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Through a series of poems, a Sioux boy describes the changes in nature and his people as the moons pass through the years.
A Navajo folktale describing the importance of spiders and Zinnias planted amongst crops. This book tells the tale not only in English, but in Navajo as well.
In this tale of the Wabanaki nations, four men each ask for a different wish from Gluskabe, the Great Spirit's helper, but only one learns that great gifts come to those who listen and take heed. This book is beautifully illustrated and told by Joseph Bruchac.
This story tells of a young Abenaki girl who is grieving over the death of her grand-mother. In her dreams her grandmother speaks to her and shows her that she will always be with the girl. This beautiful story deals with losing a grandparent and at the same time describing the life of an Abenaki girl.
After rejecting all of her human suitors, the beautiful daughter of a Tlingit tribal leader declares that she would rather marry a frog from the lake. When a frog appears to take her up on her offer the princess agrees and, despite the attempts of her family, eventually turns into a frog.
Many lives ago, a young girl in what would become the Nunavut territory of Canada builds stone men, called Inuksuk, to direct her father and brother home when they are lost in a storm while hunting caribou.
Retells the story of Goldilocks, set in an Inuit village and featuring a family of polar bears.
Although he is uncertain why his father is so angry and what secret his mother is keeping from him, eleven-year-old Sonny knows that he is different from his classmates in their small New York town. It isn’t until Uncle Louis shows up and Sonny befriends his school librarian that he may have uncovered the secret to his heritage.
Shi-shi-etko, a Native American girl, spends the last four days before she goes to residential school learning valuable lessons from her mother, father, and grandmother, and creating precious memories of home.
It is very cold, and to keep warm, the Earth animals form a fire-raiding party and appoint Coyote as leader. The animals follow Coyote's instructions, and steal fire from the sky world, bringing it to Earth and passing it from camp to camp. Beautifully illustrated , this accessible story credited to confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, incorporates Salish words and is part of a larger fire-education project that focuses on native use of fire as well as principles of fire ecology.
Twelve free verse poems chronicle the events and feelings of a Navajo girl's eleventh year.
A young Lenni Lenape Indian child describes her family's life through the seasons. Includes facts about the Lenni Lenape Indians.
A collection of quotations from American Indians throughout the continent dated from the earliest contact with Europeans to contemporary tribal persons.
Two sisters spend their first night in America after moving from Ghana. The younger sister, Kofi, is worried she will forget her life in Ghana and is comforted by her older sister, Abena, by sharing folktales from Ghana. It is a very sweet story, with beautiful pastel illustrations.
The story of a mother and her son as riots in Los Angeles set their apartment complex on fire. It is full of beautiful writing on the destructive nature of the rioters and the power of togetherness. Although Daniel and his mother do not socialize with Ms. Kim because she isn’t like them, at the local shelter they all learn to get along no matter what their nationality is.
An amazing collection of poems by African American poets the spans slavery days to the Harlem Renaissance.
An autobiographical picture book chronicling the life of Malcolm X.
The author traces the tradition of creating “Show Way” quilts from her great-great-great-great grandmother during slavery up through her own writing as an author and her daughter.
It follows the path of Langston Hughes as he first realizes he is a poet and travels by train across the country, leading to one of his most famous poems “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.”
Myers has compiled 54 poems by African-American poets during the Harlem Renasisance and compliments them with beautiful vintage photographs of celebrities of the day such as Duke Ellington, Winnie Mandela, and Rev. Al Sharpton.
Rose is born in Texas soon after the end of slavery and is gifted with the ability to control thunder and lightning. This is a tall-tale American folklore style tale set with an African-American girl as the heroine.
The author recounts her childhood surrounded by innovating men in the African American community. She pays tribute to them by recalling them, not as tributes, but as real people who helped “change the world.”
This story recounts the life of Christmas John who helped slaves escape across the river into Ohio. Each time he comes back he must tell his grandmother the color the clothing wore by those he helped so she can make her Freedom Blanket.
