Here's What We Found

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links This resource list is a labor of love that includes publisher's descriptions along with links for more information. Publishing dates may change for a variety of reasons. These books were submitted to us 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 add them to our Bookshop. Related Reading: Check out our previous lists here: Gigantic List of Diverse Books Published In this timely follow-up to the best-selling, genre-defining Young, Gifted and Black, you can meet 52 more Black icons from around the world - this time spanning even more countries and including inspiring figures from as far back as the 1500s right up to present-day heroes. Featuring the stories of recent changemakers such as Amanda Gorman and Naomi Osaka, as well as historic talents such as Juan Latino and Yaa Asantewaa, Jamia Wilson has curated a new selection of inspiring black icons illustrated by Andrea Pippins' colorful and celebratory artwork. Covering 52 figures, the book is ideal for educators and homeschoolers studying Black excellence, with a new figure to explore every week of the year. Biographies are ordered chronologically, and the range of figures showcases an even more global selection in line with the movement towards decolonizing our history and curricula. The 52 icons: Juan Latino, Queen Nanny, Toussaint Louverture, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Olaudah Equiano, Alexander Pushkin, Yaa Asantewaa, Moses and Calvin McKissack, Ann Lowe, Albert Luthuli, Charles Drew, Thurgood Marshall, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, George Washington Gibbs Jr., Jackie Robinson, Bertina Lopes, Frantz Fanon, Hans Massaquoi, Coretta Scott King, Mariama Ba, Gladys Mae West, Chinua Achebe, Alvin Ailey, Miriam Makeba, Annie Easley, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Fela Kuti, John Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Angela Davis, Bob Marley, Octavia Butler, Thomas Sankara, Iman, Prince, Ozwald Boateng, Marcus Samuelsson, Leymah Gbowee, Laverne Cox, Phoebe Robinson, Lewis Hamilton, Michaela Coel, Colin Kaepernick, Kadeena Cox, Aisha Dee, Adenike Oladosu, Naomi Osaka, Amanda Gorman, Chloe x Halle, Ntando Mahlangu, Zaila Avant-garde, Mari Copeny. Strong, courageous, talented, and diverse, these extraordinary men and women's achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dream ... whatever it may be. FIND IT HERE Discover the incredible story of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who followed her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer and eventually became the first Black woman to sit on the US Supreme Court in this picture book biography. After 232 years and 115 appointments, Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson became the first Black woman appointed to serve on the US Supreme Court. With Tami Charles's sweeping lyricism and Jemma Skidmore's unforgettable illustrations, readers learn about the narratives that have shaped the Justice's life, and how this historic moment will be impressed upon the minds of the young dreamers of the future. FIND IT HERE A mermaid and a pirate build a friendship through kindness, empathy, and shared adventure in this heartwarming picture book by New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste, with bright, bold illustrations by Leisl Adams. Glub glub... Aargh... Mermaid and Pirate cannot understand each other. They speak different languages and come from different worlds. But they're quick to lend a hand, or a tail, when the sky grows stormy and waters get rough, and a friendship is born. Sometimes kindness and generosity speak louder than words. FIND IT HERE Farah loves mangos! She could eat them all day long and she wouldn't mind living in one either. Every summer when she visits her Grandpa they always pick the ripe fruit from his mango tree. This year, however, the tree is empty! Farah puts her mind to it and decides she will make the tree bear fruit. But perhaps Farah will learn there is more to a mango tree than just the fruit it bares? FIND IT HERE The Courage of the Little Hummingbird by Leah Henderson, illus by Magaly Morales | Publisher's Description I want to be Big! by Tiffany Golden, illus by Sawyer Cloud | Publisher's Description Sam and the Incredible African and American Food Fight by Shannon Gibney, Illus by Charly Palmer | Publisher's Description A sweet sibling 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 excited. She has the perfect name picked out . . . or, at least, she hopes it's the perfect name. One by one, friends and family arrive. As Amira greets them, she asks what name they have brought to give to Baby Sister. Each is more beautiful than the last--Shakira, Akahana, Uhwe. And each has its own special meaning--thankful, red flower, moonlight. Amira knows that Baby Sister will love these names. But will she love the name Amira has chosen? Is it special enough? A story about rich traditions and the unique bond between sisters, Naming Ceremony celebrates multigenerational family and Black joy. FIND IT HERE From a multi-award-winning pair comes a deeply affecting portrait of determination against discrimination: the story of young spelling champion MacNolia Cox. MacNolia Cox was no ordinary kid. Her idea of fun was reading the dictionary. In 1936, eighth grader MacNolia Cox became the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio, spelling bee. And with that win, she was asked to compete at the prestigious National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, where