Through colorful illustrations and powerful words, important topics such as ethnicity to family life are brought to light and shared with children in the books below. Whether listed here or in the downloadable document, these titles have to do with diversity in its many forms.
Storyline Online - The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.
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Title |
Type |
Author |
Description |
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A Day's Work |
picture |
Eve Bunting |
young Mexican-American boy helps grandfather look for work as gardener |
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A Single Shard* |
chapter |
Linda Sue Park |
Young orphan boy in 12th Century Korea must prove himself to master potter |
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All Kinds of Families* |
picture |
Mary Ann Hoberman |
Author shows how families are a mix of loved ones - great for nontraditional and blended families |
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Alvin Ho Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things |
chapter |
Lenore Look |
An Asian-American second grader is scared of everything at school but is a hero at home |
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Bad Case of Stripes+ |
picture |
David Shannon |
A young girl becomes the laughing stock of her school when she develops stripes |
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Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) |
chapter |
Lisa Yee |
Bi-racial boy struggles with not following in his famous father's footsteps and making his own way |
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Bud, Not Buddy* |
chapter |
Christopher Paul Curtis |
African-American orphan in 1930's |
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Calling the Doves* |
picture |
Juan Felipe Herrera |
Autobiographical story about growing up as a son of migrant workers |
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Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream |
chapter |
Jenny Han |
Korean girl has lucky day but then her luck runs out |
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Crouching Tiger* |
picture |
Ying Chang Compestine |
A young Chinese boy is at first embarrassed by his visting grandfather's traditions |
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid |
chapter |
Jeff Kinney |
Boy is bullied by brother and others as he enters middle school as a weakling |
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Donavan's Double Trouble |
chapter |
Monalisa DeGross |
African American student struggles in school and uncle returns from war in wheelchair |
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Each Kindness* |
picture |
Jacqueline Woodson |
After a lesson in kindness, students realize their mistake in making fun of a new student |
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Flotsam* |
picture |
David Wiesner |
No words but shows how world is connected through a magical underwater camera |
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Fly Away Home |
picture |
Eve Bunting |
father and son live in the airport because they cannot afford a home |
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Ganesha's Sweet Tooth* |
picture |
Sanjay Patel |
Hindu mythology |
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Grandfather's Journey* |
picture |
Allen Say |
Talks about a man's love for two countries and desire to live in both (Japan and US) |
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Hiawatha and the Peacemaker |
picture |
Robbie Robertson |
Hiawatha translates for his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, to guide the warring Iroquois nations in 14th century. |
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I am Jazz* |
picture |
Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings |
transgender girl |
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I Have a Dream* |
picture |
Martin Luther King Jr |
famous speech brought to life by illustrations and highlights struggles |
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I, Too, Am America* |
picture |
Langston Hughes |
His famous poem illustrated to show it's meaning to children |
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Inside Out & Back Again + |
chapter |
Thanhha Lai |
The author share in verse her life as an immigrant from Vietnam |
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It’s a Small World |
picture |
Disney |
Famous song with illustrations to show |
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Joseph Had a Little Overcoat* |
picture |
Simms Taback |
Jewish Man repurposes his overcoat until he has no cloth left |
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Junebug |
chapter |
Alice Mead |
Ten year old African-American boy dreams of life away from the projects |
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Kamik's First Sled |
picture |
Matilda Sulurayok |
Inuit boy must learn how to train sled dog |
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Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match* |
picture |
Monica Brown |
Peruvian-Scottish-American girl |
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Mostly Monsterly* |
picture |
Tammi Sauer |
A monster discovers that she is different and likes it that way |
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Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters* |
picture |
John L. Steptoe |
cinderella story from Zimbabwe |
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My Brother Charlie* |
picture |
Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete |
A child shares about his autistic brother |
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Nasreen's secret school : a true story from Afghanistan* |
picture |
Jeanette Winter |
Based on a true story where a girl's parents are taken away by the Taliban |
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One Green Apple |
picture |
Eve Bunting |
Young Muslim girl struggles with being in new country |
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One hen : how one small loan made a big difference* |
picture |
Katie Smith Milway |
A boy buys a chicken through a local program and it makes all the difference for his family |
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Pink and Say* |
picture |
Patricia Polacco |
Two boys who are soldiers meet on a civil war battlefield. One is a black and the other white |
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry |
chapter |
Mildred D. Taylor |
African-American family struggles to stay together in the midst of racist attacks in 1930's |
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Round is a Mooncake |
picture |
Jenny Thong |
Chinese and American culture - different shapes |
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Sam and Charlie |
chapter |
Leslie Kimmelman |
Jewish children try to live by their religion's motto |
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Smoky Night* |
picture |
Eve Bunting |
Riots in LA help families from diverse backgrounds to see importance of getting along |
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Snowflake Bentley* |
picture |
Jacqueline Briggs Martin |
Young boy loves snow and discovers how unique each snowflake is inspite of being bullied by people in his small town |
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Something Beautiful |
picture |
