Finding Diverse Books 2026 | Grades 3-5

Updated January 16, 2026
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Oregon City Public Library
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Almost sunset
Algarmi, Wahab
Paper Book
In a contemporary middle grade graphic novel debut that Gene Luen Yang calls "funny, endearing, and an intimate look at a Muslim family," Almost Sunset follows a young Muslim American boy during Ramadan as he finds the balance between his family traditions and his secular middle school life....

A young soccer player feels torn between commitments to his teammates and to his family & faith when the Ramadan fast overlaps with soccer season in this engaging, appealing graphic novel.

Also available as an e-book.

Creaky Acres
Brill, Calista
Paper Book
A NATIONAL BESTSELLER! A heartwarming graphic novel about being the new kid in middle school, making new friends, and learning to trust yourself through the power of horseback riding--perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl. "Readers will fall in love...

Competitive equestrian Nora is initially less than thrilled with her new barn after her family moves to the country, but slowly befriends her quirky fellow riding students as she helps them prepare for their first competition. Its subversion of typical middle grade tropes makes this a great choice for all readers, not just horse-lovers!

Also available as an e-book.

Mixed-up
Garcia, Kami
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia has returned with a middle grade graphic novel about the struggles of a game-loving girl who gets diagnosed with dyslexia and her loving support network that help her along in the journey. Stella knows fifth grade will be...

A deep dive into the experience of getting diagnosed with dyslexia in upper elementary school, giving equal weight to the practical and emotional challenges--including examples of effective interventions. Hand this one to struggling readers and their book-loving peers alike!

Also available as an e-book.

Rewilding
Gerlits, Lisa
Joy, an eleven-year-old often called "Bruiser" by her dad, isn't as tough as she appears. With her dad gone and her mom falling into depression, the responsibility of managing the household and caring for her younger brother, Ian, falls on her small shoulders. She struggles with the...

Helping a neighbor restore her garden gives a young teen the strength to accept support as her family navigates financial and mental health challenges. Written by a local author, this is a great choice for nature-loving kids dealing with big problems and bigger feelings.

Also available as a digital audiobook.

Xolo
Higuera, Donna Barba
Paper Book
It is said the mighty feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl, helped create the earth. He is the hero who stole back the bones of humanity from the evil god of the Underworld. In his quest to bring humans to the earth, Quetzalcoatl's dog-headed twin brother, Xolotl, was present. Not much is known of...

Dog Man meets Percy Jackson full-color graphic novel hybrid from the Newbery Award-winning author of The Last Cuentista. Hand this retelling of a famous Mesoamerican myth to readers who love epic stories and dynamic art.

Also available as an e-book and a digital audiobook.

Rachel Friedman Is Not the Queen
Kapit, Sarah/ Kote, Genevieve (ILT)
Paper Book
In this heartwarming chapter book, Rachel celebrates Purim--and learns the joy of sharing the stage. Rachel is so excited about Purim, and she's especially excited to star in her Hebrew school's Purim spiel! She'll get to dress up like a queen and put on a play in front of...

The third book in Sarah Kapit's beginning chapter book series about a neurodiverse Jewish girl explores jealousy, as attention-loving Rachel struggles with her best friend being given the leading role of Queen Esther in the Hebrew school Purim pageant.

Ella Josephine : resident in charge
LaCour, Nina
Paper Book
The second book in bestselling author Nina LaCour's delightful chapter book series for young readers. "LaCour's ... series is cozy and classic-feeling ... Ella's curiosity and gregariousness are infectious, and she'll easily sweep readers into her charming world....

A spunky elementary-age girl helps the residents of her family's apartment house in San Francisco. Featuring a family with two moms, the writing and setting combine to create a the feel of a classic.

The gate, the girl, and the dragon
Lin, Grace
Paper Book
A New York Times and IndieBound bestseller! A Boston Globe Best Book of the Year! A Kirkus Best Book of the Year! A BCCB Best Book of the Year! From award-winning and bestselling author...

A mischievous young dragon needs the help of a human girl and her friends to return to the spirit world before the gate he inadvertently opened closes for good. Another modern fairy tale steeped in Chinese folklore from the author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Also available as an e-book and a digital audiobook.

Vanya and the Wild Hunt
Mandanna, Sangu
Paper Book
*Winner of the Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Awards* *A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year* From the bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches comes an action-packed, enchanting middle grade fantasy about a...

A British Indian girl with ADHD is swept away to magic school, where she must confront a mystical threat to her family. Steeped in both South Asian and British folklore, this bestseller is a great choice for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

Also available as an e-book and a digital audiobook.

El deseo de mi corazón
Méndez, Yamile Saied
Paper Book
Cuando un ataque de panico impide que Florencia actúe como Clara en El Cascanueces y su mejor amiga actúa como Clara en lugar de ella, un nuevo estilo de baile la ayuda a enfrentar su ansiedad y una amistad problemática. After a panic attack prevents Florencia from...

After she has a panic attack on the first night of a dream ballet performance and her best friend becomes her bully, Florencia overcomes her stage fright by taking up Irish dance. A great option for the many dance-loving kids in our community!

Also available as an English language book and an English language e-book under the title The Reel Wish.

The summer of the bone horses
Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk
Paper Book
A Lakota child spends a summer with grandparents at their home on the Rosebud Reservation in this young chapter book, illustrated in full-color This charming chapter book follows a present-day Lakota child connecting with extended family, embracing new experiences, and growing...

The rural setting and short page count make this beginning chapter book, set on a Lakota ranch, a great choice for outdoorsy kids who love nature and animals.

Outsider kids
Tang, Betty C.
Paper Book
Can one spoiled cousin upend three kids' hard-won happiness? Find out in this hilarious, big-hearted, high stakes companion to the award-winning bestseller Parachute Kids! Perfect for fans of School Trip, A First Time for Everything, The Tryout, and The Squad...

In this sequel to the Parachute Kids graphic novel, the Lins--a trio of undocumented siblings struggling to get by on their own after their parents sent them to the US--deal with a snobby cousin visiting from Taiwan who threatens to disrupt their hard-earned equilibrium.

Also available as an e-book.


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