LibraryAware PICTURE BOOKS: Everyday Diversity

Here are our favorite books about everyday diversity for children. These titles can be found in the Easy section of the library, unless otherwise noted.

A Moon for Moe and Mo
by Jane Breskin Zalben

Moses Feldman and Mohammed Hassan both live on Flatbush Avenue, but when they meet at the grocery store they quickly become best friends, sharing a picnic while their families prepare for the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan.

Luli and the Language of Tea
by Andrea Wang

While her parents attend a community ESL class, Luli connects with other immigrant children by sharing a love of tea.

Different: A Great Thing to Be!
by Heather Avis

Illustrations and rhyming text introduce Macy, whose conduct and bearing point to a kinder world where differences are celebrated and embraced.

Eyes That Speak to the Stars
by Joanna Ho

A young Asian boy, who notices that his eyes look different from his friends', realizes that his eyes—like his father’s, grandfather’s, and younger brother’s—rise to the skies, speak to the stars and are visionary.

I'll Go and Come Back
by Rajani LaRocca

When Jyoti visits her grandmother in India for the summer, she and Sita Pati form a special bond that stretches across languages, cultures and the world until they are reunited.

Your Name Is a Song
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city.

My Two Border Towns
by David Bowles

A boy and his father cross the United States-Mexico border every other Saturday, visiting their favorite places, spending time with family and friends, and sharing in the responsibility of community care.

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet
by Tami Charles

When her best friend asks her to join a ballet camp, Zuri Ray, a spunky girl with a big heart, can’t say no and decides to give classical ballet a new spin.

Swift Fox All Along
by Rebecca Thomas

When Swift Fox's father picks her up to go visit her aunties, uncles, and cousins, her belly is already full of butterflies. And when he tells her that today is the day that she'll learn how to be Mi'kmaq, the butterflies grow even bigger. What if she doesn't fit in with her family?

Shhh! The Baby's Asleep
by JaNay Brown-Wood

One smart little narrator knows just the way to make his baby sister fall back to sleep after his loud and boisterous family and neighbors wake her up!

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
by Ibtihaj Muhammad

The Muslim-American Olympic medalist and social justice activist presents a vibrantly illustrated story about two sisters who endure criticism and bullying when they begin school on the first day the elder wears her beautiful blue hijab.

It's Okay to Be Different
by Todd Parr

Illustrations and brief text describe all kinds of differences that are "okay," such as "It's Okay to be a different color," "It's Okay to need some help," "It's Okay to be adopted," and "It's Okay to have a different nose."

Sulwe
by Lupita Nyong'o

The Academy Award-winning actress presents the story of a little girl with beautiful, midnight-colored skin that makes her feel different from everyone, until a magical journey in the night sky transforms her perspective.

Thank You, Omu!
by Oge Mora

When her wonderful stew attracts the attention of hungry neighbors, Omu generously shares portion after portion before discovering that she has nothing left to eat herself, a dilemma that culminates in a heartwarming community surprise.

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
by Sonia Sotomayor

The boundary-breaking Supreme Court Justice and the award-winning author of Book Fiesta present a celebration of the world’s diversity that explains why different people make the world more vibrant and wonderful, just the way a variety of plants and flowers enhance a garden.

A Big Mooncake for Little Star
by Grace Lin

A lighthearted origin story about the phases of the moon and a little girl who can't resist taking a nibble of the delicious mooncake.

Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas
by Pamela Ehrenberg

A boy is worried that his little sister's climbing will spoil the first night of Hanukkah, when his family combines his father's Jewish traditions with his mother's East Indian cooking.

Fry Bread : A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard

A celebration of the long-cherished Seminole Nation tradition of sharing fry bread during family meals combines evocative verses with vibrant artwork.

A Normal Pig
by K-Fai Steele

When a new pig comes to school and starts to point out all the ways Pip is different, she worries that her appearance, tastes, and all the things she loves are not what what normal pigs do.

This Beach Is Loud!
by Samantha Cotterill

A sensitive boy is overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and sensations of a family visit to a noisy, exciting beach, until his father offers some creative ways to manage.