A story about the day in the life of a young Kenyan boy as he strays from his grandfather’s cows to greet the other villagers.
The story of Henry “Box” Brown. Henry was born a slave, but later grows up and mails himself to the Philadelphia where he can be free after his wife and children are sold at the slave market.
It’s the story of the Negro Baseball League from it’s conception in the 1920’s up through its end after Jackie Robinson went to the majors. The beautifully written story is complimented with gorgeous oil paintings. This is a great book not just from a multicultural perspective, but also for any baseball fan.
This book has won the Coretta Scott King Award as well as honors for the Caldecott Medal. It conveys the story of Harriet Tubman and how her faith guided her actions as she helped runaway slaves escape to the North. This book’s themes are strengthened by striking imagery.
This book follows the story of a young African-American girl who dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. The girl grows up to become Toni Stone, the first woman to play for a professional baseball team. This book demonstrates how both girls and African-Americans can overcome and follow their dreams.
In 1859, eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, which is a haven for slaves fleeing the American south, uses his wits and skills to try to bring to justice the lying preacher who has stolen money that was to be used to buy a family's freedom.
The life story of Joe Louis, heavyweight champion boxer, with the complete history of his career in the ring.
A young African-American girl is determined to chase chickens, despite her grandmother’s warning. In this sweet story, the girl eventually finds Miss Hen (the only chicken she can’t catch) but discovers she is keeping her chicks warm and leaves her alone.
This book integrates the traditions of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos into a fun poem that mixes Spanish vocabulary with English rhymes.
22 bilingual poems inspired by the poet’s summers growing up in Mexico. This is a recommended multicultural book by the National Education Association and was a Booklist Notable Book of the Year.
This book describes the diversity within the Latino culture through the dialogue a young girl has with different members of her family about hair. This book demonstrates that cultures cannot simply be wrapped up with a few stereotypes.
When Maria’s mother takes off her wedding ring while making tamales, Maria decides life would be perfect if she could wear it. When she discovers the ring is missing, she enlists the help of her cousins to secretly eat the stack of tamales without her mother finding out. This touching story centers around family and forgiveness while teaching children about the making of masa and tamales.
The first annual kids-only float contest at the Oaktown fiesta has Lil Dre, Chico, Maria, and the other Mijos working to have the best float in the parade. Teamwork and pride in one’s heritage are major themes of this book.
By following her mother's admonition to perform every task with care and love, a poor young Mexican girl wins the devotion of the governor's son.
A story about the special relationship between a child and her grandmother, and a treasured keepsake - her grandmother's hair bows. Presented in both English and Spanish
A renowned Salvadoran poet recalls his childhood experiences, dreams, and memories of life in El Salvador and San Francisco. Written in Spanish and English
Juanito's farmworker parents settle down so that he can go to school for the first time. There he struggles to fit in and learn English, but with the help of his teacher he learns to love his own voice.
This book is a classic children’s picture book detailing the lives of Japanese-Americans in internment camps during WWII, and afterwards. The young protagonist survives his stay at an internment camp by playing baseball, but is met with prejudice and racial discrimination after being released. National Education Association recommended book.
In this enchanting counting book, a group of enthusiastic mice busily prepares for and celebrates the Vietnamese New Year. Vibrant embroidered pictures and simple text convey the exuberance of this holiday, while endnotes provide more details about the traditions and beliefs associated with it.
Elizabeth was born in China but adopted to a Caucasian American family. She struggles with torn emotions and wonders why she couldn’t have stayed in China. While she loves her American family, she struggles to fit in. A wonderful tale that many adopted children may find comfort in.
This graphic novel alternates three interrelated stories about the problems of young Chinese Americans trying to participate in the popular culture and “fit-in.”
Just like the title says, it’s a version of Red-Riding Hood from China. But in this version it's the sisters who rescue themselves at the end, not a woodsman.
