New Diverse Picture Books

Check out the latest and greatest diverse picture books of the 2020's for your classroom read-alouds!

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Updated June 24, 2024
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LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Gladstone & Oak Lodge Public Libraries
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An American story
Alexander, Kwame
Paper Book
A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Book A 2023 New York Times Best Children's Book A 2023 Publisher's Weekly Best Picture Book An NPR Best Book of the Year #1 New York Times Bestselling and...
I can be all three
Alikhan, Salima
Paper Book
Our Favorite Day of the Year meets Alma and How She Got Her Name in this warm, lyrical picture book about a child who learns to celebrate her multicultural identity and finds pride in all the stories and worlds that live inside of her. When it's Multicultural Day at...
Only for a little while
Belt, Gabriela Orozco
Paper Book
A heartwarming picture book with Spanish words woven in, about a father helping his daughter adjust when they temporarily have to move in with extended family. Perfect for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and Where Are You From. When Maribel's family has to move in with Tía Carmen because...
The walk
Bingham, Winsome
Paper Book
From award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll) is a powerful, full-color picture book story celebrating a journey crucial to our democracy: the walk to vote--a perfect read aloud. My granny is taking me...

More By Winsome Bingham:

Soul Food Sunday

Love, Lah Lah
Blackman-Thornhill, Nailah
Paper Book
Caribbean soca artist, Nailah Blackman, invites you to shimmy, fate, and spread the joy of Carnival with Lah Lah and her grandfather in this vibrant and heartwarming story set in Trinidad & Tobago! Perfect baby shower or birthday gift for soca fans! Come on, Come on...
Going places : Victor Hugo Green and his glorious book
Bolden, Tonya
Paper Book
In the vein of Hidden Figures comes a nonfiction picture book about the Green Book, a travel guide by Victor Hugo Green, a Black postal worker from Harlem, made to help African Americans stay safe while traveling during segregation. As a mail carrier, Victor Hugo Green...
My two border towns
Bowles, David
Paper Book
A picture book debut by an award-winning author about a boy's life on the U.S.-Mexico border, visiting his favorite places on The Other Side with his father, spending time with family and friends, and sharing in the responsibility of community care. Early one Saturday morning, a...
Sam's super seats
Brown, Keah
Paper Book
A joyful picture book about a disabled girl with cerebral palsy who goes back-to-school shopping with her best friends, from #DisabledandCute creator and The Pretty One author Keah Brown. Sam loves herself, learning, and making her family and friends laugh. She also loves...
Jam, too?
Brown-Wood, JaNay
Paper Book
Lustrous illustrations and a rhythmic text featuring a cumulative list of sounds bring to life the thrill of an impromptu jam session and the joy of making music together. A drum circle is forming on the beach, and one fascinated child would love to join in. Soon there's...
Me and Mama
Cabrera, Cozbi A.
Paper Book
A Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Mama's love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days. This celebration of a mother-daughter relationship is perfect for sharing with little ones! On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and...
Rafa counts on Papá
Cepeda, Joe
Paper Book
For fans of Guess How Much I Love You? and Just Me and My Dad comes a heartwarming story perfect for Father's Day about a son and his papá who love to measure everything, including their love for each other. Rafa and his papá love to count and...
Hair oil magic
Chouhan, Anu
Paper Book
A beautiful picture book about the joyful magic in the tradition of hair oiling and a celebration of the bond between parent and child. Meenu loves Magic Hair Days, when Mommy mixes sweet-smelling oils together and massages the potion into Meenu's scalp and hair. It always...
I'm not small
Crews, Nina
Paper Book
"Completely relatable for all viewers, big or small."--The Horn Book (starred review) "Crews captures the joy of early childhood exploration in a book that adults and children can both enjoy."--ALA Booklist (starred review) "A nice addition to story hours about relativity, size...
Quiet time with my seeya
Dabarera, Dinalie
Paper Book
A lush and endearing picture book about the special days a child spends with her Sinhalese grandfather, her Seeya, despite their language barrier. Sometimes, the moments that Sona spends with her seeya are quiet. They speak different languages and don't always use words. But...
Harlem at four
Datcher, Michael
Paper Book
A stunning picture book comprising two incredible stories-the first part chronicles the adventures of a four-year-old Black girl named Harlem, while the second part describes the history of Harlem the neighborhood. From a New York Times bestselling author and a critically acclaimed...
The last stand
Eady, Antwan
Paper Book
The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope. Every stand has a story. This one is mine. ...
What my daddy loves
Figueroa, Raissa
Paper Book
In her joyous authorial debut, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor winner Raissa Figueroa celebrates the warm love between Black fathers and their children.  Capturing a child's perspective and infused with gentle humor, Raissa Figueroa's tender, insightful look at fathers is...
We all play
Flett, Julie
Paper Book
A BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR: New York Times, Washington Post, New York Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Globe and Mail, Horn Book, and Boston Globe STARRED Reviews in Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, The Horn...
The last two crayons
Freeman-Haskin, Leah
Paper Book
Sienna looks forward to drawing a picture for her school's spring art show, until she ends up with the last two crayons ... By the time Sienna arrives at the art table in her classroom, all the crayons are gone except dark brown and light brown. Now how can she make a special picture for...
Berry song
Goade, Michaela
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book! An Indie Bestseller! Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders. On...
The coquíes still sing
González, Karina Nicole
Paper Book
Pura Belpré Honor Book for Children's Text Pura Belpré Honor Book for Children's Illustration Chicago Public Library Best Picture Books of 2022 Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee's Best Children's Books of the Year 2023 New...
Rock your mocs
Goodluck, Laurel
Paper Book
In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins--and the Native pride that comes with them. A...

