The world is becoming a more beautifully diverse place. Your family’s bookshelf should, too. So I have spent countless hours scouring bookshelves at my local library and favorite book stores to narrow down this list of the Best Diverse Picture Books. Not only do they tackle tricky subjects and introduce new ideas that might be outside your family’s experience, but these diverse picture books also tell creative stories in beautiful ways.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
Readers of all ages will be inspired by Sofia, who took a problem and worked to find a solution, no matter who or what got in her way.
Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard
A beautiful picture book that uses fry bread, a staple food in many Native American communities, to celebrate family, history, and community.
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy
This colorful tale written in a child’s perspective reflects on the meaning of being Black in this powerful and beautiful book.
We’re All Wonders by R. J. Palacio
This moving story shows readers what it is like to live in a world where others see you as different and will undoubtedly inspire readers of all ages to join the “Choose Kind” movement.
From North to South by Rene Lainez
A timely tale, this book tackles the topic of family separation with tenderness.
Names are incredibly powerful, as shown in this beautiful story. A young Korean immigrant is afraid to share her name with her classmates and tries on easier, more-traditional “options” until realizing how special her name and identity truly are.
Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi
In a new country and new school, Lailah is excited to begin her first fasting for Ramadaan but is afraid of what her new classmates will think of her. This book is a great way to introduce kids to a celebration they might not have experience with.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
A heartwarming and award-winning story about how two penguins make a nontraditional family.
A Country Far Away by Nigel Gray
Side-by-side pictures highlight the similarities between the lives of two boys, one in the Western world and the other in a rural African village.
I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb and Suzie Mason
A celebratory and beautiful testament about the timeless and unbreakable love between a parent and child.
For more of my book recommendations (don’t forget—I am a Reading Specialist), check out this growing list that highlights the best books for bedtime, inspiring creative thinkers, and more!
Happy Reading!
Amanda
Don’t miss a post…follow me on Blog Lovin’.
These look really good. My kids love the story of Harriet Tubman, but it’s more for middle schoolers.
My students loved that book, too. I will definitely introduce it to my boys once they are a little bit older.
What a great round up!! Thank you so much for sharing. I agree, our bookshelves should be diverse too!
The more diverse the better, for both the world AND our bookshelves!
Very cool! I love the inclusion! I hope you’ll check out this book a friend wrote – about a young girl who uses a wheelchair (based on her daughter). “Meet Clarabelle Blue” by Adiba Nelson. Love it!
That sounds wonderful. I’ll have to track down a copy!
What a great story. I love that they make books like this to teach children that skin color is just a skin color.
There are tons of great books on this list that teach kids about experiences outside of what they know. Hopefully it will raise a generation of readers who are more considerate, open-minded and accepting of differences.
Adding all of these to my library list! I think it’s so important to use reading time as a time to introduce my son to a world I believe in. These book look fantastic!
So well said!