The Gigantic List of Diverse Books Published October 2022 (+ Free Printable)
Updated: Jan 28
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Fall has come in bringing an impressive number of diverse children's books. There are books that represent a variety of communities and cultures. On this list you'll find debut picture books, new chapter book series, some middle grade books, and a few exciting holiday books too. This resource list is a labor of love that includes publisher's descriptions along with links for more information.
Related Reading: Gigantic List of Diverse Books Published September 2022
This list doesn't include all of the books publishing October 2022. These are the books on our radar that were submitted by publishers, authors, and the Helping Kids Rise community. If you notice a book that fits our mission that is not featured here, please send us an email to let us know. We'll be happy to update this list to include them.
Books Published October 4, 2022
Updated as we receive submissions
A joyful, rhyming picture book that is an ode to community and outdoor play
Pedal, pump.
Speed bump!
Ride, roll, run.
Friends and fun!
This energetic picture book celebrates community and friendship, following children as they play their way through their vibrant neighborhood. Author and educator Valerie Bolling's rhyming text makes for an exciting read-aloud and is paired with stunning illustrations by Sabrena Khadija.
For fans of Hair Love and Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, here is an empowering picture book about recognizing the beauty around you and within you by award-winning author Supriya Kelkar and rising star illustrator Noor Sofi.
Brown is beautiful.
On a hike with her grandparents, a young Indian-American girl makes note of all the things in nature that are brown, too. From a nurturing mother bear, to the steadiness of deep twisting roots, to the beauty of a wild mustang, brown is everywhere! On her way, the girl collects the beautiful brown things she encounters as mementos for a scrapbook to share with a very special new addition to her family--a baby brother!
Brown is you.
Brown is me.
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 traveled across New Jersey every day. But with Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation since the late 1800s, traveling as a Black person in the US could be stressful, even dangerous.
So in the 1930s, Victor created a guide--The Negro Motorist Green-Book--compiling information on where to go and what places to avoid so that Black travelers could have a safe and pleasant time. While the Green Book started out small, over the years it became an expansive, invaluable resource for Black people throughout the country--all in the hopes that one day such a guide would no longer be needed.
Award-winning author Tonya Bolden and acclaimed illustrator Eric Velasquez shine a light on this little-known history of Victor Hugo Green and the deep impact of his incredible book on generations of Black families in America.
Whether round and crunchy like a kimchi pancake or pinched and plump like a kimchi dumpling, there are so many ways to enjoy this Korean traditional dish.
Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Korean-American author-illustrator Erica Kim shares her pride in her delicious cultural food through her cut paper art technique. The Hanji paper that is used to illustrate the book comes from a paper mulberry tree native to Korea.
This beautiful reflection of culture will inspire children to take pride in their cultural foods, too.
A bittersweet celebration of the everlasting bond between a mother and child through the changing phases of their lives.
The thread between a mother and child starts to unwind when the child begins to walk, talk, and run. It stretches a little more on the first day of school. It swirls and unfurls the further the child gets from Mom's reach. One thing is constant -- that it always remains.
Emily Joof channeled her Gambian upbringing to pen this story, which was inspired by a local tradition of leaving a thread with the child when a parent travels.
A celebration of family roots from award-winning children's author Carole Boston Weatherford!
I've got my brother's ears
And my sister's big bright eyes.
I've got my grandpa's hands
Though mine are a smaller size.
As a young girl reflects on the characteristics she shares with her family, she also notices and appreciates what makes her unique. This adorably sweet book reminds children of the love and security of family and celebrates the wonderful diversity among the people that make up our families and who love us so much!
A joyful, rhyming picture book that is an ode to community and outdoor play
Pedal, pump.