she and a girl from New Jersey were the first African Americans invited since its founding. She left her home state a celebrity--right up there with Ohio's own Joe Louis and Jesse Owens--with a military band and a crowd of thousands to see her off at the station. But celebration turned to chill when the train crossed the state line into Maryland, where segregation was the law of the land. Prejudice and discrimination ruled--on the train, in the hotel, and, sadly, at the spelling bee itself. With a brief epilogue recounting MacNolia's further history, How Do You Spell Unfair? is the story of her groundbreaking achievement magnificently told by award-winning creators and frequent picture-book collaborators Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison. FIND IT HERE The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native pro baseball players to face off in a World Series. This picture book teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports. Charles Bender grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Northwestern Minnesota. John Meyers was raised on the Cahuilla reservation in Southern California. Despite their mutual respect for each other's talents and their shared dedication to Native representation in baseball, the media was determined to pit them against each other. However, they never gave up on their dreams of being pro baseball players and didn't let the supposed rivalry created by the media or the racism they faced within the stadium stop them. They continued to break barriers and went on to play a combined total of nine championships. With text by Traci Sorell and illustrations by Arigon Starr that brings these two players to life, the stories of John Meyers and Charles Bender remain an inspiration for achieving and maintaining one's dreams in the face of prejudice. FIND IT HERE Internationally acclaimed poet John Agard recalls the journey made by the thousands of Caribbean children and their families who traveled to Britain between 1948 and 1971 as part of the Windrush generation. With one last hug, Windrush child says goodbye to his grandmother and the shores of his Caribbean home before embarking on an adventure across the ocean--under a sky full of promise--to an unknown horizon. With sensitivity and tender lyricism, world-renowned and multi-award-winning poet John Agard narrates the epic story of a child's voyage to England aboard Empire Windrush. Joyous illustrations by debut artist Sophie Bass richly evoke the changing landscapes and the uncertainty, courage, and hope of those who step into history--and travel far in search of home. FIND IT HERE A delicious picture book about the ways plantains shape Latinx culture, community, and family, told through a young girl's experiences in the kitchen with her abuela. Abuela says, "plátanos are love." I thought they were food. But Abuela says they feed us in more ways than one. With every pop of the tostones, mash of the mangú, and sizzle of the maduros, a little girl learns that plátanos are her history, they are her culture, and--most importantly--they are love. FIND IT HERE In this love letter to the Philippines (and to grandmothers), a young girl comes up with a brilliantly delicious way to attract customers after a heat wave leaves her lola's store empty. Nora loves spending summers with Lola at her sari-sari store, a treasure trove filled with everything you could need, from hair accessories to toys, creamy yema to sour tamarind candy. And this year, Nora is big enough to help her grandmother. But when a heat wave strikes and no one comes to the store, Nora worries that she won't get to spend the rest of the summer with her lola--until she gets a sweet idea. After all, the mangoes on the tree outside are finally ripe, and with a bit of measuring, mixing, and a good deal of tasting, Nora and Lola have a refreshing way to bring people together--and to the sari-sari store. With soft, heartfelt illustrations, Lynnor Bontigao's endearing picture book--featuring a recipe for making mango ice candy like Nora's--is an ode to ingenuity and to intergenerational relationships that's as sweet and gentle as a kiss on the cheek. FIND IT HERE Chasing God's Glory by Dorino Lazo Gilmore-Young, Illus by Alyssa de Asis | Publisher's Description Peng's Vase by Yuen-Killick Angus &. Michael (Retold by), illus by Paolo Proietti | Publisher's Description How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido, Illus by Melissa Sweet | Publisher's Description Explore under the sea and beyond with Ariel in the new picture book retelling of Disney's live action The Little Mermaid! Ariel is a curious mermaid who has always wanted to explore the human world! After saving a prince named Eric from a dangerous shipwreck, Ariel makes a deal with the Sea Witch, Ursula, so she can meet him and learn more about what life is like beyond her ocean home. But Ursula is full of tricks, and it will take all of Ariel's courage to save the human world and the ocean from the Sea Witch's devious plans. FIND IT HERE A rich, beautifully layered ode to the great city of Cairo, Egypt, its people, and culture. Every night, my Ametti Fatma sings the sounds of Egypt to me as I fall asleep. This is the Nile, that flows through the city. Swish, swoosh, swish. This is the boat, that glides on the Nile, that flows through the city. Swish, swoosh, swish. Each night, a young girl's Auntie Fatma puts her to bed, singing a lullaby filled with rich imagery of her home in Egypt. As Auntie Fatma sings, we are given a glimpse of modern Cairo, from boats making their way down