As you look at your goals for 2026, let's make this year the most diverse your read alouds and bookshelves have ever been. Below is a list of fabulous New Diverse Books for the New Year to celebrate different cultures, identities, and experiences. We hope you can get copies at your local bookstore or library to enjoy these diverse picture books often with the children in your life.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
• New Diverse Books for the New Year •
PAPA'S COMING HOME
A charming picture book about unconditional love from New York Times bestselling author Chasten Buttigieg, perfect for families who love each other the whole year through.
Jojo and Rosie’s papa has been away on a trip, and they can’t wait to welcome him home! They make signs, they pick flowers, and with Daddy’s help, they bake a cake and pack the car with absolutely everything Papa might have missed while he was away.
When Papa’s plane arrives, they give him a huge hug—but when they bring him to the car, they realize there’s one small problem: Where will Papa sit?
Delightfully illustrated by Dan Taylor, this charming story filled with love celebrates dads and familial bonds. Chasten Buttigieg shines a beautiful light on the humorous musings of toddlers and a parent’s unconditional love for their child.
PAPA'S COMING HOME
Written by Chasten Buttigieg and Illustrated by Dan Taylor
Published by Philomel Books
MORE THAN ENOUGH
A community grows as neighbor helps neighbor in this heartwarming story inspired by the
Golden Ladder, a Jewish approach to charity intended to create a fair society.Moses isn’t used to jingle-jangle in his pocket, so he’s reluctant to give money when Barefoot Benny clink-clanks his cup of change. But Mom encourages him to follow her example and help a neighbor. “Feels better to help than to need help,” she tells him, so drops a coin in Benny’s can.
Later that spring, Benny’s fortunes have improved. He’s cutting hair at the barber shop, where he gives a free trim to Big Jim, who’s down on his luck. Soon Big Jim becomes the building superintendent, and then he and Moses volunteer to babysit for Ms. Brown when she gets a last-minute job interview and can’t find childcare.
Throughout the year, each neighbor finds the opportunity to help another, and the community grows and deepens through mutual support. As it turns out, “Little enough is more than enough to share.”
Inspired by the twelfth-century Jewish scholar Maimonides’s concept of the Golden Ladder, this picture book models different stages of giving and provides ample opportunity for thoughtful discussions about charity, generosity, and economics while telling an appealing, accessible story. Back matter features an author’s note and more information about Maimonides and the Golden Ladder.
MORE THAN ENOUGH
Written by Richard Michelson and Illustrated by Joe Cepeda
Published by Peachtree Publishing
A VOICE OF HOPE:
The Merle Evers- Williams Story
The remarkable life of Myrlie Evers-Williams is honored and celebrated in this stunningly illustrated picture book biography of a civil rights hero–the very first of its kind.
A BANK STREET BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2025
A BCALA AWARD WINNER
A NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
A CRYSTAL KITE AWARD HONOR BOOKMyrlie Evers-Williams’ voice is gentle yet strong, soft yet powerful. It is a soaring song of hope.
Myrlie’s voice didn’t start out that way. She was born into the segregated South and the beautiful brown color of her skin made her a target for hate. It meant she didn’t have the same opportunities as white children, and that meant her dream of playing music onstage one day would be harder to achieve. But this didn’t stop Myrlie. As she grew, she marched for equal rights alongside her husband and activist, Medgar Evers. She fought against Jim Crow laws and for voting rights. She became the chair of the NAACP, and finally she realized her dream of performing at Carnegie Hall. After that, as a voice for hope and change, Myrlie spoke at President Obama’s second inauguration, inspiring a nation.
Nadia Salomon’s lyrical text and London Ladd’s exquisite artwork honor and celebrate the legendary life of Myrlie Evers-Williams and share her message of hope with the world.
A VOICE OF HOPE: The Merle Evers- Williams Story
Written by Nadia Salomon and Illustrated by London Ladd
Published by Philomel Books
I LOVE BLUEBERRIES
Told through Jolie’s comical scrapbook-style journal entries and Margot’s creative sketchbook, young readers will learn how they create a plan and work together to not only grow blueberries but also develop a new friendship. This heartwarming story emphasizes the value of friendship, a theme that will resonate with young readers.
With the help of Jolie’s faithful rabbit, Munchy, and Margot’s dog, Pip, plans are underway to bring the whole class together to convince the community to help them set up a hydroponics growing station in their classroom. Filled with engaging facts about blueberries, hydroponics, poetry, and a heartwarming theme of friendship, I LOVE BLUEBERRIES is not just a delightful read, but also a valuable educational resource. It's a must-have for any bookshelf, promising to spark curiosity and promote learning.
Informational backmatter includes facts about blueberry nutrition, growing blueberries, and hydroponics. This story makes a great read before a family trip to a pick-your-own blueberry farm, a garden store, or in a classroom, talking about healthy eating and growing your own food.
Written by and Illustrated by
Published by Feeding Minds Press
CARLA AND THE TIN CAN CAKE PARTY
In this endearing picture book by superstar chef and beloved TV host Carla Hall, Carla’s grandmother helps her turn things around when a game of dress-up leads to a fancy tea party gone wrong.
Carla and her sister Kim love visiting their grandparents’ home, where they can always count on having something fun to get into, like Granny’s old chest full of treasures! Dressed up in mounds of beautiful dresses, sparkling jewels, and fancy gloves, Carla decides the day wouldn’t be complete without a tea party for the girls’ special guests, Granny and Doc.
But when Carla accidentally ruins her grandmother’s favorite quilt and famous pound cake, she fears that all the fun is spoiled. How can Carla and her family have a proper tea party without an elegant set up and delicious food? Then Carla’s grandmother steps in, sharing her recipe for a special cake. Will the secret ingredient help Carla save the day?
CARLA AND THE TIN CAN CAKE PARTY
Written by Carla Hall and Illustrated by Cherise Harris
Published by Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
NEED MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
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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.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
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