100 Best Multicultural Books of All Time (Updated for 2026)

1

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Vashti Harrison, Robin Miles, Bahni Turpin

5.0

Featuring forty trailblazing black women in American history, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of breaking boundaries and achieving beyond expectations. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, poli

Recommended by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins and Jess Wade.

Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins

An illustrated book about black history that illuminates black women’s specific role in driving change. [source]

Jess Wade

i love anything illustrated by @VashtiHarrison, including her best selling book Little Leaders (https://t.co/AwthrUqhCX). https://t.co/evkZIrsNqH [source]

2

Hair Love

Matthew A. Cherry, Vashti Harrison

5.0

When mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to do his daughter’s hair in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters from former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestseller Vashti Harrison.

Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When mommy does Zuri’s hair, she feels like a superhero. But wh

Recommended by Erika Harold, Mari Copeny, Simran Jeet Singh, and 1 others.

Erika Harold

As someone who was often told as a child that my natural hair was "bad hair," I love this new book celebrating natural curls! And as the Auntie of a niece who proudly rocks her natural curls, I love that "good hair" is now whatever hair you have. #HairLove 🙌🏽👩🏾‍🦱 @MatthewACherry https://t.co/vBZx6RvsCI [source]

Mari Copeny

@MatthewACherry @ScholasticEd That would be amazing. The kids LOVE that book. [source]

Simran Jeet Singh

and if you don't have it already, #hairlove is a beautiful book written by @MatthewACherry, illustrated by @VashtiHarrison, and published by @KokilaBooks. my daughtes and i read it together often. i highly recommend it. https://t.co/DruXegSEzv [source]

3

The Undefeated

Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson

4.9

This poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into

Recommended by Keith Smith and Krishna Grady.

Keith Smith

Happy Reading Across America Day!!! Today @lyndalemon blessed amandataney Aubrey, and I with the opportunity to read “The Undefeated” an amazing book on historic African Americans to her 4th grade class! Ms. Lemon… https://t.co/SkHr3aSDJp [source]

Krishna Grady

It’s about the contributions that African Americans have made to America and celebrating and exploring those. The poetry is striking and it’s such a perfect partnership between Kadir Nelson’s illustrations and Kwame Alexander’s words. It’s just this beautiful love letter to America. [source]

4

It's OK to be Different: A Children's Picture Book About Diversity and Kindness

Sharon Purtill

4.7

*Gold Award Winner, Literary Titan

It's OK to be Different written by Sharon Purtill and illustrated by Sujata Saha presents individuality. Everything about it is inspiring. Children will enjoy the fun and clever rhymes, as they are drawn in by the bright and cheerful illustrations. It is one of those books that both children and adults can enjoy, as it delivers the perfect message to young reader

5

Julián Is a Mermaid

Jessica Love

4.7

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic

Recommended by Joseph Coelho.

Joseph Coelho

This book celebrates the importance of allowing people to be themselves without judgment, without fear. Especially across generations. [source]

Cover unavailable

6

We're Different, We're the Same

Bobbi Kates and Joe Mathieu

4.7

Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside--but it's important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, wh

7

The Name Jar

Yangsook Choi

4.6

The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she?

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by t

8

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Kevin Noble Maillard, Juana Martinez-Neal

4.6

Fry bread is food.
It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.

Fry bread is time.
It brings families together for meals and new memories.

Fry bread is nation.
It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.

Fry bread is us.
It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.

Recommended by Bianca Schulze.

Bianca Schulze

First of all, the cover totally drew me in. Juana Martinez-Neal’s illustrations are always so warm and inviting and made me want to read it straight away. What I love about this book is that while it’s specifically a Native American family story, it really could be any family that is connecting and bonding over a tradition and over food. The text is brief and delightfully bubbles along, it’s poetic. Between the pictures and the words, you can imagine all the scrumptious food smells and the joy of the togetherness. [source]

9

I Love My Hair!

Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, E.B. Lewis

4.6

No matter how gently Mama pulls as she combs Keyana's hair, it still hurts. Keyana doesn't feel lucky to have such a head of hair, but Mama tells her she is because she can wear it any way she chooses.

10

Last Stop on Market Street

Matt de la Peña, Christian Robinson

4.5

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around the

11

Sulwe

Lupita Nyong'o and Vashti Harrison

4.5

A picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

12

Front Desk (Scholastic Gold)

Kelly Yang

4.5

Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!

* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.

Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its gue

Recommended by Todd Nesloney.

Todd Nesloney

I don’t know why it took me so long to get around to reading #FrontDesk but WOW! This book was full of so much heart and I shed tears throughout. A must read for sure. Get yours here: https://t.co/qstKk5KzOT #SparksInTheDark #kidlit #affiliatelink https://t.co/9fmAWu8a8b [source]

Cover unavailable

13

Whoever You Are

Mem Fox and Leslie Staub

4.5

Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations. At a time when, unfortunately, the lessons of tolerance st

14

Inside Out & Back Again

Thanhhà Lai

4.5

For all the ten years of her life, Hà has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, Hà discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of

15

Brown Girl Dreaming

Jacqueline Woodson

4.5

Jacqueline Woodson, one of today's finest writers, tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse.

Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touchi

Recommended by Barack Obama.

Barack Obama

Former USA President

In November 2014, Obama took a trip to D.C. independent bookstore Politics and Prose to honor small businesses and add to his personal library. Accompanied by daughters Malia and Sasha, POTUS picked up novels from the Redwall fantasy series by Brian Jacques, as well as some from the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park. He also added this title to his heavy bags. [source]

16

Genesis Begins Again

Alicia D. Williams

4.4

A Newbery Honor Book
Winner of the Correta Scott King - John Steptoe for New Talent Author Award
A Morris Award Finalist
An NPR Favorite Book of 2019
A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2019
A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019

This deeply sensitive and powerful debut novel tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive fami

Recommended by Krishna Grady.

Krishna Grady

Genesis Begins Again, we would say, is for 12 years and up. This book is definitely hard-hitting. The book tells the story of a 13-year-old called Genesis, who deals with colorism, self-loathing and problems like her father’s gambling and alcoholism. It’s just a really, really powerful book that I think kids in this age range haven’t really seen before. It really opened up questions and we thought it was beautifully written. [source]

Cover unavailable

17

Ada Twist, Scientist

Andrea Beaty, David Roberts

4.4

Scientist Ada has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scienti

18

Don't Touch My Hair!

Sharee Miller

4.4

An entertaining picture book that teaches the importance of asking for permission first as a young girl attempts to escape the curious hands that want to touch her hair.

It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she’s chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens…un

19

Brave Men in Black History

Vashti Harrison

4.4

New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Vashti Harrison shines a bold, joyous light on black men through history.
This beautifully illustrated volume educates and inspires as it relates true stories of black men in history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible full-color art bring to life both iconic and lesser-known figures.
Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and arti

20

Dream Big, Little One

Vashti Harrison

4.4

This beautifully illustrated book showcases women who changed the world.

Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little Leader is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.

Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things -- bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to

21

Those Shoes

Maribeth Boelts, Noah Z. Jones

4.4

"In this witty, wise picture book, Boelts presents a kid’s-eye view of a
consumer fad that rages through school at gale force." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he

Recommended by Todd Nesloney.

Todd Nesloney

I love the book #ThoseShoes sooooo much. This is a book that needs to be in every classroom. Especially during this season of the year. Get yours here: https://t.co/NmMaZR0y0b #affiliatelink #kidlit #sparksinthedark #kidsdeserveit https://t.co/GaoNZE4ItA [source]

22

The Colors of Us

Karen Katz

4.4

A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective.

Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades.

Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrat

23

Teach Your Dragon About Diversity: Train Your Dragon To Respect Diversity. A Cute Children Story To Teach Kids About Diversity and Differences. (My Dragon Books)

Steve Herman

4.3

Having a pet dragon is very fun.

He can sit, roll over, and play…

He can candle a birthday cake, lit a campfire, or so many other cool things…

But what if your dragon is sad because he is DIFFERENT than his friends?

What if he feel bad that his skin is red, and is not like any of his friends?

What if he’s worried that none of his friend has wings, tails and scales like him?

What if he’s so nervous

24

National Parks of the U.S.A.

Kate Siber, Chris Turnham

4.3

Take a tour of America's great outdoors and discover the beauty and diversity of its most iconic and majestic national parks. Explore Florida's river-laced Everglades, travel down the white water rapids of the Grand Canyon, trek across the deserts of Death Valley and scale the soaring summits of the Rocky Mountains with this book that brings you up close to nature's greatest adventures. Packed wit

Recommended by Seth Haber.

Seth Haber

When we first encountered this book we immediately knew it was one of the best children's books about the great outdoors that we had ever seen. Find it under the books section in our shop. Photo by @audreyburk #treklightgear https://t.co/0FkxFgeP3f [source]

25

Full, Full, Full of Love

Trish Cooke and Paul Howard

4.3

Warm, welcoming illustrations spice up this rhythmical ode to the joys of family and food - full, full, full of pleasures for all.

For the youngest member of an exuberant extended family, Sunday dinner
at Grannie’s can be full indeed - full of hugs and kisses, full of tasty dishes, full to the brim with happy faces, and full, full, full of love. With a special focus on the bond between little Jay J

26

Ghost Boys

Jewell Parker Rhode

4.3

Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that’s been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing.

Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. Emmett helps Jerome process what has happened, o

27

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story

Rebecca Langston-George

4.3

She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban's rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl named Malala changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference.

Cover unavailable

28

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

4.3

29

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Bonnie Bader, Who HQ, Elizabeth Wolf

4.3

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was soon organizing black people across the country in support of the right to vote, desegregation, and other basic civil rights.

Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice until

Recommended by Patrick Betdavid.

Patrick Betdavid

@kobebryant Great recommendation. It’s a great book for adults just as much as it is for kids. [source]

30

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

Sonia Sotomayor, Rafael López

4.3

Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.

In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child

31

Listening With My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-Compassion

Gabi Garcia and Ying Hui Tan

4.3

When Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn’t go the way she’d imagined, will she remember to give it to herself?

In today’s hypercompetitive world, kids often internalize the message that their worth is attached to their accomplishments and that messing up is something to be ashamed of, rather than a n

32

Coloring and Activity Fun Book by J.D.Wright

J. D. Wright

4.3

33

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Méndez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

Duncan Tonatiuh

4.3

Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Méndez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Méndez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filing a lawsuit in federal district court. Their success

34

I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids

Gabi Garcia

4.3

Introduces children to the practice of listening to their quiet voice inside and using mindful affirmations to support them in navigating hard situations.

35

Kindness Snippet Jar

Diane Alber

4.3

Cover unavailable

36

A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland (American Girl: A Girl Named)

Kelly Starling Lyons and Melissa Manwill

4.3

The A Girl Named series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary American women. Misty Copeland became the first African American Female Principal Dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, but how did she get there? A Girl Named Misty describes the defining moments that made up her childhood and adolescence with full-color illustrations throughout. In addition to

37

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Ellen Levine, Kadir Nelson

4.3

A stirring, dramatic story of a slave who mails himself to freedom by a Jane Addams Peace Award-winning author and a Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist.

Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. All the time he dreams about freedom, but that dream seems farther away than ever when he is torn from his family and put to work in a warehouse. Henry grows up

38

Esperanza Rising

Pam Muñoz Ryan

4.2

Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico--she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When thei

39

One Crazy Summer (Gaither Sisters, #1)

Rita Williams-Garcia

4.2

In the summer of 1968, after travelling from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they barely know, eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters arrive to a cold welcome as they discover that their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, is resentful of the intrusion of their visit and wants them to attend a nearby Black Panther summer camp.