A young girl gets her wish when her adopted parents adopt another Chinese child to be her younger sister. A loving story of how two girls become loving siblings.
An elderly kamishibai (paper theater) man decides to return to the city and spend the day on his former rounds. His wife makes candies for him, just as in the past, and he sets off on his bicycle. However, what he finds is a completely different city.
A free-verse novel about eleven-year-old Xiao Mei's visit with her extended family in China, where the Chinese-American girl finds many differences but also the similarities that bind a family together.
A biography of Su Dongpo, Chinese poet, civil engineer, and statesman, whose appreciation for nature and justice were evident in his works and led him to experience both triumph and adversity in 11th century China
Long-Long and his grandfather go to town as everyone is getting ready for the Chinese New Year to sell their cabbages and earn money to celebrate the holiday.
A Chinese American girl describes the festivities surrounding her uncle's Chinese wedding and the customs behind each one.
While she and her family are interned at Topaz Relocation Center during World War II, Mari gradually adjusts as she enrolls in an art class, makes a friend, plants sunflowers and waits for them to grow.
Found floating on the river inside a peach by an old couple, Momotaro grows up and fights the terrible demons who have terrorized the village for years.
A young Korean girl describes the new clothes that she will be wearing to celebrate the new year.
When Cooper, a biracial Korean-American boy, feels uncomfortable trying to speak Korean in Mr. Lee's grocery, his bad behavior eventually leads to a change in his attitude.
Describes how special elephants are in the village of Tha Kleng in Thailand and looks at the life of one particular young elephant named Wan Pen.
Kogi paints the shore of Lake Biwa, but is unable to capture the vigor and beauty that inspire him. One day, Kogi wades into the water to release a fish, and unable to resist follows in its wake, eventually becoming a fish himself, and learning what it is to be a fish in the lake.
Poor Benito was born with the largest set of two front teeth! They were so big that Benito pities himself and wanted them removed. Find out how this laughingstock turns out to be someone uniquely gifted.
Here comes Titoy's Magical Chair! Watch it turn into a car, an airplane, or a train. Travel with it and find out how a boy overcame his disability with the help of his playful imagination.
A book about why Filipino women are extraordinary. Written in Filipino and English.
Crossing the street is one of the basic lessons that a child should learn. In this story, the boy encounters many strange creatures before he finally gets to cross on his own.
A story honoring mothers everywhere. Presented in both Filipino and English, it shows that some things are universal.
Young Pitong and his family suffer through the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during WWII.
64. Sis, Peter (2007). The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain, New York, NY: Frances Foster Books
A picture book that chronicles Sis’ upbringing in East Berlin during the Cold War. The book is illustrated in black and red (to mimic the Communist party) while images that represent Western culture are in vivid full-color. The story of a boy who loves to draw, but is constrained by his government’s agenda is interspersed with Sis’ own journal entries from his life. While the content may not be suitable for small children, it is an incredibly powerful book that provides unique insight into a turbulent time in world history.
A biography of German/Jewish scientist Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Focus is on Albert as an odd boy other people don't understand.
This book recounts a Rabbi who summons to life a clay giant to protect the Jews in 16th century Prague. However, the giant begins to disobey the Rabbi and cause massive damage to the people and city of Prague, thus causing the Rabbi to end the giant’s existence.
The concepts of tikkun olam and making the world a better place are explained simply yet lyrically in this picture book inspired by the writings of Rabbi Isaac Luria, a 16th century Kabbalist.
During the Revolutionary War, a Jewish soldier from Poland lights the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah and tells General George Washington the story of the Maccabees and the miracle that Hanukkah celebrates.
When her mother and younger sister are killed in a house fire, eleven-year-old Cara struggles to find a way to deal with her emotions and to reach out to her grieving father.
A white ram, made on the sixth day of creation, waits patiently in the garden of Eden until the time is right, then runs to save a certain child in fulfillment of God's plan.
