UPDATE IN PROGRESS 1/8/2026

Diverse Authors

Picture Books

This page is organized by the author's last name.

Click on the Table of Contents to go to the letter range that you wish to browse.

A

Mae Among the Stars by Roda AhmedWhen young Mae Jemison is asked by her teacher what she wants to be when she grows up, African American Mae tells her mostly white classmates that she wants to be an astronaut, a dream that her parents wholeheartedly support.

Laxmi's Mooch by Shelly Anand

After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance.

Baby, Sleepy Baby by Atinuke

"It's bedtime for a drowsy little one, and the whole family takes turns to cuddle and sing this sleepy baby to bed."-- Provided by publisher

Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz

Every Friday Musa's family takes turns picking out a Jummah treat which they use to try all different foods, but when it is Musa's turn he sticks to his favorite halal hot dogs to share.

B

The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. BaptistEveryone in the Donovan family can dance--and has a dance nickname--except Kai, but his family helps him practice his moves to prepare for his aunt's wedding reception.

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick BarnesIllustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child.

A Story About Afiya by James Berry"Some people have dresses for every occasion but Afiya needs only one." - Provided by Publisher

We Are Cousins/Somos Primos by Diane Gonzales BertrandCousins are friends and rivals. Cousins are funny and frustrating. But the most important thing is that cousins are family. We are Cousins/Somos primos celebrates the joy of this special family bond.

I Dream of Popo by Livia Blackburne

When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong.

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

Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer Brown"An illustrated lullaby featuring a busy, independent, beloved baby being prepared for bedtime."

Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Olivia Gatwood

I Am Enough by Grace ByersWe are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

I Believe I Can by Grace ByersI Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves.

C

My Hair is a Garden Cozbi A. Cabrera After being teased yet again about her unruly hair, MacKenzie consults her neighbor, Miss Tillie, who compares hair care with tending her beautiful garden and teaches MacKenzie some techniques. Includes tips for shampooing, conditioning, and protecting black hair, and recipes for hair products.

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Tami Charles

Zuri Ray loves trying extraordinary new things but when Jessie, her Best Friend From Diapers, chooses ballet Zuri Ray finds it too challenging until the teacher encourages her to be herself.

Hot Pot Night! by Vincent Chen

In this version of the classic Stone Soup tale, nobody in the apartment building has enough ingredients for dinner, so a Taiwanese child suggests that they have a community hot pot night. Everybody contributes something, bringing their diverse community together for a delicious meal. Includes a recipe for hot pot.

Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child (Red Lake Ojibwe)

When Uncle and Windy Girl attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire. Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Uncle's stories inspire visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs.

Standing On Her Shoulders: A Celebration of Women by Monica Clark-Robinson

A stunning love letter to the important women who shape us -- from our own mothers and grandmothers to the legends who paved the way for girls and women everywhere

D

Mango Moon by Diane de AndaTen-year-old Maricela, her brother Manuel, and mother face many challenges when her father is taken away to face deportation, but love binds them close.

Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz

Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator's pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now"

Magnificent Homespun Brown by Samara Cole DoyonJoyful young narrators celebrate feeling at home in one's own skin.

Just Like Mama by Alice Faye DuncanCarol Olivia Clementine wishes her parents did not live so far away, but Mama Rose provides a home, loves her, and cares for her just like a mother would.

E

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita EngleFollows a girl in the 1920s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there has never been a female drummer in Cuba. Includes note about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who inspired the story, and Anacaona, the all-girl dance band she formed with her sisters.

Boogie Boogie Ya'll by C.G. Esperanza

The city is alive with vibrant art in every corner of the parks, the shops, the trains. But most people are too busy to see it—or worse, choose to ignore it! When three children stop to marvel at the art around their community, they realize it’s up to them to show everyone else how truly special it is when art and reality dance together so seamlessly.

We March by Shane EvansIllustrations and brief text portray the events of the 1963 march in Washington, D.C., where the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a historic speech.

