7 of our favorite diverse children’s books for Read Across America Week

by Tyler Feder

Did my kiddos get some, “Tee hee, I see underwear!” giggles about this book? They sure did. But they got past it and more importantly, the story and the illustrations that go with it helped send home the point that all bodies are good bodies. We all look different and isn’t that cool?! How boring would it be if we all looked the same, right?

I found this book really helpful in our family conversations about body acceptance and confidence and also as a great way to normalize that there are all types of diverse bodies in this world – some have different skin tones, some are big, small, short, tall, some have freckles, some have birthmarks, some use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, some have lots of hair, some have no hair!

by Malala Yousafzai

As my second grader has learned about historical figures in school, he often wants to keep talking about them and learn more. Recently, we’ve borrowed books about Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, Frida Khalo, and Malala Yousafzai.

We loved Malala’s Magic Pencil and the way that it connected Malala’s dreams as an everyday girl to the big changes she was able to make in the world. I was familiar with Malala’s story but really appreciated this kid-friendly retelling from her perspective.

by Carole Lindstrom

“Mom! This book won the Caldecott! Look at the gold medal!” Ever since learning about the ‘gold medal’ books from their school librarian, my kids are on the lookout for covers with that tell-tale award.

For those that aren’t familiar, the Caldecott Medal is awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children (part of the American Library Association), “to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.”

We Are Water Protectors is a beautifully illustrated book about the call to protect Earth’s precious natural resources, inspired by Indigenous people’s movements to fight for environmental justice.

by Sharon M. Draper

If you know an early chapter book reader who likes The Magic Tree House series, you’ll like the vibe of the Clubhouse Mysteries. My son has enjoyed reading about Ziggy and his friends Rico, Rashawn and Jerome who call themselves the Black Dinosaurs and the mysteries they explore.

The second book in the series is about the Underground Railroad, which led to an introduction for my then-7-year-old to conversations around slavery in U.S. history and that no, the Underground Railroad was not in fact underground nor a train.

by Yuyi Morales

“Someday we will become something we haven’t even yet imagined.”

What a stunning picture book! Dreamers tells the story of a mother and son coming to America and the things they learned along the way, including discovering the library and the books that became “our language…our home…our lives.”

If you’re like me, you might get a little teary-eyed reading this one!

by Kwame Alexander

Am I a sports girlie? No, I’m not. Are both of my children now interested in all the sports? Yes, they are. So, I’m learning quite a bit about sports now in my role as mom. They love to read fiction about playing sports and nonfiction about famous athletes when they’re not at games or practices for their various activities.

I can’t wait to share these books with my kids when they’re a little older. Kwame Alexander’s writing style is so lyrical and the graphic novel versions of his books tell the stories in a cool, engaging way.

by Kwame Alexander

Another one by Kwame Alexander! This is a follow-up to Crossover (above), and it's all about how soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage.