Here are a dozen Children’s books that feature diverse characters: from stories of the everyday and ordinary, to nonfiction accounts of real-life people, to books that celebrate the differences of people around the world.
Indigo Blume and the Garden City by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by JahSun
The power of one person to make a difference in her community is celebrated in Indigo Blume, the story of a girl who plants a rooftop garden and teaches her neighbors how to go green. Check out Kwame Alexander’s other titles, like The Crossover and Out of Wonder.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
In this multiple-award winning picture book, CJ and his nana ride a bus together. CJs discovers how his nana “always found beautiful where he never even thought to look.”
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
It’s Jabari’s turn to dive into the pool, but he’s not so sure. The tender advice from his dad helps him along: “It’s okay to feel a little scared. Sometimes, if I feel a little scared, I take a deep breath and tell myself I am ready. And you know what? Sometimes it stops feeling scary and feels like a little surprise.”
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This Caldecott Award-winning classic perfectly captures a child’s wonder at freshly fallen snow.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
A charming read-aloud book that features babies around the world, celebrating their differences while adorably reminding us of the joy all babies bring.
The Very Kind Rich Lady and Her One Hundred Dogs by Chinlun Lee
I love a true story, and this picture book is based on one. A kind, rich lady takes in 100 stray dogs. Seeing each dog illustrated and reading their names (twice!) is a real treat.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora
This is a beautiful, true story of Mary Walker, the nation’s oldest student who learned to read at the age of 116! Learn her life’s story and be inspired by her perseverance, dedication, and inspiring message: “You’re never too old to learn.”
Bee-Bim Bop! By Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Ho Baek Lee
This fun, rhyming book follows a hungry child as her mother prepares Bee-Bim Bop, a traditional Korean rice dish. Recipe included!
You Matter by Christian Robinson
This new book from Christian Robinson is so timely and impactful, beautifully showing different perspectives around the world, all echoing the book’s central message: you matter.
I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
A New York Times bestseller and award-winning picture book that celebrates loving yourself just as you are. “Like the trees, I’m here to grow…Like the heart, I’m here to love.”
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Learn about inspiring and important women in Black History, including Sojourner Truth, Katherine Johnson, and Maya Angelou. You can continue learning about bold, exceptional, and visionary leaders in her other books in this series.
Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Paul Howard
Sunday dinner at Gran’s house is full indeed. And her house is always full, full full – of hugs and kisses, tasty dishes, happy faces, and, most of all, love.