F

Amira's Picture Day by Reem Faruqi

Amira is excited because tomorrow is Eid with special clothes, treats, gifts, and a morning party at her mosque; but then she realizes that she is going to miss class picture day at school, something she was also looking forward to--so Amira has to figure out a way to be in two places at once.

Birdsong by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis)

When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? Acclaimed author and artist Julie Flett's textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story, which highlights the fulfillment of intergenerational relationships and shared passions.

We All Play by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis)

Based on the Cree teaching of wahkohtowin, interconnectedness and play, and includes as well the English and Cree names of the animals in the book, all of whom are from 'Turtle Island' (North America).

G

I Love Me! by LaRonda Gardner MiddlemissThrough illustrations and simple, rhyming text a group of children celebrates their own bodies, pointing out how their diverse arms bend and fold, their teeth shine, and more.

Yo Soy Muslim by Mark GonzalesA lyrical celebration of multiculturalism as a parent shares with a child the value of their heritage and why it should be a source of pride, even when others disagree.

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki GrimesA beloved and very sleepy little boy resists his mother's efforts to put him to bed.

Off to See the Sea by Nikki Grimes

Bath time is full of magic. The faucet flows like a waterfall, the bathroom floor is a distant shore, toy boats sail against the waves. An imagination-fueled adventure on the high seas is just what it takes to get little one clean"

Antonio’s Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio by Rigoberto GonzálezAntonio loves words, because words have the power to express feelings like love, pride, or hurt. Mother's Day is coming soon, and Antonio searches for the words to express his love for his mother and her partner, Leslie.

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem by Amanda Gorman

As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes--big or small--in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves

The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw (Maliseet, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians)

A modern Wabanaki girl is excited to accompany her grandmother for the first time to harvest sweetgrass for basket making

Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna GuidrozShy and unsure of herself, Leila discovers all the things that make her special with the loving help of her Naani.

H

El Cucuy is Scared Too! by Donna Barba Higuera

Ramón is worried about his first day at a new school, but it helps to remind El Cucuy, the monster who lives in his cactus pot, of how brave and strong they both are.

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

A self-confident and strong young girl recounts how she shares her eyes--and so much more--with her mother, her amah and her little sister.

I -J

My Grandma and Me by Mina JavaherbinIn a true tale of a young girl in Iran and her grandmother, this beautiful ode to family celebrates small moments of love that become lifelong memories.

A Girl Like Me by Angela Johnson"Empower young readers to embrace their individuality, reject societal limitations, and follow their dreams. " - from Amazon

Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy"A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on"-- Provided by publisher. Includes historical and cultural notes, song list, and two poems.

From My Window by Otávio Júnior A boy describes the building, people, weather, games, and activities he can observe from his window in a favela, a neighborhood in Rio de Janiero. Includes notes about favelas and the author's experiences growing up in one.

K

Playing Wicked by Alex R. Kahler When Dante plays make-believe with his friends he is the wizened wizard or regal ruler, but when he is by himself he would rather be the wicked queen.

Sweetest Kulu by Celina KallukThis beautiful bedtime poem, written by acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic. Lyrically and tenderly told by a mother speaking to her own little "Kulu," an Inuktitut term of endearment often bestowed upon babies and young children, this visually stunning book is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants.

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar"Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from pink for dancing to bhangra beats to red for courage. He especially takes care with his patka--his turban--smoothing it out and making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet's mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, all he wants is to be invisible. Will he ever feel a happy sunny yellow again?"--Amazon.com.

The Arabic Quilt by Aya KhalilWhen her new classmates tease her, Kanzi finds comfort in wrapping up in a quilt from her teita and writing poetry.

Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena KhanIllustrations and prose inspired by the Quran celebrate a mother's love and hopes for her child.

Under My Hijab by Hena KhanAs a young girl observes that each of six women in her life wears her hijab and hair in a different way, she considers how to express her own style one day.