More By Laurel Goodluck:

Too Much: My Great Big Native Family

Mama's sleeping scarf
Grace-James, Nwa
Paper Book
The first children's book from the best-selling author of We Should All Be Feminists and Americanah--a tender story about a little girl's love for her mother's scarf, and the adventures she shares with it and her whole family Chino loves the scarf that her mama ties...
My fade is fresh
Grant, Shauntay
Paper Book
A little girl makes sure she walks out of the barbershop rocking the fabulous hair style she chooses. Learn the importance of speaking up for what you want through this fun and empowering picture book. When a little girl walks into her local barbershop, she knows she...

More By Shauntay Grant:

When I Wrap My Hair

Keepunumuk : Weećhumun's Thanksgiving story
Greendeer, Danielle
Paper Book
In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Wee chumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without members of the Wampanoag tribe who...
If you're a kid like Gavin
Grimm, Gavin
Paper Book
A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, two-time Stonewall Award-winning and Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff, and illustrator J Yang follows the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself--and made history along the way.  A Publishers...
My block looks like
Harper, Janelle
Paper Book
A love letter to the hustle, the bustle, the joy, and the grit of city life by debut author and Bronx native, Janelle Harper, and two-time Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, Frank Morrison. "My block looks like a collision of cultures a melting pot of cool...
Big
Harrison, Vashti
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal! A Coretta Scott King Award Author and Illustrator Honor book, a National Book Award finalist, and a New York Times bestseller! This deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance,...
Why we dance : a story of hope and healing
Havrelock, Deirdre
Paper Book
From Indigenous creative team Deidre Havrelock and Aly McKnight comes a powerful and exuberant story about the heritage, joy, and healing power of the Jingle Dress Dance--a perfect read-aloud picture book. It's a special day--the day of the Jingle Dress Dance!...
Your voice, your vote
Henderson, Leah
Paper Book
Discover both the past and present day's fight to vote with Quetta Little as she learns the power of casting your vote in this ideal picture book from acclaimed author Leah Henderson and illustrator Keisha Morris. The perfect companion for any young reader during election year! ...
Eyes that weave the world's wonders
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, and award-winning educator Liz Kleinrock, comes a powerful companion picture book about adoption and family. A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds...
Ten blocks to the Big Wok : a Chinatown counting book
Hu, Ying-Hwa
Paper Book
This charming bilingual English/Mandarin counting book uses a stroll through Chinatown to introduce readers to the numbers one through ten in Chinese ... and will leave you hungry besides! As Mia and her uncle Eddie travel the ten blocks from their apartment to the Big Wok...
Do you know them?
Keller, Shana
Paper Book
A moving and triumphant picture book inspired by the printed newspaper ads placed by African Americans who were separated from family members by the Civil War, enslavement, and emancipation. After the war's end, everyone is missing someone. Lettie's missing her family. They had...
One sun and countless stars : a Muslim book of numbers
Khan, Hena
Paper Book
From one sun to countless stars, this gentle introduction to numbers also celebrates the many diverse traditions of the Muslim world, encouraging readers young and old to reflect upon - and count - their many blessings. Like Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and...
Words between us
Krans, Angela Pham
Paper Book
From Angela Pham Krans (Finding Papa) and Dung Ho (New York Times bestselling illustrator of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners) comes a poignant picture book that tenderly portrays the intergenerational bond between a boy named Felix and his grandma that's cemented over food--and flash...
My city speaks
Lebeuf, Darren
Paper Book
A young visually impaired girl and her father spend a day in the city, her city, travelling to the places they go together: the playground, the community garden, the market, an outdoor concert. As they do, the girl describes what she senses in delightfully precise, poetic detail. Her city, she says,...
The blue bowl
Leung, Flo
Paper Book
A young boy realizes, thanks to his family, that he can enjoy both his Chinese and North American cultures through his favourite dishes Max loves his family's Cantonese meals, like steamed rice and gai lan greens with oyster sauce, homemade dumplings, and scallion bread. But sometimes he...
The hips on the drag queen go swish, swish, swish
Lil Miss Hot Mess
Paper Book
Playing off "The Wheels on the Bus," this nursery rhyme book from a founder of Drag Story Hour is a fun, freewheeling celebration of being your most fabulous self.   The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish encourages readers to boldly be...
Benita and the night creatures
Llanos, Mariana
Paper Book