the Nile to gentle calls to prayer from the mosques to young children joyfully playing soccer in the streets. Join Zeena Pliska and Hatem Aly on a vibrant journey to Cairo in this gorgeous, layered song. FIND IT HERE This touching picture book celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories. The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home. There's a wedding tomorrow! And one little girl sits patiently while her mother tenderly applies intricate, delicate henna designs on her hands. As she does, she shares family stories--about weddings, monsoons, and ancestors long gone. The little girl must be careful to protect her hands as the henna dries--one smudge could ruin a story! After a whole night of anticipation, when the flakes are washed away, what will they reveal? Lyrical text pairs with vibrant illustrations for this poignant picture book that blooms with heart, connects us to our roots, and sweetly reminds us of the the garden of love we curate with those closest to us. FIND IT HERE A warm and inviting picture-book portrait of African American culinary legend Edna Lewis, who brought Southern cooking to the masses Edna loved to cook. Growing up on a farm in Freetown, Virginia, she learned the value of fresh, local, seasonal food from her Mama Daisy, how to measure ingredients for biscuits using coins, and to listen closely to her cakes to know when they were done. Edna carried these traditions with her all the way to New York, where she became a celebrated chef, who could even turn traditional French food into her signature Southern style. The author of several cookbooks and the recipient of numerous awards, Chef Edna introduced the world to the flavors of her home. FIND IT HERE The Forest Keeper by Rina Singh, illus by Ishita Jain | Publisher's Description Happy with my Nappy by Gina Jarrell, illus by Lhaiza Morena | Publisher's Description Last Flight by Kristen Mai Giang, illus by Dow Phumiruk | Publisher's Description Courage Out Loud by Joseph Coelho, illus by Daniel Gray-Barnett | Publisher's Description Grandad and Milly are back for another adventure, this time honoring the past and celebrating the future with a pride parade. This heartwarming tale continues to wonderful journey that began with the Stonewall Honoree and Waterstones Best Illustrated Book, Grandad's Camper. After Milly discovers a pride flag in Grandad's attic, this adorable pair are motivated by the past to start a pride parade in their small town. Activism and celebration go hand in hand as the town gathers to help "build a world where everyone is proud to be themselves." This beautiful follow-up to Grandad's Camper is filled with heart and purpose. FIND IT HERE A young girl stops to call out all the sights and sounds on her morning trip to pre-school, but that's not what makes her late--it is her dad's goodbye hug. Kate was late for preschool, but not for the reasons you might expect. It wasn't because her daddy brushed her hair into poofs, or because they slowed to say hello to neighbors on the way to the bus stop. It wasn't even because she had to wave to all the trucks, cars, and street cleaners on the road. No, Kate was late because just after they arrived at school, her daddy swooped in to give her a great big goodbye hug that lasted a very long time. Janice N. Harrington is the Ezra Jack Keats Award winning author of Going North. With Hurry Kate or You'll be Late, she has teamed up with illustrator Tiffany Rose to create a delightful picture book about a vehicle obsessed girl and her very patient father. FIND IT HERE A celebration of Black joy and the simple pleasures of a day at the beach from acclaimed poet Shauntay Grant Follow along as a young boy spends the day at the beach with his family in this spare and poetic picture book from award-winning poet and picture book author Shauntay Grant. With a simple story--and simply stunning illustrations from Candice Bradley--this book is an ode to celebrating summer's wonders big and small. FIND IT HERE FREE MARCH BOOK BINGO PRINTABLE If you know someone who loves to read, they’re going to love this fun Book Bingo game. And if you know someone who doesn’t love to read, this free Book Bingo game can help make reading fun. Not only is this Book Bingo tons of fun, it's also full of great prompts to help little readers diversify their reading. Reading diverse children's books can introduce children to worlds outside of their own and can also foster a spirit of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. Get your free download by clicking the button below: Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links This resource list is a labor of love that includes publisher's descriptions along with links for more information. Publishing dates may change for a variety of reasons. These books were submitted to us 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 add them to our Bookshop. Related Reading: Check out our previous lists here: Gigantic List of Diverse Books Published A First Folktale from the creators of Magnolia Flower, Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, about the origin of butterflies. The Creator wuz all finished and thru makin' de world. But soon, the Creator finds themselves flying through the sky, making gorgeous butterflies of every color, shape, and size. Find out why butterflies were made in Zora Neale Hurston's stunning and layered African American folktale retold by #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Kah Yangni. This accessible and sizable board book is perfect for introducing the youngest of readers