In a humorous and brea

Cover unavailable

40

The Other Side

Jacqueline Woodson, E. B. Lewis

4.2

Clover's mom says it isn't safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups' rules by sitting on top of the fence together.

With the addition of a brand-new author's note, this special edition celebrates the tenth anniversary of this classic book. As always, Woodso

41

The Dot

Peter H Reynolds

4.2

With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark -- and follow where it takes us.

Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."

Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herse

42

Jabari Jumps

Gaia Cornwall

4.2

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Ja

43

Skin Like Mine

LaTashia M. Perry

4.2

From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry.

44

Piecing Me Together

RenÃ©e Watso

4.2

A timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renée Watson.

Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportuni

45

Who Is Michael Jordan?

Kirsten Anderson

4.2

Grab your Js and hit the court with this Who Was? biography about NBA superstar Michael Jordan.

Meet the man who changed the game forever. Michael Jordan has always been competitive--even as a young boy, he fought for attention. His need to be the best made him a star player on his college basketball team and helped him become an NBA legend, both for his skills and his endorsements. His Nike cont

46

Abuela

Arthur Dorros

4.2

While riding on a bus with her grandmother, a little girl imagines that they are carried up into the sky and fly over the sights of New York City.

47

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (Tristan Strong #1)

Kwame Mbalia

4.2

Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he’s going to spend on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he’s being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night there, a sticky creature sho

48

I Am Rosa Parks

Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos

4.2

"We can all be heroes" is the message entertainingly told in this picture-book biography series from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Brad Meltzer.

"Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it," Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography - for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a v

49

Chains (Seeds of America, #1)

Laurie Halse Anderson

4.2

As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Pa

50

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment

Parker Curry

4.2

A New York Times bestseller!

A visit to Washington, DC’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait.

When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dyn

51

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

Helaine Becker, Tiemdow Phumiruk

4.2

The story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the book and film Hidden Figures.

You've likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home?

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, th

52

I am Martin Luther King, Jr.

Brad Meltzer

4.2

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer.

Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for

53

Amazing Grace

Mary Hoffman, Caroline Binch

4.2

Grace loves stories, whether they're from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells. When her school decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace longs to play the lead, but her classmates point out that Peter was a boy. Besides, he wasn't black.

With the support of her family, Grace learns that she can be anything she wants to be, and the results are amazing!

Remarkable watercolor illustrations give

54

Happy in Our Skin

Fran Manushkin and Lauren Tobia

4.2

Is there anything more splendid than a baby's skin? For families of all stripes comes a sweet celebration of what makes us unique--and what holds us together.

Look at you!
You look so cute
in your brand-new birthday suit.

Just savor these bouquets of babies--cocoa-brown, cinnamon, peaches and cream. As they grow, their clever skin does too, enjoying hugs and tickles, protecting them inside and out,

55

Hidden Figures

Margot Lee Shetterly

4.2

Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award–nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and illustrator Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers!

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good.

They participated in some of N

56

Dancing in the Wings

Debbie Allen, Kadir Nelson

4.2

Sassy worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream of becoming a star ballerina. So for now she's just dancing in the wings, watching from behind the curtain, and hoping that one day it will be her turn to shimmer in the spotlight. When the director of an important dance festival comes to audition her class, Sassy's first attempts to get his a

57

The Princess and the Pea

Rachel Isadora

4.1

When a prince sets out to find a princess to marry, he soon discovers this is not a simple task. There is no shortage of so-called princesses, but how can he tell whether or not they are what they claim to be? Then one night a great storm rages, there comes a knock on the palace gate, and the prince?s life is never the same . . .

