Books can be powerful windows into different cultures, perspectives and experiences. For kids, stories that reflect their own lives — or introduce them to new ones — can be especially meaningful.
These 25 books, written by authors who share authentic connections to their subjects, offer young readers a chance to explore diverse voices.
25 awesome books that bring diversity to life for kids
1. First Laugh: Welcome Baby
- Authors: Rose Ann Tahe, Nancy Bo Flood and Jonathan Nelson
- Best for ages: 2-5
In Navajo tradition, a baby’s first laugh is a joyful milestone that welcomes them into the community. This story introduces young readers to a beautiful cultural practice.
2. The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk
- Authors: Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
- Best for ages: 2-6
A fresh take on “The Wheels on the Bus,” this book takes kids through the bustling streets of India, exploring tuk tuks, street vendors and colorful local traditions.
3. You Hold Me Up
- Author: Monique Gray Smith
- Best for ages: 3-5
A simple, heartfelt book about kindness, respect and community, written by a Cree, Lakota and Scottish author. A Cree bilingual edition is also available.
4. The Name Jar
- Author: Yangsook Choi
- Best for ages: 3-7
Unhei, newly arrived from Korea, is unsure about sharing her name at school. This touching story explores identity, acceptance and the power of names.
5. Cora Cooks Pancit
- Author: Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore
- Best for ages: 3-7
Cora finally gets to help cook a special Filipino dish, pancit, in this warm story about family, traditions and sharing meals.
6. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
- Author: Traci Sorell
- Best for ages: 3-7
This Cherokee Nation-inspired book follows a year of celebrations, teaching kids about gratitude and Cherokee words along the way.
7. No Kimchi For Me
- Author: Aram Kim
- Best for ages: 3-7
Yoomi doesn’t like kimchi — until her grandmother helps her make kimchi pancakes, connecting her to her Korean heritage in a new way.
8. When Aiden Became a Brother
- Author: Kyle Lukoff
- Best for ages: 4-7
Aiden, a transgender boy, wants to be the best big brother ever. This sweet, affirming story helps kids understand gender identity and family love.
9. Sumo Joe
- Author: Mia Wenjen
- Best for ages: 4-7
Joe and his friends love sumo wrestling, but when his little sister wants to join in, he faces a new challenge. A playful look at sibling bonds and Japanese culture.
10. Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!
- Author: Alexandra Alessandri
- Best for ages: 4-7
Ava Gabriela experiences a lively Colombian New Year’s celebration, discovering family traditions that make the holiday special.
11. Under My Hijab
- Author: Hena Khan
- Best for ages: 4-7
A young Muslim girl notices how the women in her life wear their hijabs in unique ways, celebrating individuality and culture.
12. Alma and How She Got Her Name
- Author: Juana Martinez-Neal
- Best for ages: 4-7
Alma wonders why she has such a long name — until she learns the beautiful family history behind it.
13. Call Me Tree: Llámame árbol
- Author: Maya Christina Gonzalez
- Best for ages: 4-8
A bilingual book with poetic text, celebrating self-expression and a deep connection to nature.
14. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
- Author: Joanna Ho
- Best for ages: 4-8
A young Asian girl learns to appreciate the beauty of her eyes and heritage in this stunningly illustrated book.
15. Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas
- Author: Gail Piernas-Davenport
- Best for ages: 4-8
Shanté searches for black-eyed peas, a traditional good-luck food, learning about different cultures’ New Year’s traditions along the way.
16. Freedom Soup
- Author: Tami Charles
- Best for ages: 5-9
Belle learns to cook Haiti’s traditional “Freedom Soup,” uncovering her family’s history and the meaning behind the dish.
17. Meet Yasmin
- Author: Saadia Faruqi
- Best for ages: 5-9
A fun chapter book series about a curious Pakistani American girl navigating school, family and adventures.
18. Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration
- Author: Samara Cole Doyon
- Best for ages: 6-8
A lyrical story that celebrates Black and multiracial identities, weaving warmth and self-love into every page.
19. The Scrumptious Life of Azaleah Lane
- Author: Nikki Shannon Smith
- Best for ages: 7-9
Azaleah juggles school, family and solving a mystery in this lively early chapter book.
20. El Deafo
- Author: Cece Belle
- Best for ages: 8-12
Cece loses her hearing and discovers her “superpower” in this funny and heartfelt graphic novel about growing up Deaf.
21. The First Rule of Punk
Author: Celia C. Pérez
Best for ages: 9-12
Malu, a half-Mexican punk rock-loving kid, struggles to fit in at her new school, learning to embrace her true self along the way.
22. Patron Saints of Nothing
- Author: Randy Ribay
- Best for ages: 9-12
A gripping coming-of-age story about a Filipino American teen who uncovers family secrets while investigating his cousin’s mysterious death.
23. Count Me In
Author: Varsha Bajaj
Best for ages: 10-12
When an Indian American girl and her grandfather become victims of a hate crime, she takes to social media to inspire change.
24. The Black Kids
Author: Christina Hammonds Reed
Best for ages: 14 and older
Set during the 1992 LA riots, this novel follows Ashley, a Black teen navigating privilege, race and identity.
25. The Bluest Eye
Author: Toni Morrison
Best for ages:14 and older
A classic novel about a Black girl’s painful longing for blue eyes, exploring beauty standards and racial injustice.
Discover more diverse books and reading resources for kids
Looking for more books featuring diverse characters? Visit Metro Parent’s Talking About Race page.
This content is sponsored by Wayne County Community College District. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Raising Kids Who Love to Read.
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