to join in, he discovers that summer’s magic has even more surprises in store. Brightly illustrated Summer’s Magic is a summer celebration that revels in the warmth, light, and fun of the longest days of the year. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Be Careful, Xiao Xin!
by Alice Pung

Xiao Xin believes he is a fearless Red Fire Warrior, but his family is always telling him to be careful–he’s too little to be a warrior! They believe the world is a dangerous place. But they don’t understand what Xiao Xin can be! Can Xiao Xin show his family that he is capable of more than they believe, and inspire his little sister to be brave, too? Be Careful, Xiao Xin! is a beautiful and tender story told in both English and Chinese about learning to conquer your own fears–as a child as well as an adult. ~ Asian – Preschool

This Little Light of Mine
by Sawyer Cloud

When children are feeling confident and valued by others, their light shines brightly. When they’re feeling low or worried, their light dims. But other children and teachers are on hand to help everyone’s light shine! Follow two children as they have breakfast, go to school, and make friends in this heartwarming celebration of a diverse community. This Little Light of Mine is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the popular gospel song. ~ Diverse – Preschool

A City Full of Santas
by Joanna Ho

One little girl has always hoped to stay awake long enough to meet Santa, and she knows this is her year. She just knows Santa smells like peppermint and laughs like the sun clapping its hands. When Mama takes her on a special journey to the city, they discover Santas ho-ho-ho-ing about everywhere, making it so much harder to find the real one. The little girl is sure she knows just what she’s looking for, but will she find Santa in time for Christmas? From the award-winning author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners comes A City Full of Santas, a whimsical tale about the true magic of the season. ~ Asian – Preschool

The River Is My Ocean
by Rio Cortez

Every day, Abuela misses the ocean in Puerto Rico. But on Saturdays, when the sun is high, Abuela takes her granddaughter on a walk down the hill in Harlem to Twelfth Avenue, to a place that is just as magical: the Hudson River. There, they admire the iconic waterway that brought millions of new Americans to its shores, make offerings to Yemaya, the goddess portrayed as a mermaid in ancient religions, and celebrate familial love passed down through the generations, showing the vastness of expansive intergenerational love, memory and the childlike curiosity they each inspire. The River Is My Ocean is a tender book about intergenerational love and the power of water. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

¡Felicidades!: A Celebration with Shapes
by Duncan Tonatiuh

From award-winning and beloved author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes ¡Felicidades!, a celebratory bilingual concept picture book of shapes featuring a birthday party. This vibrant, bilingual picture book includes a double gatefold finale reveal, and a brief author’s note in English and Spanish that lends additional context. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Real Siblings
by Seamus Kirst

“So he’s not your real brother.” When adopted siblings Harper and Wyatt hear this, they start to question what it means to be a real sibling. They share experiences and emotions, and they help each other out in times of need, but most importantly, they have unconditional love for one another. Isn’t that enough? With familiar characters Harper, Dad, Daddy, and new brother Wyatt, Real Siblings shows that love is what it takes to make a family. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Also available: Harper Becomes a Big Sister

Brown Girls Do Ballet: Celebrating Diverse Girls Taking Center Stage
by T. Wallace-McMillian & J. Brown-Wood

When TaKiyah Wallace-McMillian went to enroll her three-year-old daughter into her first ballet class, she immediately noticed the lack of diversity of backgrounds and abilities among the students pictured on the school’s website. In response, TaKiyah, a photographer, began taking pictures of young dancers of color and launched an Instagram called Brown Girls Do Ballet. The Instagram was an instant sensation, drawing a community of dancers of all ages. A nonprofit organization, that provides resources, mentoring, and inspiration worldwide followed soon after. With poetic text and gorgeous photographs of young BIPOC ballerinas of all levels, Brown Girls Do Ballet encourages young readers be proud of who they are and empowers them to take center stage. ~ African – Preschool

Give Back
by Gina Bellisario

“Greet the morning shiny-new,/ seat for me and seat for you, / drip-drop syrup, pancake stack. / Take a plate, and… give back!” Follow a little girl and her multigenerational family as they prepare for a community meal and clothing drive. With charming, lyrical text and warm illustrations, Give Back celebrates kindness, community, and the various ways we can give to those around us. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Between My Hands
by Mitali Perkins

“What’s between your hands / when you namaste the world?” Maya is only three days into summer vacation and already bored. Outside her window, the street is full of neighbors. Coming and going. Earning and spending. Fixing and mending. Everyone has something to do―everyone’s hands are busy. Except Maya’s. When she opens her palms, they are empty. They are small. What in the world can her hands do? As Maya longs to do something useful alongside her neighbours―proclaim truth, stand for justice, or show mercy―she discovers that children like her can give the greatest gift of all: love. Part of the “Between” series, Between My Hands is an encouraging book that show s how little hands are capable of great love. ~ Asian – Preschool

Also available: Home Is in Between // Between Us and Abuela

How to Eat a Mango
by Paola Santos

Carmencita doesn’t want to help Abuelita pick mangoes; she doesn’t even like them! They’re messy, they get stuck in her teeth, and it’s a chore to throw out the rotten ones. But Abuelita adores mangoes, and patiently, she teaches Carmencita the right way to eat them. Together, they listen to the tree’s leaves, feel its branches and roots above and below, and smell and feel the sweet, smooth fruits. Each step is a meditation on everything Mamá Earth has given, and in the Earth’s love, Carmencita feels the love of her Mami, her Papi, her little brother Carlitos, and of course, Abuelita. Inspired by the author’s childhood in Venezuela, How To Eat A Mango is a grounding, life-affirming take on gratitude for nature’s gifts and connection with family and culture. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Bookie & Cookie
by Blanca Gomez

Bookie and Cookie are best friends. They love to spend time together, reading books and snacking on treats. But whenever this happens, it’s always at Cookie’s home . . . until the day when Bookie insists on getting together at his home instead. Cookie refuses: He doesn’t want to try something new. And now Bookie and Cookie are both alone, and the activities they used to enjoy together aren’t nearly as much fun. Can the two buddies each try something new for the sake of their friendship? Bookie & Cookie is a scrumptious and clever read-aloud about friendship, conflict and compromise. ~ Diverse – Preschool

