10+ Best Diverse Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for diverse books for 7-year-olds that celebrate a wide range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives? You've come to the right place! In today’s blog, we’ll explore a variety of captivating reads that are perfect for expanding young minds and fostering a love of reading. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of diverse books that are sure to resonate with your little ones and spark their curiosity about the world around them.

Fun Diverse Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young boy named CJ as he travels through the city with his grandmother after church. CJ learns to find beauty in the world around him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches appreciation of the small things in life and shows the importance of a positive perspective. The vibrant illustrations also enhance the storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy urban settings and learning about different perspectives.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a girl from Korea, is nervous about being accepted in her new American school, so she tells her classmates that she will choose an American name. The story unfolds as her classmates fill a jar with names for her to pick from.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of identity and acceptance, encouraging children to be proud of their origins and names.
  • Perfect for: Children who are navigating cultural differences and those learning about empathy and friendship.

• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Julian sees women dressed as mermaids on his subway ride and wants to dress up like one too. With the help of his abuela, he makes his own mermaid costume.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates individuality and self-expression, and it's a beautiful story about acceptance and unconditional love from family.
  • Perfect for: Creative children who dream big and anyone who loves a story about self-discovery and acceptance.

• Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family and wants to be beautiful and bright. One night, a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses colorism and self-esteem with a magical, heartwarming narrative that encourages children to see their own unique beauty.
  • Perfect for: Kids struggling with self-esteem and those interested in stories with a touch of magic.

• The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Faizah admires her older sister Asiya’s first day of wearing hijab. The story explores themes of pride, strength, and the bond between siblings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful introduction to cultural diversity and resilience against adversity, showcasing the power of family support.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories about cultural pride and those learning about different cultural expressions.

Educational Diverse Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mia's abuela has come to live with her, but they struggle to communicate because Mia speaks English and her abuela speaks Spanish. Together, they find a way to bridge the language gap.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Bilingual language skills, family bonding, cultural appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the challenges and rewards of multigenerational and multicultural families.
  • Perfect for: Children in bilingual families and young readers learning Spanish.

• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a young girl who feels different from her peers because of her background and experiences but learns to embrace her uniqueness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, self-acceptance, courage in social situations
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to find the beauty in being themselves and to connect with others by sharing their stories.
  • Perfect for: Kids feeling out of place or starting in a new environment.

• All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follows a day in the life of a diverse group of children at a welcoming school where everyone is accepted.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of diversity, social integration, acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a message of inclusivity and community in a school setting.
  • Perfect for: Young students and classrooms promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Omu shares her delicious stew with everyone in the neighborhood, but finds there's none left for herself, only to discover her community is more than willing to return her kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sharing, community awareness, gratitude
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the joy of sharing and community support through vibrant, collage-style illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning about generosity and community involvement.

• Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Cultural Heritage
  • Synopsis: Tells the story of a modern Native American family as they gather to make fry bread, a traditional food.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural heritage, family traditions, culinary skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a celebration of Native American culture, depicted through a simple, everyday activity that binds families and communities.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about traditions and those interested in stories about Native American culture.

Challenging Diverse Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story follows a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic becomes both a danger and a promise to the people around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative structures and introduces themes of sacrifice, power, and love, which are sophisticated for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, layered fantasy that encourages imagination and critical thinking about the consequences of actions and the nature of evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical stories and are ready for more complex themes.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this richly woven tale inspired by Chinese folklore, Minli sets out on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon to improve her family’s fortunes. Along the way, she meets magical creatures and discovers an extraordinary adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text integrates intricate folklore with a layered narrative that challenges readers to connect multiple stories and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with lessons about gratitude and determination, wrapped in a tapestry of vivid illustrations and stories-within-stories.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy myths and stories that teach important life lessons.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla, this novel explores his journey from content isolation in a shopping mall to his intense desire to find a better life for himself and his friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a first-person narrative from an animal’s perspective, exploring deep themes like captivity, friendship, and the right to freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking story that fosters empathy and awareness about animal rights and the power of resilience.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories told from unique perspectives.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote, wild island, she must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness. As she encounters various animals, she seeks to make friends and find her place in the natural world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines elements of technology and nature, prompting readers to think about the interaction between artificial intelligence and the environment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging tale that blends futuristic technology with timeless themes of survival, friendship, and what it means to be alive.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and nature lovers who are fascinated by the idea of robots and wildlife coexisting.

• Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Amina, a Pakistani-American girl, struggles with balancing her cultural identity and fitting in at school. When her local mosque is vandalized, she finds her voice and learns to stand up for her community and herself.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex issues of cultural identity, religion, and social dynamics in a way that is accessible yet thought-provoking for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a window into the challenges of growing up between two cultures and the power of finding one’s voice through adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers navigating their own cultural identities or those interested in learning about diverse perspectives and resilience.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying the rich diversity of books available, here are some fun and effective exercises to try out. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also broaden their understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by associating it with a cozy, enjoyable environment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book-Themed Days
  • What it is: Dedicate days to read books from different cultures or about different topics.
  • How it helps: Exposes children to a variety of subjects and cultural perspectives, enhancing empathy and knowledge.
  • Tips: Pair the reading with related activities like cooking a dish from the culture or creating an art project.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: After reading, discuss the book with your child focusing on its themes and characters.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to think deeply about the reading.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story's events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the structure of stories and aids in memory retention.
  • Tips: Use drawings or stickers to make the activity more engaging and fun.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Encourage your child to dress up as a favorite character from their diverse readings.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the book and enhances imaginative play.
  • Tips: Combine this with a small performance where they enact or discuss their character’s role in the story.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair your child with a friend or a family member for a shared reading session.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity, which can be more appealing to young children.
  • Tips: Choose books that are interesting to both reading buddies to keep their engagement high.

These exercises are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, helping your child to love reading and appreciate diversity from a young age. By incorporating these activities into their routine, you'll foster a lifelong love of reading and learning. Enjoy exploring new books and ideas together!