Do you love to discover new books? Do you want to diversify your bookshelf? Then, this is the post for you! Today, we are sharing some newer multicultural picture books and resources.
MULTICULTURAL PICTURE BOOKS- NEW FINDS
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Some of the titles were sent to me by publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
My favorite resource from 2016 was Give Your Child the World by Jamie C. Martin. It’s full of books for each geographic region and it’s divided by age level. It was a great resource for selecting books for our Around the World Family Dinner Book Club. I HIGHLY recommend it!
Let’s start with one that the preschool crowd will love. All Aboard for the Bobo Road by Stephen Davies takes us to West Africa for a cultural taste of the land. Super bright illustrations will capture lots of interest in studying the pictures.
I love to learn right alongside my kids. Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist by Susan Wood was a book that taught us all about someone we didn’t know. Juan García Esquivel was a musical innovator. We enjoyed finding some Youtube videos recommended in the back of the book to hear some of his music too.
The Barefoot Book of Children by Strickland, DePalma, and Dean is a celebration of children around the world. We learn about foods, hobbies, jobs, and even baths around this planet.
Kids need to see themselves in books. That is just what Green Pants does. Children of color can see themselves just being a kid having everyday kid dilemmas. My kids thought this one was so funny and could totally relate to Jameson’s tough decision.
Along the same lines of everyday kids seeing themselves in books and you are looking for an early chapter book for newer readers, check out Juana & Lucas.
Adventures in Asian Art by Sue DiCicco takes us on a tour of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. This book works well for many ages. There are more detailed sections for older readers included.
New Year by Rich Lo is the story of a young boy adjusting to a new city and school. As the Chinese New Year approaches, the boy begins to see how his heritage can integrate with his new life in Los Angeles.
One of my very favorites is The Water Princess by Susan Verde. My kids were amazed and educated that something we take for granted is scarce to so many.
It would be remiss of me not to share the newest Caldecott winner for this list. Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe is the story of the artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. For children who love to look and make art, this book will be of particular interest to them. Like Basquiat, Steptoe used pieces of New York city to create the art you see in the book. Basquiat had a challenging life and his struggles may be a bit much for younger kids to grapple with, so I prefer this one for a bit older child.
Ok, I have lots more I could share. But, my peers have lots of ideas too. So keep reading below for even more great books to check out.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day takes place every January. It’s a day filled with great resources that you can find by searching #ReadYourWorld or visit the official Multicultural Children’s Book Day website.
PRINTABLE BOOKLIST
Grab a printable booklist of the titles above.
Nancy says
Love the book lists. Wish they were in printable, list form so I could give them to my librarian to order some.
Jodie Rodriguez says
I’m gradually getting printable lists done for all my book lists. It’s a long process because I have so many. 🙂
Jane Miller says
The Barefoot book of Children is sold by barefoot book ambassadors. I began selling with barefoot on Friday, January 27th – multicultural book day. if anyone is interested I will sell to you at a 20% off discount.
Jane
Mia Wenjen says
Thank you so muc for your support of Multicultural Children’s book Day since the beginning and for your great diversity book list! Thank you also for contributing to our ebook. We so appreciate it!