My Hair Can
by Matt Forte

“My hair has roots from many places under the sun, telling the story of my ancestors and where I come from. I can shake my hair like a baby with a rattle, or cut it all off to support my friend’s battle.” What can your hair do? From cool curls to crisp fades, from long locs, to beaded braids, bright illustrations of diverse children burst from each page inspiring self-love and positive self-esteem. But hair love is more than knots, locs, and mohawks. Discover the power of cutting your hair in solidarity with a sick friend or celebrating your heritage with hairstyles from your ancestral roots. My Hair Can Celebrate is a joyful, rhyming picture book that invites girls and boys to embrace their natural hair with an uplifting reminder of their self-worth. ~ African – Preschool

You Are Part of the Wonder
by Ruth Doyle

“There’s a bird outside your window / with a song that’s full of sky, / and it wonders why you stay inside / when you are free to fly?” Meditative and enchanting, You Are Part Of The Wonder is a beautifully illustrated picture book that encourages young readers to explore, connect, and find wonder in nature. A tranquil celebration of nature, mindfulness, and joy. ~ Diverse – Preschool

The Mochi Makers
by Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson

Emi and Obaachan are making mochi. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Obaachan brought it with her when she first came to America from Japan and now, Emi is about to become her family’s newest mochi maker! They mix and pound and twist and wrap. The Japanese rice cakes are sticky and chewy, colorful and tasty, and—most importantly—made with love. For Emi and Obaachan, making mochi becomes a way to remember those they’ve lost, make lots of new memories, and have a fun and family-filled day. The Mochi Makers is a gentle and joyous story celebrating family, tradition, and the memories that matter most. ~ Asian – Preschool

The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community
by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Faizah loves being part of the community at her mosque, and she loves being part of the group at her fencing lessons. When all eyes are on her, though, Faizah freezes up. Mama says bravery will come with time, but there’s a fencing tournament coming up—does Faizah have what it takes to be bold? Love, honesty, courage and community shine through every page of The Boldest White, another empowering picture book from the bestselling, award-winning team behind The Proudest Blue and The Kindest Red. ~ African -Preschool

A Family Tree
by Staci Lola Drouillard

Grandma’s garden was not just any garden. It was where a spruce tree, only as tall as baby Francis, reached her roots into the soil and stretched her branches toward the sky. Here, on the shore of Gichigaming, is where Francis and the sapling felt right at home. But when Grandma and Grandpa decide to move away, Francis wants to take the tree with them—can they? A modern-day twist to The Giving Tree, A Family Tree chronicles the changes brought upon a beloved family tree that must be uprooted and planted on new land. Brimming with tenderness, this gorgeous picture book celebrates resiliency, family bonds, and our deep connection to and responsibility for nature. ~ Diverse – Preschool

L Is for Love
by Atinuke

L is for lemons, and L is for lingering before leaving home. L is for everything to look at along the way: lightning and lazy lions and a lonely leopard. L is for the loud, large city where you will sell your sunny fruit—L is for Lagos! L is for the light streaming out of your windows as you arrive home late at night. And best of all . . . L is for love. Part buoyant alphabet book, part immersion in the joyful bustle of a busy Nigerian marketplace, L Is For Love is a feast for the senses brimming with rich detail and visual humor. ~ African – Preschool

Dear Muslim Child
by Rahma Rodaah

“Dear Muslim Child, your story matters”. With expressive illustrations, this inspirational picture book from the author of Dear Black Child encourages Muslim children all over the world to take joy and pride in their Islamic faith. and traditions. Perfect for fans of In My Mosque and The Proudest Blue. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Esi the Brave (Who Was Not Afraid of Anything)
by Bernard Mensah

Esi is a brave Ghanaian girl who is not afraid of anything. Monsters and ghosts should be scared of her! When she sets off for the annual Kakamotobi Festival with her parents, she’s confident she’ll be fine. Her mother warns that there’s going to be loud music and scary masks and a very big crowd, but Esi’s unconcerned. She’s not afraid of anything. But when they get to the festival and her parents suddenly disappear in a crowd of terrifying monster masks, Esi realizes that to save her parents, she’ll have to be the bravest she’s ever been. With detail-packed illustrations and engaging text, Esi The Brave is the perfect story about finding your inner strength to be brave. ~ African -Preschool

No More Señora Mimí
by Meg Medina

Ana cannot contain her excitement—her abuela is coming to stay with her and Mami for always! Abuela is sure to let Ana play whenever she wants instead of rushing her off to school, like her neighbor and babysitter, señora Mimí, sometimes does. In fact, as Ana’s classmate points out, she won’t need señora Mimí to babysit at all anymore! But señora Mimí is a good listener, and they have a lot of fun together feeding the squirrels and eating snacks. Maybe Ana isn’t ready to say goodbye to señora Mimí just yet? With warm, expressive illustrations, No More Senora Mimi is a poignant tale that celebrates caregivers and community and their special role in children’s lives. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Built to Last
by Minh Le

Two kids build entire worlds out of blocks, cardboard, and imagination. From boats attacked by a sea creature to a castle crumbling into the ocean. And they don’t mind when these creations break apart and CRASH to the floor. In fact, they think it’s pretty funny! Every time, a creation falls apart, they pick up the pieces and keep building bigger and better. But when their latest masterpiece tumbles down in spectacular fashion, the boys aren’t laughing anymore. Have these two friends reached their breaking point? Built To Last follows two friends who think they’re building imaginative worlds with blocks but come to realize they’ve been building something far greater–a sturdy, solid friendship. ~ Asian – Preschool