"Young book lovers will relate to Benita's devotion to reading and be amused by the friendly night creatures, who are all based on Peruvian legends" - The Horn Book Magazine Benita loves to read in bed but keeps getting interrupted by a whistling Tunche, a scary Supay and...
Every body : a first conversation about bodies
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
A picture book edition of the board book about body liberation, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this...
There's always room for one more
McGrath, Robyn
Paper Book
A girl struggles to say goodbye to the family table until she discovers that a new, bigger table means more room for creating memories and welcoming loved ones in this heartwarming picture book perfect for fans of All Are Welcome, The Bench, and A Grand Day. ...
Between two windows
Morris, Keisha
Paper Book
A friendship blossoms between two children as they pass drawings across the clothesline between their apartment windows in this imaginative picture book about creativity, the power of art, adventure, innovation, and friendship. Between two windows, Kayla and Mateo pass...
The kindest red : a story of hijab and friendship
Muhammad, Ibtihaj
Paper Book
The sequel to the acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Proudest Blue shows the power of friendship and kindness, from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad. It's picture day and Faizah can't wait to wear her special red dress with matching hair...
Not little
Myers, Maya
Paper Book
Just because you're really small doesn't mean you can't have a big heart. When the diminutive Dot stands up to a bully on behalf of an even smaller friend, she proves how big she can truly be. Dot is the smallest person in her family and at school; even her name is small! People...
The rainbow parade
Neilson, Emily
Paper Book
A sweet and celebratory story of a family's first time at Pride One day in June, Mommy, Mama, and Emily take the train into the city to watch the Rainbow Parade. The three of them love how all the people in the street are so loud, proud, and colorful, but when Mama suggests they...
Plt̀anos go with everything
Norman, Lissette
Paper Book
Paletero Man meets Fry Bread in this vibrant and cheerful ode to plátanos, the star of Dominican cuisine, written by award-winning poet Lissette Norman, illustrated by Sara Palacios, and translated by Kianny N. Antigua. Plátanos are Yesenia's favorite food....
The boy who tried to shrink his name
Parappukkaran, Sandhya
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of Alma and How She Got Her Name and Your Name Is a Song, author Sandhya Parappukkaranand illustrator Michelle Pereira'spicture book The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Nameencourages readers to take up space and support each other...
Patchwork prince
Paul, Baptiste
Paper Book
A joyful, empowering story of a boy made royal by his mother's hand-stitched clothes, inspired by the author's childhood in St. Lucia, and with art by a #1 NYT bestselling artist with St. Lucian roots. What makes a patchwork prince? A prince must be ready for adventure...
The paper kingdom
Rhee, Helena Ku
Paper Book
An office at night is reimagined as a fantastical kingdom of paper complete with friendly dragons in this own voices picture book. When the babysitter is unable to come, Daniel is woken out of bed and joins his parents as they head downtown for their jobs as nighttime office...
Seoul food
Russell, Erin
Paper Book
A young biracial girl joyfully celebrates both her Black and Korean cultures the best way she knows how-with the irresistible power of food! Hana is faced with a conundrum- what scrumptious dinner should she make for her four grandparents who are all coming for a visit? This dish...
Jovita wore pants : the story of a Mexican freedom fighter
Salazar, Aida
Paper Book
**A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK** The remarkable true story of Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican revolutionary who disguised herself as a man to fight for her rights! * "Graceful . . deft . . . mesmerizing. . . . Bravery and determination prevail in this inspiring tale." --...
The rice in the pot goes round and round
Shang, Wendy Wan-Long
Paper Book
Sing along to this delicious twist on "The Wheels on the Bus" and celebrate the food, laughter, and love of a multigenerational family meal! * "Artfully brings an authentic expression of family love...an utterly charming [twist] to a familiar tune." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred...
The artivist
Smith, Nikkolas
Paper Book
An inspiring picture book about how children can combine art and activism in their daily lives. "They say I'm an artist. They say I'm an activist." When a young boy realizes the scope of inequities in the wider world, he's seized with the urge to do more. He...
Being home
Sorell, Traci
Paper Book
From Sibert Honor-winning author Traci Sorell and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Michaela Goade comes a heartwarming picture book about a Native American family and the joy of moving back to their ancestral land. Today is a day of excitement--it's time to move! As a young...
Jump in!
Strickland, Shadra
Paper Book
This bright, joyful picture book celebrates a community at play! It's a sunny spring day, and the tic tac tic tac sound of jump ropes hitting the ground floats through the wind. "Jump in!" Everyone lines up for a turn. The Delancy twins, double...