Presents a biography of the Russian artist from his point of view, detailing his struggle to find acceptance for his work and his why he chose the themes he did for his art.
A retelling of an Eastern European tale in which Shlemazel, the laziest man in town, is tricked into believing that the lucky spoon given to him by a neighbor will bring him fortune and fame, if it is used in the right way.
A Jewish boy living in Russia learns a lesson from the village chickens at the time of Rosh ha-Shanah, the Jewish New Year.
A collection of 44 Jewish folktales. They go from biblical times to modern day.
A Palestinian folktale about a small pot given to an old woman as a child. But the woman soon learns that the little pot needs to learn right from wrong just like any small child.
Two young Afghani girls living in a refugee camp in Pakistan share a precious pair of sandals brought by relief workers.
Presents the life of a Egyptian woman who lived in fifth century Alexandria and became a respected scholar in mathematics and philosophy.
This Cinderella story from India substitutes a Godfather Snake for a fairy, but still has the evil stepmother and stepsister. A beautiful book with a twist on a favorite story.
A Creole variant of the familiar Cinderella tale set in the Caribbean and narrated by the godmother who helps Cendrillon find true love.
On a trip with his new stepfather, Tsering is warned not to approach the mountain pass where his father was killed. But as the child and grandchild of two hotheaded men, and driven by anger at his father's untimely death, Tsering decides to follow his instincts and goes off in the night to climb. In his ascent, Tsering makes precious discoveries that will change his life forever.
This classic story tells of a young boy trying to bridge his Jewish and Mexican heritages for a class project. This story helps demonstrate that cultures can be brought together and a person from different cultural backgrounds can create their own culture from the process.
It is about a Latina woman who marries an African-American man. Both the man and woman have sons from previous marriages and it takes some time before the boys come together and become brothers.
This is a story about a man who makes wonderful things out of junk he finds in a dumpster. The children in his apartment building who come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds aid his exploration.
This is a Cinderella story that jumps from country to country, with Cinderella’s ethnic look and some of the details of the story changing from culture to culture.
89. Munsch, R. N., Martchenko, M., & Dann, S. (2005). The paper bag princess. Toronto: Annick Press.The feisty princess in this story sets off to rescue her Prince clad in a paper bag after a dragon destroys all her belongings. When the Prince snubs the princess for her appearance she promptly leaves him with the dragon. This classic fairy-tale-upside-down is a great book for girls as an alternative to the traditional fairy tales.
90. Fierstein, H., & Cole, H. (2002). The sissy duckling. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.Elmer is not like the other ducks. While they are boxing and playing football, Elmer is baking and building sand castles. Disowned by his father for his sensitive nature, Elmer eventually earns the respect and love of his fellow ducks and family after braving a winter to nurse his father back to health. This book demonstrates that boys who don’t play sports and act tough are no less boys for it.
92. Heelan, J. R., & Simmonds, N. (2000). Rolling along: the story of Taylor and his wheelchair. A Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago learning book. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.This book follows the life of Taylor, a young boy coping with Cerebral Palsy. It follows his day-to-day activities, as well as triumphs and frustrations. This book is a wonderful way for to children to see that people in wheelchairs are just like them.
93. Woloson, E., & Gough, B. (2003). My friend Isabelle. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.This book describes the friendship between Charlie and Isabelle. Charlie is an average boy, while Isabelle has Down Syndrome. This book shows the loving relationship between them and demonstrates that disabilities can’t stop friendship.
94. Thomas, Pat & Harker, Lesley (2002). Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look At Disability. New York: Barron’s.Explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way, explaining individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives.
When the white stork's Croatian village is destroyed by war, he searches for a new place to live. But he finds out that there's no place like home.
Because they freed a shark caught in a net, the fearsome Shark God rescues a brother and sister from the cruel king's imprisonment and helps them find a new, peaceful kingdom across the sea.
Each letter of the alphabet is colorfully shown with three or four examples from Hawaiian.