When Isaac Hears the Rain
by S. Anand & M.Patel

When the rain starts to fall, others may dash, yelp, and dodge, as their smiles turn into frowns. But not Isaac. Isaac embraces the rain with curiosity and wonder, grateful for its renewing power and grounded in the world around him. Written with equal parts heart and whimsy, and with a nod to Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day, When Isaac Hears The Rain is delightful picture book about the joy found in a rainy day. ~ African – Preschool

What Love Looks Like
by Laura Obuobi

One question must be answered before Afia can slip into a peaceful sleep: What does love look like? With the companionship of her loving papa, Afia journeys to find love and learns that it is the warmth of the sun’s hugs, the brook’s soothing song, and other mesmerizing gifts of nature. But Afia’s quest also teaches her that she may not have to go too far to see the emotion at the heart of the world’s wonders. Gorgeously illustrated What Love Looks Like is a whimsical bedtime story about the love between a Black father and his daughter. ~ African – Preschool

The Idea in You: A Picture Book
by Questlove

“An idea can come from anywhere. / Start here: reach up into the sky / And unhook a star.” A joyous exploration of imagination and finding inspiration, The Idea in You is an uplifting story about passion, creativity, and joy—exuberantly illustrated by award-winning artist Sean Qualls— that will inspire kids to find their own creative pursuits. ~ African -Preschool

Peace on Earth
by S. Prasdam-Halls

“Peace on earth . . . / Let friends be found! / Let laughter ring, let joy abound. What does peace look like? It can begin with a smile or a wave; it can be found in nature, in friendships, and in shared adventures. But when dark clouds and harsh words appear, it takes brave hearts and kind hands to restore love, friendship, and joy. Peace On Earth is a warm, heartfelt, and strikingly illustrated story about choosing to be a peacemaker, even during difficult times, and the jubilance that peace ushers in. ~ Diverse – Preschool

The Last Stand
by Antwan Eady

Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer’s market. Of course, it’s more than a farmer’s market. Papa knows each customer’s order, from Ms. Rosa’s pumpkins to Mr. Johnny’s peppers. And when Papa can’t make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce. With gorgeous illustrations, The Last Stand is a tender intergenerational story about the importance of family, community, and hope, inspired by the author’s childhood in the rural south. ~ African – Preschool

A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration
by Cynthia Harmony

Lucía loves to watch the monarchs’ migration from her home in Mexico with Papá. But this year, the monarchs’ journey north holds extra weight; Papá is heading north, too, to look for work. He promises her that when “the weather turns cold and the monarcas return, our winged ancestors will guide me home.” So while he spends the summer months harvesting produce on faraway farms, Lucía watches the skies for signs of the monarchs’—and her papá’s—return. Told through the parallel stories of the butterflies’ journey and Lucía’s migrant farmer father, A Flicker of Hope is a love letter to the power of families and nature, both of which know no borders. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

The Blue Pickup
by Natasha Tripplett

Ju-Girl’s favourite days are the ones spent with Granddad in his garage, fixing cars and hearing stories about his old blue pickup. Granddad used to drive the blue pickup all over the island, bringing happiness to many. And now it just sits in the driveway. One day, Ju-Girl asks Granddad if he’d ever fix it, and he’s unsure at first. But the pair soon finds out just what it takes to restore the memory of the blue pickup and to create new stories along the way. Brought to life with lush illustrations, The Blue Pickup is a heartwarming story about the joy of repairing things with our hands and preserving stories with our hearts. ~ African – Preschool

Sydney’s Big Speech
by Malcom Newsome

Sydney wants to be a great leader when she grows up. There’s just one problem—when she tries to speak in front of the class, she gets nervous, and the words just won’t come out. Sydney’s journey includes practice; encouragement from her loving dad; and a dose of inspiration from such luminaries as Shirley Chisholm, Carol Moseley Braun, Condoleezza Rice, and Kamala Harris. Readers will cheer for Sydney as “No, I can’t” changes to “Yes, I can!”. Sydney’s Big Speech is a perfect picture book about perseverance, overcoming challenges, and working hard to achieve your goals. ~ African – Preschool

Jam, Too?
by JaNay Brown-Wood

A drum circle is forming on the beach, and one fascinated child would love to join in. Soon there’s everything from a conga’s pat-a-pat-a, pat pat to some bongos’ taka taka, ta ta—and it looks like so much fun! But what do you do when you don’t have a drum? Well, when you let the music move you, you just might find other ways to jam, too! With lustrous illustrations and rhythmic text. Jam, Too? brings to life the thrill of an impromptu jam session and the joy of making music together. ~ African – Preschool

Great Idea Malia!
by Alliah L. Agostini

Malia loves two things: spending time with Mom and dreaming up Great Ideas. That’s why they call her Great Idea Malia! (Or at least . . . they should!) When Mom gets a big new job, she is busier than ever. Malia realizes that Mom needs help. Time for some Great Ideas: 1. Malia cleans Mom’s office—sweeping her paperwork into the recycling. 2. Malia answers all her emails—with random emojis. 3. Malia even jazzes up her presentation— with cute dinosaurs and unicorns. When it turns out this was not the help Mom had in mind, Malia needs a better-than-ever Great Idea to make things right. Great Idea, Malia! is a relatable story about the power of “small” ideas , featuring a lovable mother-daughter duo. ~ African -Preschool

Seoul Food
by Erin Danielle Russell

Hana is faced with a conundrum: what scrumptious dinner should she make for her four grandparents who are all coming for a visit? Her mother tells her to cook what makes her heart happy, so Hana thinks hard. She remembers the savory gumbo that she made with Grandma and Grandpa Williams when she visited them in the South. Then she reminisces about the sweet and spicy stew she made with Halmoni and Harabeoji during her trip to Seoul. Feeling inspired, Hana creates a dish that brings together the best flavours of her two cultures in a mouthwatering new way, and her grandparents couldn’t be prouder. Seoul Food follows a young biracial girl as she joyfully celebrates both her Black and Korean cultures with the irresistible power of food. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Brown Girl, Brown Girl
by Leslé Honoré