Namaste is a greeting
Subramaniam, Suma
Paper Book
Discover namaste's many meanings in a simple, lyrical text, paired with a charmingly detailed visual narrative about a little girl's kindness. Namaste calms your heart when things aren't going right. Namaste is saying "You matter." What is...
That's not my name!
Syed, Anoosha
Paper Book
A debut picture book about loving your name, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself from the critically acclaimed illustrator of Bilal Cooks Daal and I Am Perfectly Designed. Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can't wait to learn, play,...
A maleta full of treasures
Sylvester, Natalia
Paper Book
From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven't met them yet. It's been three years since Abuela's last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail-from...
Ramen for everyone
Tanumihardja, Patricia
Paper Book
In this adorable picture book for fans of Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Bilal Cooks Daal, Hiro aspires to make a bowl of ramen as delicious as his dad's--and runs into some surprises on his first attempt! Hiro loves ramen. Every Sunday, Hiro's dad makes delicious,...
Finding my dance
Thundercloud, Ria
Paper Book
In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage. At four years old, Ria Thundercloud was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the...
A gift for Nai Nai
Ung, Kim-Hoa
Paper Book
Lyn Lyn's beloved Nai Nai has a birthday party approaching! All Lyn Lyn wants to do is make a lucky hat for her very special grandma, but her crochet skills are not nearly as refined as Nai Nai's. So Lyn Lyn hatches a plan for the best crocheter she knows to help her make the perfect...
Gibberish
Vo, Young
Paper Book
BEST OF THE YEAR Kirkus · Parents · Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association · Chicago Public Library · Washington Post · Evanston Public Library · Los Angeles Public Library Charlotte Huck Recommended Book Common Sense Media...
Luli and the language of tea
Wang, Andrea
Paper Book
Though they may speak different languages, kids from all over the world come together to enjoy the shared pastime of tea in this delicious book for young readers. When five-year-old Luli joins her new English as a Second Language class, the playroom is quiet. Luli can't speak...
Bros
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
A celebration of childhood from an award-winning author, this upbeat day-in-the-life of a bunch of friends was inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme that spurred a movement. From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best...
Naming ceremony
Wedlick, Seina
Paper Book
A sweet sibling picture-book story all about making family traditions your own--perfect for fans of Alma and How She Got Her Name and Welcome to the Party. Today's the day! It's Baby Sister's naming ceremony, and big sister Amira could not be more...
Spicy spicy hot
Wen, Lenny
Paper Book
A heartwarming and humorous story about one girl determined to embrace the spice of sambal in order to connect with her grandmother and heritage--perfect for fans of Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Thank You, Omu! When Lintang finally gets to taste her...
Not he or she, I'm me
Wild, A. M.
Paper Book
A Stonewall Book Award Honor Book "The warmth of everyday gender euphoria is burnished to brilliant radiance" (BCCB, starred review) in this joyous picture book about a day in the life of a non-binary child. A child gets ready for a wonderful day. They...
Homegrown
Wiley, DeAnn
Paper Book
A touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes--and loved ones--that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street. While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what...
Kapaemahu
Wong-Kalu, Hinaleimoana
Paper Book
An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individualsof dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, based on the Academy Award-contending short film. In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of...
A-train Allen
Younge, Lesley
Paper Book
Everyone in the neighborhood knows Allen is the fastest kid around. As soon as school lets out, he's racing through the park, past the library, and down the sidewalks. They call him A-Train because he's practically faster than the subway. ZOOM! But where is Allen off to every afternoon? "Got...
Ramadan Kareem / written by M. O. Yuksel ; illustrated by Hatem Aly
Yuksel, M. O.
Paper Book
From M. O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly, the acclaimed creators of the award-winning In My Mosque, comes Ramadan Kareem--a delightful, diverse celebration of Ramadan around the world. Don't miss this modern classic that celebrates the emotions and joy of this important holiday. Come in and...
Amy Wu and the warm welcome
Zhang, Kat
Paper Book
Amy Wu does her best to make her new classmate feel welcome in this warmhearted and playfully illustrated follow-up picture book to Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon. Amy's class has a new student from China! Amy tries hard to make Lin...

More in this Series:

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance


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