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana KhanHaving to take her younger sister along the first time she is invited to a birthday party spoils Rubina's fun, and later when that sister is asked to a party and baby sister wants to come, Rubina must decide whether to help.

L

We Are Water Protectors by Carole LindstromInspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption

Eunice and Kate by Mariana Llanos"Eunice and Kate are best friends, but can their friendship weather a storm? The girls live with their moms next door to each other in the heart of the city and have a lot in common--even though they have different dreams for the future: Kate wants to be an astronaut and Eunice wants to be a ballet dancer."

Double Bass Blues by Andrea J. LoneyAfter school orchestra practice, young Nic carries his double bass through rough neighborhoods to his grandfather's home, where he and Grandaddy Nic play jazz music with friends, delighting the neighbors.

Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling LyonsAlan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.

Tiara's Hat Parade by Kelly Starling LyonsTiara's mother, a talented and popular hatmaker, closes her shop when a new store opens that sells cheaper hats, but Tiara finds a way to help restore Momma's dream.

M

Fry Bread by Kevin Noble MaillardCelebrates the Native American tradition of sharing fry bread during family meals, in a story about family, history, culture, and traditions, both new and old.

Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg MedinaWhen Mia's Abuela comes to live with Mia and her family, she helps her learn English while Mia learns Spanish, both with the help of a parrot named Mango.

In the Meadow of Fantasies by Hadi Mohammadi

A young, bedridden girl spends her day watching a mobile of spinning horses and uses her imagination to give the seven horses life in a fantasy world.

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora When the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit. Author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love.

Bright Star by Yuyi Morales

This is the story of a fawn making her way through a border landscape teaming with flora and fauna native to the region. A gentle but empowering voice encourages her to face her fears when she comes across an obstacle in the form of an insurmountable barrier.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj MuhammadFaizah relates how she feels on the first day her sister, sixth-grader Asiya, wears a hijab to school.

N - O

Maisie’s Scrapbook by Samuel Narh"As the seasons turn, Maisie rides her bull in and out of Dada's tall tales. Her Mama wears linen and plays the viola. Her Dada wears kente cloth and plays the marimba. They come from different places, but they hug her in the same way. And most of all, they love her just the same."-- Provided by publisher.

If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson While planting seeds in their garden, two animals learn the value of kindness.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'oWhen five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.

Soomi's Sweater by Susie Oh

Soomi's new sweater arrives, but it doesn't quite fit. Mom makes it just right and Soomi can't wait to show her friends. Soon, Soomi's brand new sweater isn't so new anymore. Her friends try to patch it up, but nothing works. Thankfully, Mom knows just what to do. She creates something better than new!

P - Q

Finding Grandma's Memories by Jiyeon PakA tender family story that offers a gentle window into the issue of aging and memory loss for young readers.

Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue ParkA child, eager for a favorite meal, helps with the shopping, food preparation, and table setting.

My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson PeeteA girl tells what it is like living with her twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy. Includes authors' note about autism.

Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins

Immigrating to America, a young girl navigates between her family's Bengali traditions and her new country's culture

Who Will You Be? by Andrea Pippins"A picture book about how family and community help shape the wonderful people our children become"-- Provided by publisher.

The Old Boat by Jarrett Pumphrey

Off a small island, a boy and his grandfather set sail in their beloved fishing boat. They ride the waves, catching wants and wishes and seeing the wonders of the ocean. But soon the boy is sailing the boat himself, drifting further from shore as the waters grow muddied and turbulent. When a storm washes him ashore, he sees home in a new light. He decides to turn the tides of his fortune, cleaning the island's waters and creating a new life with a family to call his own

My Papi has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero"When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her"-- Provided by publisher.

R - S

Salma the Syrian Chef by Debbie RamadanWhen Salma wants to cheer her mother up by cooking a homemade Syrian meal, the staff and other newcomers in her welcome center are happy to lend a hand.