“Brown girl, brown girl, what did you see? / A world that sees my skin before it sees me.” Based on a viral poem by Blaxican poet and activist Leslé Honoré and inspired by the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris , Brown Girl, Brown Girl is a moving journey through the past, present, and future of brown and Black girls. It celebrates community, creativity, and joy—and offers a reminder of the history that inspires hope, and the hope that inspires activism. ~ African – Preschool

How to Tantrum Like a Champion: Ten Small Ways to Temper Big Feelings
by Allan Wolf

“Your hands turn into iron fists. Your giggles are all gone. Your body’s trying to tell you there’s a tantrum coming on.” Sometimes your day doesn’t go how you planned it. Or there’s too much noise, and the light is way too bright. Small feelings can turn into overpowering feelings, and now there’s a tightening in your chest or a pounding in your head. A tantrum is coming, and it feels like it can’t be stopped, but you’re not worried, because you know what to do! You start with a deep breath, and a slow count from one to ten. Then maybe you’ll break into a silly dance, or find a cozy, comfy hideaway, or play an easy game by yourself so you can win. Soon enough, those big feelings will quiet down again—because you know how to tantrum like a champion. With a playful text and dynamic illustrations, How To Tantrum Like A Champion teaches little readers deal with overwhelming feelings. ~ Diverse – Preschool

The Gabi That Girma Wore
by Fasika Adefris

Written in the cadence of The House That Jack Built, this vibrant and lushly illustrated tale pays tribute to the Gabi— a traditional Ethiopian cloth that is used to celebrate both community and culture. From the tiny seed to the fluffy white cotton, from the steady hands of the farmer to the swift fingers of the weaver, from the busy shopkeeper, to a gift for a loved one, follow the journey of the Gabi that Girma wore in this lively and rhythmic tale that’s perfect to read aloud. From seed to harvest, from loom to shop, to a gift for Girma, The Gabi That Girma Wore is a lyrical celebration of weaving, community and culture. ~ African – Preschool

Time for Us
by Rebecca Walker

To Jackson, Mama is the most important person in the world. But when she has to work, his imagination can only keep him entertained for so long. Who else can he share everything with, from the tallest tree to the tiniest hummingbird? Written from the author’s own experience as a working mother struggling to make time for her son, Time for Us emphasizes the importance of finding time to spend with loved ones. ~ African – Preschool

The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist
by Deidre Havrelock

“nisôhkisinân (We are strong) . . . / ninikamonân (We are singing) . . . / mîna nika-âhkamêyimonân (And we will continue) . . .” Whenever young Carol Powder sang along to her family’s music, her heart felt light and full of joy. Learning from her grandfather, Moshum, Carol listened closely to the drums’ heartbeat until one day Moshum made her a drum of her very own. The Heartbeat Drum is an uplifting picture book biography of a Cree activist and musician who founded an Indigenous hand drumming group, led by women and children, that spreads joy, healing, and unity. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Elementary School

Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair
by Carole Boston Weatherford

“Our hair is a lioness, born to be wild. / We pride ourselves on flair and style.” Black hair styles embody beauty and loving ritual, culture and community, expression and strength, patience and boundless creativity. With rhyming text and vibrant collage art, Crowning Glory brings this array of gorgeous hair designs—and the individuals who wear them—to bold and powerful life. Includes an author’s note about the five Black women who made history in 2019 as title holders of five major beauty pageants, as well as a glossary describing some twenty hair styles (from Afro to updo) and other terms related to the glory of Black hair. ~ African – Elementary School

Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good
by NoNieqa Ramos

Meet the Tres Hermanas: Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera. They moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to become leaders in their Bronx community. Evelina, an activist for social causes, founded United Bronx Parents. Lillian became a librarian and administrator who fought for Spanish and bilingual books and Spanish-speaking library staff. Elba worked closely with Evelina and became an ambassador and advocate for the arts. With rhythmic verse and vibrant illustrations, Best Believe provides a stirring look at three dynamic changemakers. ~Hispanic – Elementary School

We Want Our Books: Rosa’s Fight to Save the Library
by Jake Alexander

Rosa wants a book. But when she gets to the library, she finds it is closed. What could be the end of the story is just the beginning, as Rosa and her sister Maria try everything they can think of to bring their community together and fight to get back their precious library. With beautiful artwork, We Want Our Books is a defiant, moving and joyful picture book about the power of protest and the importance of books. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Five Stories
by Ellen Weinstein

Five children, from five different cultures and in five different decades, grow up in the same building on the Lower East Side of New York City. Jenny Epstein and her family arrive on a steamship from Russia in the 1910s. Jenny writes letters in Yiddish to her grandmother, while practicing her English in her new neighborhood. By the 1930s, when Anna Cozzi and her Italian family move into the building, Jenny has become a teacher in Anna’s school. Then José Marte moves in during the 1960s, Maria Torres in the 1980s, and Wei Yei in the Lower East Side of today. Five Stories celebrates the many diverse cultures that make up our the U.S.A.—from the food we eat, to the ways we worship, and the families we love. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Simone
by Viet Thanh Nguyen

When Simone is awakened by her mom as a wildfire threatens their home, it is the beginning of a life-changing journey. On their way to take shelter in a high school gym, the family passes firefighters from a prison unit battling the fire. Simone’s mom tells her that when she was a girl in Viet Nam, she was forced to evacuate her home after a flood. Joined by other children sheltering in the gym, Simone, a budding artist, encourages everyone to draw as a way to process their situation. After a few days, Simone and her mom are able to return to their home, which is fortunately still standing, and her outlook has changed. As Simone begins creating a piece of art with one of her new friends, she realizes that even though they are young, they can dream and work together for a more sustainable future. Gorgeously illustrated Simone is a poetic and powerful tale about an unforgettable young heroine who awakens to a new role fighting for her community and for the future of the planet. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Homegrown
by DeAnn Wiley

While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what it means to be “homegrown”. Touring precious memories and lively rooms warmed by family, Mama and Granny explain that home isn’t just a place, but rather a reflection of people who support and love one another. With lush, cozy illustrations, Homegrown is touching picture book that reminds us to lift up the places―and people―we call home. ~ African – Elementary School