to the beauty of Hurston's storytelling and will spark curiosity in children about how things in our world came to be. FIND IT HERE A story about coping with loss and the magical comfort of friendships, both old and new. Alejo loved his Abuelo. They did everything together and were the best of friends. They had so much fun that one little neighbor couldn't help but notice and admire their strong bond. But one day, Abuelo wasn't there anymore. He got too sick to come home. Nothing makes Alejo feel better; doing all of things he used to do with Abuelo just makes him feel more lonely. But, maybe, just maybe, one special little neighbor can help. This collaboration from debut author David Corredor Benavides and award-winning picture book writer Nelly Buchet tells a heartwarming story of beautiful friendships, of grieving and coping with the loss of a loved one, and supporting one another through gentle acts of kindness. Alejo's story was inspired by Corredor Benavides' unforgettable adventures with his own grandfather, as well as Buchet's admiration of such a magical relationship. FIND IT HERE In this effervescent companion to the picture book Stella Keeps the Sun Up, Stella goes on the hunt to figure out who's behind her friend's missing tooth. Stella, her bestie Roger, and her second-best friend Owen are excited to go see Sue the T-rex at the museum, but when Owen has to leave early because he lost a tooth, Stella becomes determined to find it for him. How did he manage to lose a tooth? Was it stolen? Could the tooth fairy be responsible? Could Owen be...a dinosaur boy? Nothing will keep Stella from her investigation, even if she and Roger fear their own teeth could be stolen too. But the more Stella investigates, the more she realizes that perhaps this case is not as complicated as she thought. FIND IT HERE Mommy says that some things can't be said with just words . . . Sometimes you have to say it with your feet. A young girl watches her mommy proudly take to the streets to march for what she believes in. Mommy marches through the sunshine, through the rain and through the deepest snow, on her own or hand-in-hand with others, to give voice to causes that need to be heard. Inspired to join the next generation of young activists, her daughter dreams of marching alongside her. A joyful story celebrating the power of peaceful protest and the will to change things for the better. FIND IT HERE Dear Yesteryear by Kimberly Annece Henderson |Publisher's Description Eco Girl by Ken Wilson-Max |Publisher's Description Climb On! by Baptiste Paul, Illus by Jacqueline Alcantara |Publisher's Description From New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners and Eyes that Speak to the Stars, comes a heartfelt picture book about the depths of a mother's love. One Day is a mother's ode to her baby boy--she shares her hopes and dreams for her son as she envisions him exploring the world. Her son will be courageous and kind, powerful and curious, and blaze his own trail. He will know that it is okay to cry, or be scared, or uncertain. Above all, he will know that he is more than enough exactly as he is. An extraordinary gift for Mother's Day and loved ones everywhere. One day, your hair will tumble across your head as you embark on adventures Life will pull tears that Roll like rivers over your cheeks Let them roll, sweet boy Softness is a sign of strength FIND IT HERE The awesome, bold, charming, and decidedly ambitious new picture book by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ambitious Girl, Meena Harris, is also a must-have ABC book. The #1 bestselling team behind Ambitious Girl is back to take AG on a new adventure. A is for ambitious--and so much more in this fun and empowering picture book that reclaims words often used to undermine girls and women from A to Z. When they're ready to take on the world, ambitious readers will have the vocabulary to do so. This book offers ambitious children everywhere inspiration as they pursue their goals and dreams. With a powerful message for us all, this is a perfect read aloud for showing children the power of words. FIND IT HERE A musical toddler keeps his parents on their toes as he explores his world and turns everything--from walls to the family pet--into a means to tap out a beat. Capturing both the joy and frustrations of toddler life and young parenthood, Everything a Drum will speak to both young rhythm makers and their parents. Humorous, touching illustrations of the exuberant musician celebrate musicality and daily family life with rhythmic phrases and sound words that are fun to read aloud. FIND IT HERE 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, perfect ramen for dinner, using a recipe passed down from his dad. There's nori seaweed, briny like the ocean; nitamago egg, the yolk golden like the sun; and chashu pork so tender, it melts in your mouth. Yum! Hiro's dream is to make his own perfect bowl, and he's sure he can do it after watching his dad and taking notes. But when he gets started, things don't go according to plan. The seaweed crumbles! The eggs slip through his fingers! The pork falls apart! Hiro is worried he'll never be a real ramen chef...but thanks to his father's wise advice and his own creativity, Hiro discovers that every person's perfect bowl of ramen is unique. FIND IT HERE ABC Black History and Me presents 26 historical concepts, events, and people--from A to Z--that are important in Black American history. From A is for Advocate to Z is for Zest, each letter of the alphabet is paired with inspirational historical concepts in this 