Sharon Dennis Wyeth |
African American girl seeks something beautiful in her ugly neighborhood |
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Stellaluna+ |
picture |
Janell Cannon |
Little bat adopted and raised with baby birds that fly, eat and like different things |
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Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World |
chapter |
Sy Montgomery |
Biography about Temple Grandin who was diagonsed at 3 with autism and has revoluntionized how cattle are treated |
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Thank you, Mr. Falker+ |
picture |
Patricia Polacco |
Author shares her struggle as a child with dyslexia and a teacher that helped her |
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Trombone Shorty |
picture |
Troy Andrews |
Musician Troy Andrews shares how his childhood passion for the trombone led him to fulfill some amazing dreams. |
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The Good Luck Cat |
picture |
Joy Harjo |
Native American story about good luck cat that seems to lose her luck |
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The Kissing Hand+ |
picture |
Audrey Penn |
A young raccoon faces change and is afraid but his mother helps him learn how to cope with it |
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The Snowy Day* |
picture |
Ezra Jack Keats |
how snow transforms a city |
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The Umbrella Queen* |
picture |
Shirin Yim Bridges |
In a Thai village where everyone makes umbrellas a young girl seeks to be unique |
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The White Elephant |
chapter |
Sid Fleischman |
Run Run, an orphan in Siam, has to take care of an unusual animal |
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This Day in June* |
picture |
Gayle E Pitman |
Talks about a pride parade and the mix of people and families celebrated |
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To Be a Drum+ |
picture |
Evelyn Coleman |
Stories about how people from Africa have had to endure many hardships and how they overcame the adversities |
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Two Mrs. Gibsons |
picture |
Toyomi Igus |
bi-racial little girl with Japanese mother and African-American grandmother |
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White Socks Only+ |
picture |
Evelyn Coleman |
A child is confronted by the racial bias of local townspeople while on an adventure |
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Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge+ |
picture |
Mem Fox |
Child helps elderly woman with memory |
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Whoever You Are* |
picture |
Mem Fox |
Despite the differences between people around the world, there are similarities that join us together, such as pain, joy, and love. |
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Wonder* |
chapter |
R.J. Palacio |
boy with facial deformity has been homeschooled but has to go to school with other kids now |
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Zapato Power series |
chapter |
Jacqueline Jules |
Latino superhero Freddie Ramos and his adventures |
Calling the Doves (El Canto de las Palomas) by
Now available in paperback, poet Juan Felipe Herrera's bilingual memoir paints a vivid picture of his migrant farmworker childhood. His rich, evocative prose re-creates the joy of eating under the open sky, celebrating at a fiesta with other farm families, and listening to his mother singing Mexican songs and his father calling the doves.
Crouching Tiger by
[PRINT] A Chinese-American boy gains a new understanding of his Chinese grandfather in this celebratory story of family, martial arts, and the Chinese New Year. Vinson is very excited when his grandfather comes from China for a visit. When Grandpa practices tai chi in the garden, Vinson asks to learn, hoping it will be like kung fu, full of kicks and punches. But tai chi's meditative postures are slow and still, and Vinson quickly gets bored. He can't understand why Grandpa insists on calling him by his Chinese name, Ming Da, or why he has to wear a traditional Chinese jacket to the Chinese New Year parade. As the parade assembles, however, he notices the great respect given to his grandfather and the lion dancers under his training. And when Vinson is offered a role in the parade, he realizes that being part Chinese can be pretty cool--and is ready to start learning from his grandpa's martial-arts mastery in earnest.
Each Kindness by
WINNER OF A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AND THE JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD! Each kindness makes the world a little better This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Side and the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they've put it down. Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she'd shown a little kindness toward Maya.
Flotsam by
[PRINT] A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam--anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep. Each of David Wiesner's amazing picture books has revealed the magical possibilities of some ordinary thing or happening--a frog on a lily pad, a trip to the Empire State Building, a well-known nursery tale. In this Caldecott Medal winner, a day at the beach is the springboard into a wildly imaginative exploration of the mysteries of the deep, and of the qualities that enable us to witness these wonders and delight in them.
Grandfather's Journey by
Lyrical, breathtaking, splendid—words used to describe Allen Say’s Grandfather’s Journey when it was first published. At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man’s love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captured readers’ attention and hearts. Winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal, it remains as historically relevant and emotionally engaging as ever.
I Have a Dream by
[PRINT] A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: "My father's dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us--those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone." On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation's history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson's magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults alike. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation's past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech.
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by
Joseph had a little overcoat, but it was full of holes - just like this book! When Joseph's coat got too old and shabby, he made it into a jacket. But what did he make it into after that? And after that? As children turn the pages of this book, they can use the die-cut holes to guess what Joseph will be making next from his amazing overcoat, while they laugh at the bold, cheerful artwork and learn that you can always make something, even out of nothing.
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by
Mufaro's two beautiful daughters, one bad-tempered, one kind and sweet, go before the king, who is choosing a wife.
My First Ramadan by
Look! There is the new moon in the sky. It's time for Ramadan to begin. Follow along with one young boy as he observes the Muslim holy month with his family. This year, the narrator is finally old enough to fast, and readers of all ages will be interested as he shares his experiences of this special holiday.