My Mother’s Sari by Sandhya RaoA little girl sees her mother’s sari as "long like a train" and that it "fills the air with color when I dance and sing." When the young girl wraps herself in the vivid cloth she loves how it makes her dream.

Hannah and the Ramadan Gift by Qasim Rashid

Hannah learning the importance of Ramadan by helping her friends and neighbors as well as by showing acts of kindness and generosity that can make the world a better place.

Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge by Raúl the Third

Using their new truck to carry party supplies over the bridge, Little Lobo and his friend Kooky Dooky the rooster are stuck in traffic and decide to throw an epic party to pass the time.

Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy ReddAs family members braid, brush, twirl, roll, and tighten their hair before bedtime, putting on kerchiefs, wave caps, and other protective items, the little sister cannot find her bonnet.

We Came to America by Faith RinggoldCelebrates United States immigration and the country's diverse immigrant heritage.

Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe"An illustrated, joyful celebration of African-American boys' hairstyles"-- Provided by publisher

Happy Hair by Mechal Renee RoeHappy Hair is a call and response book that promotes positive self-esteem and hair love to girls of all ages! Happy Hair covers different shades and hair types.

M is for Melanin by Tiffany RoseAn alphabet book empowers young African Americans to love themselves and their culture.

P is for Poppadoms!: An Indian Alphabet Book by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal"From C for chai to Y for yoga, this fresh, rhyming alphabet book takes young readers on a spirited journey to discover the people, places, lifestyles and language of India."--Provided by publisher.

Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha SaeedBilal and his father invite his friends to help make his favorite dish, daal, then all must wait patiently for it to be done.

My Rainy Day Rocket Ship by Markette Sheppard A young boy who is stuck inside on a rainy day, uses his imagination to create a rocket ship out of a rocking chair and takes off on an trip to a distant planet.

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia SotomayorSonia and her friends plant a garden, and each one contributes in his or her own special way, in a book that celebrates the many differences among humans.

T - V

Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq

Excitedly joining her family for an outdoor camping trip in a Midwestern state park, Fatima Khazi helps set up a tent, build a fire, and fend off a daddy longlegs before settling down to sleep surrounded by the near-magical sounds of the forest.

I Love You Because I Love You by Mượn Thị Văn

All the big and small reasons why we love the people we do

W

SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau WabooseTwo Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance.

Brown Sugar Babe by Charlotte Watson"When a little girl has doubts about the color of her skin, her mother shows her all the wonderful, beautiful things brown can be! This message of self-love and acceptance uses rich, dreamy illustrations to celebrate the color using all the senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing" -- Amazon.com

I Affirm Me: The ABCS of Inspiration for Black Kids by Nyasha Williams

From A is for Afro, to J is for Justice, to R is for Rally, this alphabet book offers affirmations featuring Black children and role models to help children nurture and embrace their authentic selves and to enjoy the magic of childhood.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline WoodsonWhen Ms. Albert teaches a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes that she and her friends have been wrong in making fun of new student Maya's shabby clothes and refusing to play with her.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline WoodsonOther students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.

Y - Z

Be a Friend by Salina YoonDennis is an ordinary boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children do show-and-tell. Dennis mimes his. Some children climb trees. Dennis is happy to BE a tree... But being a mime can be lonely. It isn't until Dennis meets a girl named Joy that he discovers the power of friendship--and how special he truly is!

In My Mosque by M.O. Yuskel

A picture book featuring culturally rich artwork celebrates the joys, rituals, and traditions that are practiced in mosques throughout the world, and includes a glossary and information about many historical and significant mosques.

Lala's Words by Gracey Zhang

Every day, no matter how hot, Lala carries a pot of water around the corner to a patch of dirt and concrete, waters the tiny weeds sprouting there, and whispers words of encouragement to her plant friends; then, on the hottest day of all, her mother insists she stay home, but Lala worries about her friends, and whispers words of love--with a magical result.

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat ZhangAmy is determined to make a perfect dumpling like her parents and grandmother do, but hers are always too empty, too full, or not pinched together properly.

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