In our on-going Diverse Kids’ Books guides, here’s a handful of new titles I wanted to share with you…
01. All You Need by Howard Schwartz; Illustrated by Jasu Hu. The simplest, yet most touching words with the beautiful watercolor illustrations create a masterpiece that deserves a spot on your shelf. The story features a young girl’s journey from China to the U.S. as she grows up along the way. (Tip: read the author’s and illustrator’s notes in the back!)
02. The Hair Book by LaTonya Yvette & Amanda Jane Jones. This book celebrates diversity through celebrating all different kinds of hair. “No matter your hair…you are welcome everywhere!” It comes in both board book and picture book versions.
03. The Little House of Hope by Terry Catasús Jennings; Illustrated by Raúl Colón. A powerful story of immigrants coming to the U.S. in search of hope while helping other immigrants on their way as well. It tells how a small house—la casita—brings safety and the feeling of “home” to three different families.
04. Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer; Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. A cute story that mixes your favorite characters from nursery-rhymes past to a diverse classroom in the present. Mary loves fashion and brings her accessories to class which helps others embrace the fun!
05. Little Guides to Great Lives: Frida Kahlo by Isabel Thomas; Illustrated by Marianna Madriz. This book series is for more advanced readers (ages 7 and up), and provides a detailed look into the history and culture as well as the works of each person highlighted. This book on Frida Kahlo is full of wonderful illustrations and information on her life, Mexico, and her beautiful works of art. It’s a great way to go into more details on historical figures your kids are interested in learning more deeply about!
06. Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang; Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. This is such a charming book about the uniting practice of drinking tea and the great hope of our children to find commonalities instead of differences. Luli is in daycare where none of the children speak English and all play alone. Until she has the idea to bring tea for everyone. When she announces the tea is ready in Mandarin, we learn the pronunciation is very similar to lots of other countries represented in the room. It’s a simple but moving story about small acts of kindness and looking and working to find commonalities with others.
P.S. See the past guides here and find most of our recommended diversity books on our Amazon list here!