Cover unavailable

58

We Are Water Protectors

Carole Lindstrom

4.1

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And

59

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James

4.1

The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take n

Cover unavailable

60

A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America

Ronald Takaki

4.1

The "brilliant revisionist history of America" (Publishers Weekly) that dramatically retells our nation's story from the perspective of minorities.
Upon its first publication, A Different Mirror was hailed by critics and academics everywhere as a dramatic new retelling of our nation's past. Beginning with the colonization of the New World, it recounted the history of America in the voice of the n

61

Who Was Rosa Parks?

Yona Zeldis McDonough, Who HQ, et al.

4.1

In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This seemingly small act triggered civil rights protests across America and earned Rosa Parks the title "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." This biography has black-and-white illustrations throughout.

Cover unavailable

62

Saturday

Oge Mora

4.1

In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what’s best about Saturdays: precious time together.

Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don’t work out exactly the way you expect….

In this heartfelt and universal story, a mothe

63

What Was the Underground Railroad?

Yona Zeldis McDonough

4.1

No one knows where the term Underground Railroad came from--there were no trains or tracks, only "conductors" who helped escaping slaves to freedom. Including real stories about "passengers" on the "Railroad," this book chronicles slaves' close calls with bounty hunters, exhausting struggles on the road, and what they sacrificed for freedom. With 80 black-and-white illustrations throughout and a s

64

Who Was Harriet Tubman?

Yona Zeldis McDonough

4.1

Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman knew first-hand what it meant to be someone's property; she was whipped by owners and almost killed by an overseer. It was from other field hands that she first heard about the Underground Railroad which she travelled by herself north to Philadelphia. Throughout her long life (she died at the age of ninety-two) and long after the Civil War brought an end to

65

Let the Children March

Monica Clark-Robinson

4.1

I couldn't play on the same playground as the white kids.
I couldn't go to their schools.
I couldn't drink from their water fountains.
There were so many things I couldn't do.

In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from whi

66

Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?

Patrice McLaurin, Dian Wang, et al.

4.1

Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? is a journey into the often forgotten contributions of African-American inventors, that contributed to the American landscape. It chronicles the school day of a little boy, highlighting different inventions that he uses throughout the day, all of which were invented by African-Americans. The book comes complete with brief biographies about each inventor as well

67

One Love: (Multicultural Childrens Book, Mixed Race Childrens Book, Bob Marley Book for Kids, Music Books for Kids)

Cedella Marley

4.1

Adapted from one of Bob Marley's most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics of his music to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her community to help transform her neighborhood for the better. Adapted by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's first child, and gorgeously illu

68

Thank You, Omu!

Oge Mora

4.1

A generous woman is rewarded by her community in this remarkable author-illustrator debut that's perfect for the Thanksgiving season, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street.

Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she

Cover unavailable

69

Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes

Roseanne Thong and John Parra

4.1

In this lively picture book, children discover shapes all around them: rectangles are ice-cream carts and stone metates, while triangles are slices of watermelon and quesadillas. Many of the featured objects are Latino in origin, and all are universal in appeal. With rich illustrations, a fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this playful concept book will reinforce the shapes fou

70

Seeds and Trees

Brandon Walden

4.1

Words are powerful. They can hurt or they can heal.

It’s time to tell a special tale that will warm the hearts of readers of all ages. Seeds and Trees revels in the power of words. It explores their effects on feelings and emotions. And it does so though the journey of two different seeds.

In Seeds and Trees, discover a young prince who gathers seeds both green and dark from those he encounters,

71

Mae Among the Stars

Roda Ahmed, Stasia Burrington

4.1

Inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison.

When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.

She wanted to be an astronaut.

Her mom told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determ

72

The King of Kindergarten

Derrick Barnes, Vanessa Brantley-Newton

4.1

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten.

The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancak

73

Harbor Me

Jacqueline Woodson

4.1

74

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People (ReVisioning American History for Young People Book 2)

Jean Mendoza, Debbie Reese, et al.