9x9-inch board book. Along with the upbeat, rhyming text covering both well-known and more obscure topics, are colorful illustrations that promote an excitement and curiosity about Black American history. Covering trailblazers from A to Z but also chronologically, this book features a visual timeline with additional information for more in-depth learning on the people, places, and events discussed. From Harriet Tubman and Fanny Jackson Coppin to Amanda Gorman and Ketanji Brown Jackson, ABC Black History and Me covers more than 170 years in a short board book appropriate for the little ones. This book is not only perfect for getting toddlers comfortable with their ABCs, but also for reflecting on how we are all affected by this history and how even the youngest of children will affect the future. With age-appropriate concepts and visuals, ABC Black History and Me is a perfect discussion starter for the whole family. Even adults will find something to learn in this board book! The ABC for Me series presents a world of possibilities from A to Z and everything in between! For all little kids with big dreams, the endearing illustrations and mindful concepts in this series pair each letter of the alphabet with words that promote big dreams, inclusion, acceptance, healthy living, and other key concepts important to emotional well-being. Other books in this series include: ABC Love (2017) ABC What Can She Be? (2018) ABC Let's Celebrate You & Me (2021) ABC Bedtime (2022) FIND IT HERE US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's iconic poem "Remember," illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it. Remember the sky you were born under, Know each of the star's stories. Remember the moon, know who she is. Remember the sun's birth at dawn, That is the strongest point of time. So begins the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way. This timeless poem paired with magnificent paintings makes for a picture book that is a true celebration of life and our human role within it. FIND IT HERE Rainbow Letters by Cecee Kelley, Illus by Marina Halak |Publisher's Description A-Train Allen by Lesley Younge. Illus by Lonnie Ollivierre |Publisher's Description An exuberant picture book written by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice is about a Black boy with big dancing dreams who learns the meaning of courage and community. It's the weekend, first in June; speaker's blasting out big tune! Cousins, aunties, uncles, friends pack the house, and fun begins. Shane is shy but loves to dance--and all year long, he's picked up cans to earn some money toward his goal: high-tops with a pump-up sole. But then the speaker blows--it's done! Will this stop his family's fun? Can Shane come through to save the day and bring back Big Tune Saturday? Set within a vibrant Caribbean American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black boy joy that touches on determination, confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and community gratitude. FIND IT HERE A magical story starring three Black mermaid sisters who each wish to wear the underwater crown! Perfect for fans of Little Mermaid and Oona. Anaya, Shante, and Kianna are sisters. And these mermaid princesses couldn't be more different! One day, when a problem too big for any of them to solve alone comes their way, they find out which one of them has what it takes to become legend of the sea. This fun adventure, inspired by African mermaid myth, magic, and spirituality, reminds young readers about the importance of teamwork and the different strengths we can all bring to the table--or throne. FIND IT HERE From Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and book club founder Amerie, You Will Do Great Things is a lyrical, magical picture book about the great possibilities that lie ahead for our little ones, featuring illustrations by Raissa Figueroa. A young boy's imagination takes off as he gazes at family photos, whisking him off on a fantastical journey. Along the way, the boy tries exciting and bold new things, ventures into unexplored worlds, and forms deep connections with his multicultural heritage and the ancestors who imbue him with the strength and courage to make a difference. Amerie has written a moving, sweeping, and deeply loving story that is inspired by her own family. It is a celebration of everything our little ones have yet to do: the great, the amazing, the strange, and the new. It's also a lasting reminder that the loved ones in our lives will always be right there beside us--and in our hearts--cheering us on. FIND IT HERE Celebrate the creative and empowering bond between a father and his daughter in this picture book from the real-life creators of the blog Daddy Dressed Me following a single dad's sewing journey as he makes clothes to inspire his daughter. It's Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava is chosen to recite a poem! She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she's confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn't sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation. Word by word and stitch by stitch, father and daughter work together, helping each other stand tall, proud, and confident, wrapped in love. FIND IT HERE Little Daymond Learns to Earn by Daymond John, Illus by Nicole Miles | Publisher's Description Linh's Rooftop Garden by Janay Brown-Wood, Illus by Samara Hardy | Publisher's Description The Story of the Saxophone by Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illus by James E Ransome | Publisher's Description A bouncing picture book biography of the tap dancer behind the Happy Feet penguin, illustrated by the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Winner of Hidden Figures. This is a story about tap dancing, a distinctly American art form that blended English-Scottish-Irish clog dancing with African tribal dancing. And it's about a boy, Savion Glover--who was born to feel the music--to dance and perform and invent. And to delight and awe audiences with the movements of his body. Soul meets sole. From that day on, Savion danced. All the time. Not practicin'. Livin. 