The Sky Is Not Blue
by Joy Jones

What do you see outside your window? If you’re like Robert, you’ll see that the sky isn’t always blue. Robert has an artist’s eye and an independent mind who knows what he knows, even when his teacher, Mrs. Murphy, disagrees. She wants Robert to use blue crayon to represent the sky, but Robert knows that the sky is more varied, more vivid, much more beautiful than that. Children learn many things from their teachers, yet sometimes teachers can learn from students! Robert holds fast to what he knows and believes. And Mrs. Murphy comes to agree that the sky is not just blue. It’s a spectrum of rich and changing colors that remind her of children full of joy and imagination. The Sky Is Not Blue invites a conversation about individual perspectives and encourages children to trust and express their beliefs. ~ African – Elementary School

Eighteen Flowers for Grandma
by Alison Goldberg

Sadie’s grandmother is studying art and invites Sadie to learn and share her passion. But Sadie’s grandmother passes on more than her love of art to her grandchild; she also shares her knowledge of Jewish cultural traditions. Sadie learns about the meaning of “chai”—the Hebrew word for life—and the significance of the lucky number eighteen. Her grandmother will soon graduate from college, so Sadie commits herself to finding a perfect way to celebrate with a gift that combines her love of art and newly learned traditions. Eighteen Flowers for Grandma is a gorgeous celebration of family, culture, and the enduring bond between generations. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Halima, Superhero Princess
by Emily Joof

Halima can’t decide who to dress up as for her friend’s birthday party. Should she be a princess like Elsa, or a sort-of superhero like Pippi Longstocking? “You can’t be either,” her friends tell her, “because you don’t look like them.” Mama assures Halima can be whoever she wants to be, and together they discover more strong, brave women to look up to. Can Halima find the confidence to become her own unique superhero princess? Halima, Superhero Princess is an energetic and empowering picture book about overcoming self-doubt and embracing your unique identity. Includes portraits of Amanda Gorman, Beyoncé, Kamala Harris, Lupita Nyong’o, Malala Yousafzai, Misty Copeland, and many more superhero women. ~ African – Elementary School

Daughter of the Light-Footed People
by Belen Medina

From the copper canyons of Mexico, her swift footsteps echo. Clip clap, clip clap. Experience a sixty-mile run with Indigenous athlete Lorena Ramírez. She runs in the traditional clothes of the Rarámuri, “the light-footed people,” to show that her people and their way of life are alive and thriving—outpacing runners in modern, high-tech gear and capturing the world’s attention. Daughter of Light-Footed People tells the story of famous ultramarathon runner Lorena Ramírez, an Indigenous Rarámuri athlete from Mexico who is internationally known for winning ultramarathons in her traditional skirts and rubber sandals.

Cicely Tyson
by Renee Watson

Cicely Tyson was born in New York City to parents originally from the Islands. No matter where she was, Cicely always carried light within her, a light that she let shine. After many years of discovering herself, Cicely finally found where her light could shine the brightest and touch others: in film. Spinning gorgeous verse, and weaving in the history of Black America, Cicely Tyson introduces children to Cicely’s world—the world that shaped a woman who went on to bring unparalleled grace to the stage and screen. Young readers will be inspired by Cicely Tyson’s life and adult fans will marvel at this stunning keepsake. ~ African – Elementary School

A Diver Like Me
by Sanaa Chege

Meet Sanaa, a young Black girl who is passionate about honing her diving skills. How does she do it? With a dedicated focus, along with tons of practice and teamwork! Sanaa thinks that diving could become a favorite sport for many young people of color. She hopes that sharing her amazing experiences will help spread the word. A Diver Like Me follows Sanaa and her supportive family members as they enter the exciting world of competitive diving while getting to know other like-minded families. ~ African – Elementary School

Willis Watson Is a Wannabe
by Carmen Bogan

Gramps says, “When you grow up, Willis Watson, you can be whatever you want to be, if you wanna be. A real somebody!” But the cool guys in third grade tell Willis there are no superheroes in their neighbourhood and hoping to be more than what you see is just “wannabe wack.” But when Willis’s gramps falls ill and he visits him at the hospital, Willis sees real superheroes all around him: Dr. Collins, who helps Gramps get better; the lady who serves hot lunches to kids; and even a courageous navy officer just like Gramps. Seeing so many of his neighbours take care of one another helps Willis finally believe he can be whatever he wants to be, a real somebody. Willis Watson Is A Wannabe is a sweet and empowering picture book about a young boy who discovers there are real, everyday heroes all around him. ~ African – Elementary School

Next Level: A Hymn in Gratitude for Neurodiversity
by Samara Cole Doyon

Told from the loving perspective of a mother of a child with autism, Next Level shows the full humanity of people who move through the world and communicate in their own unique, complete, and powerful way. Doyon’s powerful love letter to her son invites us to “level up” and see our shared humanity in new and limitless dimensions. From the award-winning team behind Magnificent Homespun Brown, comes a song of gratitude for those who see the world in a different way. ~ African – Elementary School

Miss Edmonia’s Class of Wildfires
by Victoria Scott-Miller

Miss Edmonia (a nod to American sculptor, Edmonia Lewis) and her class of elementary aged wildfires are spending the day at the art museum. Follow Kara-Clementine and Attilio as they explore the museum’s collection and discover the character traits that make them special. Miss Edmonia’s Class of Wildfires is part of the The Museum Lives in Me picture book series that explores concepts of self-discovery, identity, empowerment, and the power of art, as inspired by our world’s museums and the collections within them. Each book follows a fictional story that features a diverse classroom of children and their teacher as they visit a specific museum, and various sub-stories of emotional growth unfold as each child becomes awestruck and engaged with the exhibits they see. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now!
by C. Colvin & P. Hoose

