There are subjects all children have to learn; but how they learn them can look very different. If your goal this school year is to Create an Inclusive Classroom with Diverse Books, look no further. This list of books will help you take initiative with students who are desperately asking the adults in their lives to challenge the status quo and find the truth.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
• Create an Inclusive Classroom with Diverse Books •
BEFORE THE SHIPS:
The Birth of Black Excellence
Before the Ships is a powerful and poetic celebration of the early roots of Black history. The great achievements and accomplishments across Africa prior to the Transatlantic slave trade are told through melodious text and evocative illustrations, that culminate into the strength and resilience of modern-day Black people.
For so many of us, the first introduction to Black history begins with lessons about slavery. While slavery is a crucial part of African-American history, it is not the beginning. In fact, there is a rich history tied to the continent of Africa that deserves to be told and to be marveled at– which is exactly what Maisha Oso does in Before the Ships.
With sparse yet moving text, Maisha takes us back in time to before the advent of the Transatlantic slave trade. We see the grandness of African royalty, the bravery of warriors like the Queen of Kush, and stories being told in song with griots and drums. Candice Bradley's gorgeous and reflective illustrations illuminate the strength of Black history and Black joy, reminding readers about the power within us all.
BEFORE THE SHIPS: THE BIRTH OF BLACK EXCELLENCE
Written by Maisha Oso and Illustrated by Candice Bradley
Published by Orchard Books
THE RIVER IS MY OCEAN
A grandmother and granddaughter share a magical trip to the Hudson River affirming intergenerational love and the power of water in this heart-song of a picture book.
Every day, Abuela misses the ocean in Puerto Rico. But on Saturdays, when the sun is high, Abuela takes her granddaughter on a walk down the hill in Harlem to Twelfth Avenue, to a place that is just as magical: the Hudson River.
There, they visit Yamaya, mermaids that invoke child-like wonder and hold onto the memory of all who have passed through their waters. Together, Abuela, her granddaughter, and the spirits of ancient religion and familial love celebrate the river that brought millions of new Americans to its shores through the generations.
THE RIVER IS MY OCEAN
Written by Rio Cortez and Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Published by Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
WILD GREENS BEAUTIFUL GIRL
On the eastern plains of Taiwan, a young girl and her mother pick wild greens before a rainstorm drenches them and their garden. When she goes to pull at the roots of a spiky, stalky weed, she learns that the plant is not what it seems. A lyrical story that shows young readers how to appreciate the bounty of nature and the beauty of identity.
Chinese and Pinyin translations are included in pages and backmatter features additional information on the indigenous Amis people of Taiwan. An Own Voices, Own Stories award winner and Junior Library Guild Selection.
WILD GREENS BEAUTIFUL GIRL
Written by Erica Lee Schlaikjer and Illustrated by Cinyee Chiu
Published by Sleeping Bear Press
VIVA'S VOICE
Five-year-old Viva learns there is a need for girls with powerful voices everywhere when she helps Papi raise his voice on the picket line.
Viva's Papi is a bus driver and Viva loves going to work with him. The sounds of the traffic and the voices of the passengers are music to Viva's ears. When she finds out that Papi's union is going on strike, she convinces Papi to take her along to the picket line. When quiet Papi is too nervous to give his speech, Viva uses her powerful voice to give him the confidence to find his own. A first introduction to labor unions, strikes, picket lines, and workers' rights, this powerful picture book is both educational and endearing.
Debut author Raquel Donoso has crafted a beautiful story about courage, family, and using your voice to help others. Viva's story is based on Donoso's own childhood experience, in which her father's union went on strike.
VIVA'S VOICE
Written by Raquel Donoso Carlos and Illustrated by Vélez Auiglera
Published by Kind World Publishing
SHARICE'S BIG VOICE: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman
This acclaimed picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas.
When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she'd be in Congress. And she never thought she'd be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn't win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from.
But everyone's path looks different and everyone's path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids' path to Congress.
Beautifully illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist, this powerful autobiographical picture book teaches readers to use their big voice and that everyone deserves to be seen–and heard!
The back matter includes information about the Ho-Chunk written by former Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer, an artist note, and an inspiring letter to children from Sharice Davids.
SHARICE'S BIG VOICE: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman
Written by Sharice Davids and Nancy K. Mays and Illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Published by HarperCollins
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Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
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