4.1

75

Juneteenth for Mazie (Fiction Picture Books)

Floyd Cooper

4.1

Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history — the day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.This beautiful story by award-winning author and illustrator Floyd Cooper will captivate both children and adults.

76

Multicultural Literature for Latino Bilingual Children: Their Words, Their Worlds

. Clark

4.1

While there are volumes that fall into the category of children s literature, there appears to be relatively few that explore the needs of bilingual learners and the linguistic and sociocultural context of Latino children s literature. This volume makes a needed contribution by addressing the social, cultural, academic, and linguistic needs of Latino bilingual learners who are still underserved th

77

Where Are You From?

Yamile Saied Méndez

4.1

This resonant picture book tells the story of one girl who constantly gets asked a simple question that doesn’t have a simple answer. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom—a book to share, in the spirit of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo.

When a girl is asked where she’s from—where she’s really from—none of her answers seems to be the right one.

Unsure about how to r

78

Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids

PhD Kimberly Brown Pellum

4.1

Bold, black women in science—where will their inspiration take you?

Throughout history, black women have blazed trails across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Black Women in Science brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds.

Black Women in Sc

79

The 50 States

Gabrielle Balkan

4.1

Be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of the United States in this curious collection of fact-filled maps. Explore thousands of wondrous locations and be awed by the achievements of hundreds of people who helped make America what it is today. Celebrate, explore, enjoy!

80

I Am Harriet Tubman

Brad Meltzer

4.1

Harriet Tubman's heroic and pivotal role in the fight against slavery is the subject of the fourteenth picture book in this New York Times bestselling biography series

This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, convers

81

Save Me a Seat

Sarah Weeks, Gita Varadarajan

4.1

Joe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they're both stuck in the same place: SCHOOL.

Joe's lived in the same town all his life, and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own.

Ravi's family just moved to America from India, and he's finding it pretty hard to figure out where he fits in.

Joe and Ravi don't think they have anything in common -- but soon

Cover unavailable

82

A Good Kind of Trouble

Lisa Moore Ramée

4.1

Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she’d also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead.)

But in junior high, it’s like all the rules have changed. Now she’s suddenly questioning who her best friends are and some people at school are sayi

83

Global Babies

The Global Fund for Children

4.1

Appealing photos of babies from seventeen cultures around the globe are woven together by simple narration. Global Babies presents children in cultural context. Diverse settings highlight specific differences in clothing, daily life, and traditions, as well as demonstrate that babies around the world are nurtured by the love, caring, and joy that surround them.

84

Train Your Angry Dragon (My Dragon Books #2)

Steve Herman

4.1

Teach Your Dragon To Be Patient.

Having a pet dragon is very fun.

But what do you do if he gets angry or upset? What do you do when your dragon lost his cool and wants to burn everything to the ground?

Get this book and learn how to train your angry dragon!

A must have book for children and parents to teach kids about emotions and anger management.

Fun, cute and entertaining with beautiful illustration

85

The Sign of the Beaver

Elizabeth George Spear

4.1

Twelve-year-old Matt is left on his own in the Maine wilderness while his father leaves to bring the rest of the family to their new settlement. When he befriends Attean, an Indian chief's grandson, he is invited to join the Beaver tribe and move north. Should Matt abandon his hopes of ever seeing his family again and go on to a new life?

86

I Love My Daddy Because...

Laurel Porter Gaylord, Ashley Wolff

4.1

The perfect board book for babies and toddlers to read with Dad!

"I love my daddy because he plays with me. . ."

This book begins with a heartwarming scene between a human parent and child, but moves on to loving care in many animal families. "He sings me songs," says a gray wolf cub. "He keeps me safe and warm," says a young penguin. Children will love reading about how baby animals spend time wit

87

I'm Mixed!