Montgomery, Alabama 1955. Fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin is tired. Tired of white people thinking they’re better than her. Tired of going to separate schools and separate bathrooms. Most of all, she’s tired of having to give up her seat on the bus whenever a white person tells her to. She wants freedom NOW! But what can one teenager do? On a bus ride home from school one day, young Claudette takes a stand for justice and refuses to get up from her seat―nine months before Rosa Parks will become famous for doing the same. What follows will not only transform Claudette’s life but the course of history itself. In the words of Claudette Colvin herself, I want Freedom NOW! is an empowering story that illustrates how one simple act of courage can create real and lasting change. ~ African – Elementary School

Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater
by Hadley Davis & Zahra Lari

After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she’s too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don’t look like her… not yet at least! Young readers follow Zahra’s story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink… and as she repeatedly says ”not yet” to naysayers — including herself — who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream. An inspiring tale of self-empowerment and perseverance as we see the refrain — not yet — grow from a low, meek mumble to a mantra and promise filled with determination. Not Yet is universal story about courage and determination that is loosely based on the life of five-time Emirati National Champion, Zahra Lari, who was the first figure skater to compete internationally in a hijab. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Kamau and ZuZu Find a Way
by Aracelis Girmay

One day, young Kamau and his grandmother ZuZu wake up to find themselves on the moon. Kamau doesn’t remember Back Home, but Grandma ZuZu does, and she misses it terribly. Together, through cloth scraps and dance, letters and song, Kamau and ZuZu find a way to make a new life for themselves in this strange land: a new life which is not only rooted in the stories, memories, and traditions that ZuZu always carries with her, but which also lovingly reaches out across the vast expanse of space to connect and communicate with the family from which they’ve been separated. Kamau and ZuZu Find a Way is a stirring story of African diaspora, resourcefulness, and intergenerational love. ~ African – Elementary School

Dominique’s Thrifted Treasures
by Margrett McBride

When Pawpaw moves in, he shows Dominique a whole new meaning of hand-me-down clothes. On a walk through their neighbourhood, they meet the former owner of each quirky, thrifted find and hears a memory associated with the clothing. They make stops at the barbershop and the local ice cream parlour and, along the way, meet community members who are surprised but pleased to see their previous belongings sported by Dominique. Featuring a nonbinary child who uses they/them pronouns and their grandfather, Dominique’s Thrifted Treasures highlights the subtle and sometimes surprising threads that connect us to our neighbours while touching on economic issues faced by low-income and multi-generational households. ~ African – Elementary School

The Little Regent
by Yewande Daniel-Ayoade

After the king of a West African village dies, his eight-year-old daughter Abioye is made the temporary ruler until a new king is chosen. The chiefs scoff at this decision—a little girl can’t be regent! Even Abioye herself doubts whether she’s up to the task. But her late father’s words of wisdom comfort and guide her: Those who will rule must first learn to serve. When Abioye hears about the villagers’ dried-up well, their leaky boats, and their hungry children, she decides to devote herself to helping them instead of attending stuffy meetings with the chiefs. With her ideas and support, the village flourishes. But as the villagers praise her leadership, the chiefs complain that she is abandoning her duties, and announce that it’s time for a new king. When the time comes for the villagers to vote for their new ruler, they reject all the other candidates and crown Abioye instead, making her the first female king the village has ever had! The Little Regent is a highly original, uplifting feminist story about breaking from tradition and leading with your heart. ~ African – Elementary School

Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor
by Srividhya Venkat

“My only aim in life is that every child is free to be a child.” Kailash Satyarthi has fought injustice his whole life. As a young boy, he raised money so poor children could attend school. When he was a teen, he combatted caste discrimination by sharing a meal with “untouchables.” And as an adult, he fought against child labor and for increased education, ultimately rescuing hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. Seeker of the Truth is an inspiring picture book that shows that anyone can strive for change in their community that make a big difference around the world. ~ Asian – Elementary School

We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America
by Joanna Ho

In Joanna Ho’s true classic style, she creates a poetic ode that celebrates Asian American communities and their history. We Who Produce Pearls, is an anthem for Asian America that celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of our self worth, our legacy and most of all, our destiny. The bright and bold illustrations bring to light the strength and power within us all, creating a mesmerizing, stunning, and magical masterpiece that proves how we can shape our pain and struggle into one of joy and power. Together, Joanna and Amanda remind readers to rise up, speak out, and step into power. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Zion’s Crown
by Zenda Walker

Zion and his younger brother have an experience at school that makes them reject their cultural hairstyles. But when Dad takes them on a journey to understand the significance of each style, Zion and Zayn’s world will never be the same. Gorgeously illustrated Zion’s Crown is an empowering story about two young Black boys who learn to be proud of their hair and the way they wear it. Includes a tutorial on creating Zion’s cornrow style along with a useful glossary of terms for parents and educators to reference when reading the book with children. ~ African – Elementary School

Also available: Zara’s Wash Day

Circle of Love
by Monique Gray Smith

Everyone is welcome in the circle. Join Molly at the Intertribal Community Center, where she introduces young readers to people she knows and loves: her grandmother and her grandmother’s wife, her uncles and their baby, her cousins, and her treasured friends. They dance, sing, garden, learn, pray, and eat together. And tonight, they come together for a feast! Molly shares with the reader how each person makes her feel—and reminds us that love is love. With tender prose and radiant artwork, Circle of Loveis a story celebrating family, friends, community, and, most of all, love. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

I’ll See You in Ijebu
by Bunmi Emenanjo

An 8-year-old Catholic girl growing up in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria takes a trip to spend a week with her Muslim extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Her days in Ijebu are filled with celebrations, traditions and special time connecting with family. With breathtaking illustrations and poetic writing, I’ll See You in Ijebu draws the reader into the sensory experience of celebrating Eid in Nigeria, while detailed backmatter includes information about Nigeria and Eid al-Adha, recipe for Nigerian puff puff and more. ~ African – Elementary School