Nasreen's Secret School by
Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness? Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love.
One Hen by
Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo's farm grows to become the largest in the region. Kojo's story is inspired by the life of Kwabena Darko, who as a boy started a tiny poultry farm just like Kojo's, which later grew to be the largest in Ghana, and one of the largest in west Africa. Kwabena also started a trust that gives out small loans to people who cannot get a loan from a bank. One Hen shows what happens when a little help makes a big difference. The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore. One Hen is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.
Pink and Say by
When Sheldon Russell Curtis told this story to his daughter, Rosa, she kept every word in her heart and was to retell it many times. I will tell it in Sheldon's own words as nearly as I can. He was wounded in a fierce battle and left for dead in a pasture somewhere in Georgia when Pinkus found him. Pinkus' skin was the color of polished mahogany, and he was flying Union colors like the wounded boy, and he picked him up out of the field and brought him to where the black soldier's mother, Moe Moe Bay, lived. She had soft, gentle hands and cared for him and her Pink. But the two boys were putting her in danger, two Union soldiers in Confederate territory! They had to get back to their outfits. Scared and uncertain, the boys were faced with a hard decision, and then marauding Confederate troops rode in. In this Civil War story passed from great-grandfather to grandmother, to son, and finally to the author-artist herself, Patricia Polacco once again celebrates the shared humanity of the peoples of this world.
Raising You Alone by
Raising You Alone is an essential book for an essential for any single-parent family. With heart and humor, it talks about the quirks and challenges that must be faced every day. A picture book for parents as well as children, this honest engaging story is the perfect way to say, I will always love you.Raising You Alone, allows the reader to experience single parenting through the eyes of the parent. Walking through life's ups and downs, the story takes us through the pain, triumph and unconditional love between a parent and a child. Hanson's heartwarming tale takes you through many day-today situations and his full-color illustrations bring the story to life.
Smoky Night by
Eve Bunting's heartfelt story and David Diaz's dramatic illustrations create a compelling child's-eye view of urban violence. A young boy and his mother are forced to flee their apartment during a night of rioting in Los Angeles. Fires and looting force neighbors--who have always avoided one another--to come together in the face of danger and concern for their missing pets. David Diaz was awarded the Caldecott Medal for his bold acrylic paint and photo-collage illustrations.
Snowflake Bentley by
[PRINT] "Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied." -- Wilson Bentley (1865-1931) From the time he was a small boy in Vermont, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. And he determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley's enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist's vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature.Snowflake Bentleywon the 1999 Caldecott Medal.
The Snowy Day by
No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
This Day in June by
In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, this title welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a reading guide chock-full of facts about LGBT history and culture, as well as a 'Note to Parents and Caregivers' with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.
Whoever You Are by
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 still need to be learned,Whoever You Are urges us to accept our differences, to recognize our similarities, and-most importantly-to rejoice in both.
Bud, Not Buddy by
The Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning classic about a boy who decides to hit the road to find his father--from Christopher Paul Curtis, author of The Watsons Go To Birmingham--1963, a Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree. It's 1936, in Flint Michigan. Times may be hard, and ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but Bud's got a few things going for him: 1. He has his own suitcase full of special things. 2. He's the author of Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. 3. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: flyers advertising Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression!!!!!! Bud's got an idea that those flyers will lead him to his father. Once he decides to hit the road to find this mystery man, nothing can stop him--not hunger, not fear, not vampires, not even Herman E. Calloway himself. AN ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS AN ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK AN IRA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD WINNER NAMED TO 14 STATE AWARD LISTS "The book is a gem, of value to all ages, not just the young people to whom it is aimed." --The Christian Science Monitor "Will keep readers engrossed from first page to last." --Publishers Weekly, Starred "Curtis writes with a razor-sharp intelligence that grabs the reader by the heart and never lets go. . . . This highly recommended title [is] at the top of the list of books to be read again and again." --Voice of Youth Advocates, Starred
Donavan's Double Trouble by
Donavan thought that fourth grade would be his best year ever. Instead, it's turning out to be nothing but trouble: 1. He's failing math class. 2. If his grades don't improve, his whiz-kid younger sister will have to tutor him! 3. When his beloved Uncle Vic returns from overseas combat as a paraplegic, everyone else is happy that he's safe at home. But all Donavan feels is uncomfortable and sad. 4. Grandma insists on inviting Uncle Vic to the biggest family event of the school year, and she's not taking no for an answer! But what will the other kids think when they see Uncle Vic in a wheelchair? From the author of Donavan's Word Jar comes an inspiring story that explores what it means to be a hero.
A Single Shard by
In this Newbery Medal-winning book set in 12th century Korea, Tree-ear, a 13-year-old orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, a potters' village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated — until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself — even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission . . . even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.
Wonder by
SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING JULIA ROBERTS, OWEN WILSON, AND JACOB TREMBLAY! Over 5 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. The book that inspired the Choose Kind movement. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid--but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" --indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out. Join the conversation: #thewonderofwonder