Maggy Williams and Elizabeth Hasegawa Agresta

4.1

Growing up as a biracial child, Maggy Williams had three options: she could identify as black, white, or mixed. She chose to embrace her multiracial heritage because she was taught that she could. Her hope is that this book will help children to realize that it is possible to integrate their multiple racial identities.
"I'm Mixed is a simple story which approaches how we describe ourselves from an

88

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Kadir Nelson

4.0

Kadir Nelson's Heart and Soul—the winner of numerous awards, including the 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award and Illustrator Honor, and the recipient of five starred reviews—now features eight pages of discussion and curriculum material.

The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toil

89

Gaither Sisters Trilogy Box Set: One Crazy Summer, P.S. Be Eleven, Gone Crazy in Alabama

Rita Williams-Garcia

4.0

All three books in the Coretta Scott King Award-winning series by New York Times-bestselling author Rita Williams-Garcia are now available in one beautiful, giftable box set!

Each humorous, unforgettable story follows the Gaither sisters as they grow up during one of the most tumultuous eras in recent American history, the 1960s. Read the adventures of eleven-year-old Delphine and her younger sist

90

Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two

Joseph Bruchac

4.0

Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years.

Joseph Bruchac

91

We Are Human Diversity & Acceptance Coloring Book (8.5 x 11)

ColoringBook.com

4.0

92

Who Is Barack Obama?

Roberta Edwards

4.0

As the world now knows, Barack Obama has made history as our first African-American president.

With black-and-white illustrations throughout, this biography is perfect for primary graders looking for a longer, fuller life story than is found in the author's bestselling beginning reader: Barack Obama: United States President.

93

Engaging with Multicultural YA Literature in the Secondary Classroom: Critical Approaches for Critical Educators

Ricki Ginsberg

4.0

With a focus on fostering democratic, equitable education for young people, Ginsberg and Glenn's engaging text showcases a wide variety of innovative, critical classroom approaches that extend beyond traditional literary theories commonly used in K-12 and higher education classrooms and provides opportunities to explore young adult (YA) texts in new and essential ways. The chapters pair YA texts w

94

Whose Toes Are Those?

Jabari Asim

4.0

A vibrant, playful verse that celebrates a beautiful brown baby's adorable little toes, for fans of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.

Who do you suppose has such fine toes?So brown and sweet. Who could have such darling feet?

Snuggle with a child on your lap with this cheerful rhyme inspired by the classic giggle-inspiring game of This Little Piggy. With lush, adorable pictures from New York

95

Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?

Sherri L. Smith

4.0

It's up, up, and away with the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American military pilots who helped the United States win World War II.

During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren't considered smart enough to become military pilots. After acquirin

96

President of the Whole Fifth Grade

Sherri Winston

4.0

Start counting your votes . . . and your friends.

When Brianna Justice's hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!

But when new student Jasmine Moon

Cover unavailable

97

The Parker Inheritance

Varian Johnson

4.0

The letter waits in a book, in a box, in an attic, in an old house in Lambert, South Carolina. It's waiting for Candice Miller.

When Candice finds the letter, she isn't sure she should read it. It's addressed to her grandmother, after all, who left Lambert in a cloud of shame. But the letter describes a young woman named Siobhan Washington. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfoldi

98

The Kindred Warrior's Captive Bride

Evangeline Anderson

4.0

Needrix is a Kindred warrior with a tragic past. After losing his pregnant mate during childbirth, he has sworn never to even look at another female again. So he tells himself to ignore the auction going on where a lovely young woman is being sold. But when Need's disgusting crewmate, a three-headed Trollox called Drung, starts bidding on her, he knows he can't abandon her to such a cruel fate. Ne

99

American History: A Visual Encyclopedia

DK and Smithsonian Institution

4.0

Uncover the key moments that shaped American history in this extensive history encyclopedia for children.

Get the background on the Battle of Yorktown and discover what started the American Revolution. Learn the legends of the Wild West. Relive the atmosphere of the "Roaring Twenties." Covering everything from the cultures of the first Native Americans right up to the events of the present day, Ame

100

Cooking Class Global Feast: 50 Around-the-World Recipes Kids Love to Cook

Deanna F. Cook

4.0