'Tippity, tippity, tappity, tappity, TROMP, TROMP, TROMP! Follow Savion's journey as beats crescendos into a love of dancing as self-expression. This picture book biography creates music with words and story, and dance with color and composition. Child and parent can read the rhymes and onomatopoeia together while enjoying the bold artwork. Savion Glover revitalized modern tap dancing with his jazz and hip-hop influenced "free-form hard core" style. From his appearances on Sesame Street and choreographing Happy Feet to his Tony award-winning musical Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk, Savion has inspired a new generation of tap dancers. Read more about his impact on music and dance in the afterword. Feel the movement with bright, electric art from Laura Freeman, winner Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Hidden Figures. Hear the music with Selene Castrovilla's bouncing, bold rhymes. This is Tap! brings Savion's exuberant story of creativity and passion to young readers. FIND IT HERE From multi-award-winning singer, artist, actress, and icon Mary J. Blige comes a fun and inspirational story that teaches young readers they can be anything, and they are enough. Most of the time, people say "no" or "you can't" because they dream too small. Young Mary has been told that there are many things she can't do. Like stay up past bedtime, or be an astronaut or become president. But what she really wants is to sing, and she isn't about to let anyone tell her she can't do it! A powerful motivating tale about a confident and ambitious girl who doesn't feed into negativity, this debut children's book from legendary artist Mary J. Blige proves that anyone can make their dreams come true by believing in themselves. It's a great conversation starter for overcoming discouragement from others. Brought to life with imaginative illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Mary Can! is perfect for go-getters who aren't afraid to be a YES in a world full of NOs. FIND IT HERE I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know is a touching and heartfelt ode about the way we feel for our children, by award-winning actors of stage and screen Leslie Odom, Jr. and Nicolette Robinson, and illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz. Do you remember when we first met? It was a moment I won't soon forget. Your sparkling aura. Your crooked grin! Do you remember, my trusted friend? When I count all my blessings, you're always number one. Sweetest of all is, we've only just begun. The love we feel for our children never wavers. From the moment a baby is born, through the good times and the bad, from the silly moments to the warm embraces, this love is bigger than what we can put into words. This beautiful book is a comforting and lyrical refrain about the bonds we form with the children to whom we are closest in our lives. FIND IT HERE This intimate picture book debut captures the joys--and occasional struggles--of being a stay-at-home parent. Rollicking rhyme and playful illustrations record a day in the life of two rambunctious children and their stay-at-home mother. As fun as it is being a kid, it can be hard work being a mom. When Dad heads to his job, the joyful chaos of getting ready for the day begins. To the children, that day is a happy blur of school and playdates, singing and dancing, supermarket walks and library stops, bath time, story time, bedtime. But Mommy's time is filled with a whole lot more--sweeping, laundry, stinky diapers--tiring work achieved with love in her eyes and care in her smiles. An authentic catalog of precious moments in the life of an ordinary family, this warm, revealing story builds a bridge of empathy between parent and child and celebrates the value of "Mommy time." FIND IT HERE A father and his daughters may not be able to return home . . . but they can celebrate stories of their homeland! As bedtime approaches, three young girls eagerly await the return of their father who tells them stories of a faraway homeland--Palestine. Through their father's memories, the Old City of Jerusalem comes to life: the sounds of juice vendors beating rhythms with brass cups, the smell of argileh drifting through windows, and the sight of doves flapping their wings toward home. These daughters of the diaspora feel love for a place they have never been, a home they cannot visit. But, as their father's story comes to an end, they know that through his memories, they will always return. A Palestinian family celebrates the stories of their homeland in this moving autobiographical picture book debut by Hannah Moushabeck. With heartfelt illustrations by Reem Madooh, this story is a love letter to home, to family, and to the persisting hope of people that transcends borders. UNIVERSAL MESSAGE: There are so many people who long to return to their homelands but are unable to. This story will resonate with immigrant families and refugees of all ethnicities and origins, as well as anyone who yearns for home. INTERGENERATIONAL STORIES: This sweet father-daughter story celebrates the bedtime ritual of storytelling, promoting intergenerational sharing and modeling learning about family trees and family histories. A perfect read-aloud for Father's Day! FIND IT HERE FREE MARCH BOOK BINGO PRINTABLE If you know someone who loves to read, they’re going to love this fun Book Bingo game. And if you know someone who doesn’t love to read, this free Book Bingo game can help make reading fun. Not only is this Book Bingo tons of fun, it's also full of great prompts to help little readers diversify their reading. Reading diverse children's books can introduce children to worlds outside of their own and can also foster a spirit of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. Get your free download by clicking the button below: Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links This list of children's books celebrates the beauty of poetry as well as some of the talented poets who inspire little readers to fall in love the flowing rhythms, lyrical sounds, and self-expressions found in poetry. (Complete with publisher's descriptions) About National Poetry Month From the Academy of American Poets Education: "National Poetry Month each April is the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and, of course, poets marking poetry’s important place in our culture and our lives. The Academy of American Poets was inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), and founded National Poetry Month in April 1996 with an aim to: highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets, encourage the reading of poems, assist teachers in bringing poetry into their classrooms, increase the attention paid to poetry by national and local media, encourage increased publication and distribution of poetry books, and encourage support for poets and poetry." I Am Enough by Don Tate, Illustrated by Don Tate: George loved words. But George was enslaved. Forced to work long hours, George was unable to attend school or learn how to read. But he was determined―he listened to the white children’s lessons and learned the alphabet. Then he taught himself to read. Soon, he began composing poetry in his head and reciting it as he sold fruits and vegetables on a nearby college campus. News of the slave poet traveled quickly among the students, and before long, George had customers for his poems. But George was still enslaved. Would he ever be free? In this powerful biography of George Moses Horton, the first southern African-American man to be published, Don Tate tells an inspiring and moving story of talent and determination. (Ages 6-10) The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson: Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more. (Ages 6-9) Out of Wonder by Kwame Alexander, Chris Corderley, and Marjory Wentworth Illustrated by Ekua Holmes: Out of gratitude for the poet’s art form, Newbery Award–winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, along with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, present original poems that pay homage to twenty famed poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. Stunning mixed-media images by Ekua Holmes, winner of a Caldecott Honor and a John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, complete the celebration and invite the reader to listen, wonder, and perhaps even pick up a pen. (Ages 8–12) The Roots of Rap: 16 Bards on the 4 Pillars of Hip Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Frank Morrison: The roots of rap and the history of hip-hop have origins that precede DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. Kids will learn about how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and break dancing that formed around the art form and gave birth to the musical artists we know today. Written in lyrical rhythm by award-winning author and poet Carole Boston Weatherford and complete with flowing, vibrant illustrations by Frank Morrison, this book beautifully illustrates how hip-hop is a language spoken the whole world 'round, it and features a foreward by Swizz Beatz, a Grammy Award winning American hip-hop rapper, DJ, and record producer. (Ages 4 and up) Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Maragarita Engle , Illustrated by Rafael Lopez: Musician, botanist, baseball player, pilot―the Latinos featured in this collection, Bravo!, come from many different countries and from many different backgrounds. Celebrate their accomplishments and their contributions to a collective history and a community that continues to evolve and thrive today! Biographical poems include: Aida de Acosta, Arnold Rojas, Baruj Benacerraf, César Chávez, Fabiola Cabeza de Baca, Félix Varela, George Meléndez, José Martí, Juan de Miralles, Juana Briones, Julia de Burgos, Louis Agassiz Fuertes, Paulina Pedroso, Pura Belpré, Roberto Clemente, Tito Puente, Ynes Mexia, Tomás Rivera. (Ages 8-12) Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat by Nikki Giovanni, Illustrated by Alicia Vergel de Dios and Damian Ward: Poetry can have both a rhyme and a rhythm. Sometimes it is obvious; sometimes it is hidden. But either way, make no mistake, poetry is as vibrant and exciting as it gets. And when you find yourself clapping your hands or tapping your feet, you know you've found poetry with a beat! Like Poetry Speaks to Children, the New York Times Bestselling classic poetry book and CD that started it all, Hip Hop Speaks to Children is meant to be the beginning of a journey of discovery. READ more than 50 remarkable poems and songs! HEAR poetry's rhymes and rhythms