Stacey Speaks Up
by Stacey Abrams

Stacey and her friends can’t wait for lunchtime on Friday, also known as TacoPizza FryDay! But when Stacey discovers that some of her classmates can’t afford to eat lunch, she loses her appetite. She knows she has to do something . . . but what can a kid do? Plenty, as it turns out! With the help of their community, Stacey and her friends devise a plan to make their voices heard. Inspired by Stacey Abrams’s legacy of grassroots activism and advocacy, Stacey Speaks Up! is a story about how everyone has the power to make a difference. ~ African – Elementary School

A Voice of Hope: The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story
by Nadia Salomon

Born into the segregated South, Myrlie Evers-Williams’ dream of playing music onstage seemed out of reach. But this didn’t stop her. As she grew up, she marched for equal rights alongside her husband and activist, Medgar Evers. She fought against Jim Crow laws and for voting rights. She became the chair of the NAACP, and finally she realized her dream of performing at Carnegie Hall. As a voice for hope and change, Myrlie spoke at President Obama’s second inauguration, inspiring a nation. With lyrical text and exquisite artwork, A Voice of Hope celebrates the legendary life of Myrlie Evers-Williams and shares her message of hope with the world. ~ African – Elementary School

We Miss You, George Floyd
by Shannon Gibney

A young Black girl in Minneapolis hears about an unfolding tragedy in her neighborhood. It’s on the news, on the radio, and talked about in her community, and she learns of the murder of George Floyd—and about who he was. As she tries to reckon with the senseless violence of his killing, she finds solace at George Floyd Square. The space is filled with the art of protest and resistance, and she is moved to create her own signs and drawings, lifting her voice to harmonize with the outpouring: “We miss you, George Floyd.” With striking illustrations reflecting Floyd’s world and a child’s perspective, We Miss You, George Floyd is a clear-eyed account that offers healing and inspiration for the strength and solidarity we need to build a more peaceful and just future. ~ African – Elementary School

I Am Salsa
by Jackie Azúa Kramer

Each Saturday night, Marisol’s family comes together to salsa! Everyone—from Mami and Papi to primos, abuelos, and tías—twirls and sways to the catchy rhythm. But ever since Marisol was a baby, her clumsy feet get twisted, and her moves get mixed up. It’s better if she just sits and watches everybody else dance. Though, with a little help from Papi and some encouragement from her whole family, maybe Marisol can learn to feel the beat of the instruments from around the world. I Am Salsa is a heartfelt story about confidence, family, and the music and culture of salsa. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

The Night Market
by Seina Wedlick

The Night Market is here again, and all one girl needs is a bag of gold coins to enter. The market is alive with the sound of hawkers and traders. “A taste of tangy sweetness!” hollers a man behind a towering fountain of lemonade. “I’ll trade you a joke for a coin,” a little boy calls. “Home grown spices!” shouts a granny at a counter. What should the girl buy? But, wait! Do you hear that? It’s the sound of an old African drum. Have a turn, then learn to make cards disappear when you shout Abracadabra! When the sun starts to rise and the night market winds down, the girl has one gold coin left—just enough to buy a return ticket to the night market. With stunning illustrations, The Night Market is an enchanting book about curiosity and the wonders that lie hidden in plain sight. ~ African – Elementary School

The Sole Man: Jan Matzeliger’s Lasting Invention
by Shana Keller

In 1873, at the age of 21, Jan Ernst Matzeliger immigrated to America, having left all that was familiar behind in South America. Though he had no formal training, he was highly skillful with tools and machinery, having worked in his father’s mechanic shops. But no one wanted to hire a Black immigrant who didn’t speak English. Yet Jan didn’t give up and finally got a job at a shoe factory. As Jan learned the process and craft of shoemaking, he envisioned a machine that would help produce more shoes more efficiently. Despite many obstacles, after years of planning, drawing, and experimenting, Jan is finally ready to present his invention that will change the shoe industry forever. Gorgeously illustrated The Sole Man tells the little-known story of Jan Matzeliger and his invention. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Where?
by Jordan Collins

“I am from children of millions of years, a time line of humanity. / I am from this planet and all others.” When a child is once again on the receiving end of the dreaded question “Where are you from?” their answer takes readers on an intergalactic journey through the cosmos. Traveling across space and time, past collapsing stars and nebulae, the young narrator reminds us not of our differences but of our shared humanity. With poetic prose and stunning illustrations Where? celebrates our intricate and beautiful connections with one another. ~ African – Elementary School

The Last Tamale
by Orlando Mendiola

It’s the best day of the year—tamale day. Luis and his family have been making and eating tamales all day. But when Luis, Jacob, and Letty all want the last tamale, there’s only one way to choose a winner… a tamale battle! Round one: Dance Battle. Round Two: Lucha Libre Match. Round Three: Arm Wrestle with Abuelita. Who will get the last tamale? The Last Tamale is a delightful celebration of family, food, and friendly competition. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

She Spoke Too: 14 More Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World
by Kathy MacMillan

When the world tells you to stay quiet, do you listen, or do you speak up? In She Spoke Too: 14 More Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World, with the touch of a button readers can hear Mother Jones (Mary Harris Jones), Gerda Weissmann Klein, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Judy Heumann, LaDonna Harris, Antonia Hernández, Dr. Mae Jemison, Jacinda Ardern, Zuzana Caputová, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Kamala Harris, Maria Ressa, Shamsia Hassani, and Greta Thunberg. Through succinct profiles, stunning and the original voices of these international women, this sequel to the acclaimed She Spoke will inspire readers of all ages to share their own truths and change the world. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom
by Lesa Cline-Ransome

An enslaved young man known as Teach secretly learned to read, write, and use numbers growing up alongside the master’s son. And although on this Southern plantation these are skills he can never flaunt, he teaches kids the alphabet in the corner stall of a stable and holds moonlit sessions where men scratch letters in the dirt. He deciphers a discarded letter bearing news of Yankee soldiers and forges a pass for a woman on a perilous journey north. And on Sundays, Teach cross the swamp to a hidden cabin where he reads aloud to the congregation. They Call Me Teach is a stirring book that honours the bravery and generosity of spirit behind countless untold acts of resistance during the time of slavery. An author’s note highlights the vital role of literacy and education toward freedom, both historically and to the present day. ~ African – Elementary School