My Hawaiian Farm tells the story of a year in the life of a young girl growing up on a farm on the Big Island of Hawaii. Each beautifully illustrated page features the daily activities she and her family experience together throughout the year. January is the time for picking limes, while August is time to harvest bananas, green beans, limas and carrots to be sold at the fruit stand in town.
Fights break out between the black cats and the blond cats until they exchange ears and hear voices they never heard before. This book, presented in Arabic and English, shows that people can get along if only they’d open their ears.
Faris is a young boy who is made fun of for doing housework by the other children. Faris doesn’t care and continues to help his mother and be happy. Presented in both Arabic and English.
Young Sofia grows up in the small town of McAllen, TX immersed in her Hispanic culture. Sofia is a strong-willed girl who dreams of becoming a comadre someday. Her story is told through events in her life, like celebrating Dia de los Muertos and her cousin’s quinceanera. Although the story flows together, the chapters seem more like vignettes that display the beauty in Sofia’s life and culture.
The Garcia family is moved from the Dominican Republic to the Bronx due to political tension in the 1960’s. While the girls thrive in America, their parents have a difficult time adjusting to their new life. The book works chronologically backwards, which offers a new look at coming-of-age stories. Readers watch as the girls go through the embarrassment, anger and confusion that comes with being transplanted into a new environment and struggling to survive.
In a future where humans despise clones, Matt enjoys special status as the young clone of El Patrón, the 142-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire nestled between Mexico and the United States.
When Southern California high school senior Sofi Mendoza lies to her parents and crosses the border for a weekend party, she has no idea that she will get stuck in a Mexican village with family she has never met before, unable to return to the United States and the easy life she knew.
This book tells the story of Omakayas as she struggles to make her people, the Ojibwa, understand the changes that are coming to their people. While the book moves a little slow, it is a wonderfully insightful glimpse into the day-to-day life of this tribe in 1850.
This fascinating biography tells the story of Joseph Medicine Crow. He was born on the Crow Indian Reservation in 1913 and went on to become the first male Crow Indian to graduate from college. The story of this amazing man’s life is complimented with full-color pictures that help give life to the story.
In the 1800s, a Choctaw girl becomes friends with a slave boy from a plantation across the great river, and when she learns that his family is in trouble, she helps them cross to freedom.
Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. This story is filled with stories from Junior’s life as he struggles to fit in and find his true self and a place in his new surroundings.
A collection of twelve stories of the Choctaw people, including traditional lore arising from beliefs and myths, historical tales passed down through generations, and personal stories of contemporary life.
Young Ursula becomes extremely isolated after smallpox scars her face in this historical fiction set in Montana. It is only with the help of a Chinese cook, Ah Sam, and through the celebration of the Chinese New Years that she regains her self-confidence and helps Ah Sam become a part of the community.
In a series of journal entries, eleven-year-old child prodigy Millicent Min records her struggles to learn to play volleyball, tutor her enemy, deal with her grandmother's departure, and make friends over the course of a tumultuous summer.
After flunking sixth-grade English, basketball prodigy Stanford Wong must struggle to pass his summer-school class, keep his failure a secret from his friends, and satisfy his academically demanding father.
This book is told through the eyes of a young Polish orphan running from the Nazis. He attempts to forget his past and re-invent himself into a Catholic boy to fit in. While the boy eventually ends up in Israel, he endures hatred and discrimination and loses his right arm because a doctor refuses to help a Jew.
A Jewish orphan struggles to survive in the ghettos of Warsaw during WWII. This moving book is beautifully written by Spinelli.
This story is told through a series of vignettes describing a Palestinian woman’s childhood starting with the Six Day’s War in 1967. She recalls living under military occupation and her family’s home being bombed. This books is beautifully written and an extremely moving account of living in a war-torn country.
Through in-depth interviews with young adults living in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the experiences, dreams, and sorrows of a diverse group of children from both sides are presented.