My Hair Is a Book
by Maisha Oso

“My hair is a book. / Watch me open it, / part it, / take a look.” Black hair has been telling stories for generations, from ponytails of ancient tribes and Nubian vibes to corn rows that mapped paths to freedom for enslaved Africans. There have been stories about dance with styles that twist and swoop and the sweetest stories of Cinna-buns and Afro puffs made perfect in the hottest kitchens. In each of these stories, one notion rings true: Black hair is everything—rich with history, a thesaurus, an atlas, and more, telling of truth, trials, and undeniable beauty. With powerful text and expressive illustrations, My Hair Is A Book captures the beauty of Black hair. ~ African – Elementary School

Leo’s First Vote!
by Christina Soontornvat

Leo’s dad is voting in his first election as a naturalized US citizen, and he promises to take Leo to the polls with him. Leo can’t wait! But, after his cousin Ray casts doubt on the importance of a single vote, it’ll take Leo’s class mock election results, as well as a talk with his dad to convince him that each and every vote matters. Leo’s First Vote is a lively picture book that shows kids how citizens decide who will be in charge, hitting key moments in an election, from voter registration to polling places, to staying in line, and features extensive backmatter for kids who want to dig deeper. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story
by Mavasta Honyouti

When Mavasta Honyouti was a boy he would go with his grandfather to their cornfield, watching him nurture every plant. During breaks, his grandfather would take out a piece of paako root and use his pocketknife to whittle away. He made beautiful carvings that Mavasta would later learn to do himself. But Mavasta would often wonder: what was his kwa’a like when he was a boy? And one day, he heard the story. Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story is a deeply personal book – written in both English and Hopi – that features sixteen stunning original painted wood carvings. It is an unforgettable testament to one man rising above a painful piece of history to keep the light of his family and culture alive. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

I, Too, Am Here
by Christie Morgan

The street a young girl lives on is made up of families from all over the world. Her family shares with her their stories of journey and struggle. Her own story begins here in this country, but she is sometimes made to feel she does not belong. She listens to her family’s voices. They tell her she will soar, they tell her she is beautiful. She listens and she says I, too, am here. Inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, “I, Too.”, I. Too, Am Here is a multigenerational story of immigration, racism, and what it truly means to belong. ~ African – Elementary School

Democracy!
by Philip Bunting

What you say (and how you say it) has the power to change the world. Democracy gives you that power. Democracy is people power. But does democracy really matter? How does it work? And what exactly is democracy, anyway?! Get set to speak up and learn how you can create positive change in your corner of the world. Democracy! is full of fascinating and engaging information about elections, voting and political systems, and provides young readers with easily digestible information about the importance of their voice. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Call Me Roberto!
by Nathalie Alfonso

Roberto Clemente always loved baseball. Growing up in Carolina, Puerto Rico, he swung tree branches (since he didn’t have a bat) and hit tin cans. His dedication paid off when, at the age of 19, he was tapped for a major league team. Months later, he finally got his chance with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Many Pittsburgh fans loved his bold style on the field, but not everyone was quick to embrace a Black man from Puerto Rico. Call Me Roberto! shows the emotional highs and lows of Roberto Clemente’s career as he fought racism—from fans, reporters, and other figures in the sport—to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Doña Fela’s Dream: The Story of Puerto Rico’s First Female Mayor
by Monica Brown

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city and was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. With stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico, Doña Fela’s Dream is an inspiring story of a visionary leader. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

The Rock in My Throat
by Kao Kalia Yang

“At first, no one noticed when I stopped talking at school.” In this moving true story, the authorshares her experiences as a young Hmong refugee navigating life at home and at school. Having seen the poor treatment her parents received when making their best efforts at speaking English, she no longer speaks at school. Kalia feels as though a rock has become lodged in her throat, and it grows heavier each day. Although the narrative is somber, it is also infused with moments of beauty, love, and hope. The Rock in My Throat is a story for anyone who has ever struggled to find their voice. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Outspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time
by Carole Boston Weatherford

Paul Robeson rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance, known for his extraordinary vocal, dramatic, and oratory skills. He displayed his talents on many stages: the pulpit where he filled in for his minister father; on debate, football, baseball, basketball, and track teams; in college and law school classrooms; on the theatrical stage and the silver screen; and behind the podium. Paul Robeson became internationally renowned as a singer and actor, and as his fame grew, so did his unflinching activism against racial injustice. With dynamic illustrations and poetic first-person narrative, interlaced with excerpts from African American spirituals, Outspoken is a moving biography about the iconic performer and political activist. ~ African – Elementary School

Mamie Takes a Stand
by Marie Chan

In the fall of 1884 in San Francisco, California, Mamie excitedly arrived for her first day at an American public school, only to find the principal blocking her way. Why? Because Mamie was Chinese. Thus began the Tape family’s yearlong struggle to secure Mamie’s right to attend public school. In the spring of 1885, Mamie’s case reached the California Supreme Court, who reaffirmed a lower court’s ruling that public schools should be open to children of all races. Mamie Takes A Stand tells the inspiring story of an eight-year-old Chinese American girl whose desire for knowledge and belonging led her family to fight for her right to attend public school in San Francisco. A~ Asian – Elementary School

What Jewish Looks Like
by L. Kleinrock & C.K. Pritchard

Too many Jews have been told: “You don’t look Jewish!” It begs the question, “What does Jewish look like?” Well, there are over fifteen million Jews in the world, which means there are more than fifteen million ways to look and be Jewish. It can look like setting out menorahs on tribal land, adding kimchi to the seder plate, organizing for change, and living out loud. Shining a light on Paralympians and chefs, anthropologists and activists, dancers and dreamers, the individuals in these pages represent a range of identities. What Jewish Looks Like is a powerful intersectional picture book anthology that celebrates thirty-six Jewish heroes. ~ Diverse – Elementary School