from Queen Latifah to Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes to A Tribe Called Quest and more! * Also hear part of Martin Luther Kind's original "I Have a Dream" speech, followed by the remarkable live performance of the speech by Nikki Giovanni, Oni Lasana and Val Gray Ward. * The Hip Hop Speaks to Children CD contains more than 30 performances, either by the artists who created them, or as unique interpretations by admiring poets and artists. DISCOVER Langston Hughes's elegant gospel "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," A Tribe Called Quest's playful "Ham 'N' Eggs," Sterling A. Brown's hard-luck "Long Track Blues," Gwendolyn Brooks's wake-up call "We Real Cool," Kanye West's lovely "Hey Mama," and Martin Luther King Jr.'s awe-inspiring "I Have a Dream." This is a collection of rhymes and rhythms unlike any other poetry book! Celebrate with remarkable poets, including: Eloise Greenfield Mos Def Lucille Clifton Oscar Brown Jr. Tupac Shakur Maya Angelou Queen Latifah Nikki Grimes Walter Dean Myers Common and, of course, Nikki Giovanni Poems Include: Ego Tripping Rapper's Delight The Negro Speaks of Rivers Hey Mama Ham 'N' Eggs Everything Is Everything Ladies First (Ages 7 and up) My First Book of Haiku Poems by Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen, Illustrated by Tracy Gallup: Introduce children to inspirational works of poetry and art that speaks of our connection to the natural world, and that enhances their ability to see an entire universe in the tiniest parts of it. Each of these 20 classic poems by Issa, Shiki, Basho, and other great haiku masters is paired with a stunning original painting that opens a door to the world of a child's imagination. A fully bilingual children's book, My First Book of Haiku Poems includes the original versions of the Japanese poems (in Japanese script and Romanized form) on each page alongside the English translation to form a complete cultural experience. Each haiku poem is accompanied by a "dreamscape" painting by award-winning artist Tracy Gallup that will be admired by children and adults alike. Commentaries offer parents and teachers ready-made "food for thought" to share with young readers and stimulate a conversation about each work. (Ages 5–9) Where the Sidewalk Ends: the poems and drawings of Shel Silverstein by Shel Silverstein If you are a dreamer, come in, If you are a dreamer, A wisher, a liar, A hope-er, a pray-er, A magic bean buyer … Come in ... for where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein's world begins. You'll meet a boy who turns into a TV set, and a girl who eats a whale. The Unicorn and the Bloath live there, and so does Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who will not take the garbage out. It is a place where you wash your shadow and plant diamond gardens, a place where shoes fly, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles go to the dentist. Shel Silverstein's masterful collection of poems and drawings is at once outrageously funny and profound. (Ages 7 and up) Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links SPRING HAS SPRUNG and it's the perfect time to share books about nature, gardening, and new beginnings. Check out these fabulous children's books that celebrate some of the beautiful things Spring can bring. A First Folktale from the creators of Magnolia Flower, Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, about the origin of butterflies. The Creator wuz all finished and thru makin' de world. But soon, the Creator finds themselves flying through the sky, making gorgeous butterflies of every color, shape, and size. Find out why butterflies were made in Zora Neale Hurston's stunning and layered African American folktale retold by #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Kah Yangni. This accessible and sizable board book is perfect for introducing the youngest of readers to the beauty of Hurston's storytelling and will spark curiosity in children about how things in our world came to be. FIND IT HERE From the author of Curls and Glow comes a joyfully poetic board book that delivers an ode to African American girls as naturally beautiful in our human garden. those girls bloom these do too we bloom like flowers how about you? Introduce young readers to the idea of self-love in a simple, playful rhythm with this luminous story where each little girl is as unique and beautiful as a blossoming flower. FIND IT HERE Linh searches for blueberries in her rooftop garden in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? series. Linh is having a picnic in her rooftop garden for all of her friends, and she needs help searching for blueberries to finish preparing her dishes. What do we know about blueberries? They're small, blue, and grow on bushes--and, just a second, is that a blueberry? No, that's a gooseberry. Where, oh, where could those blueberries be? Can you help Linh find them in time for her picnic? The fourth title in the Where in the Garden? picture book series stars a young Asian girl who tours her rooftop garden with her mom to explore the fruits and vegetables growing there. Playful text guides young readers to hunt for visual clues and compare and contrast the unique characteristics of blueberries against peaches, strawberries, tomatoes and other produce that grows in Linh's rooftop garden. Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Back matter includes a tasty blueberry and banana pancake recipe for little chefs and their adult helpers to try together. FIND IT HERE Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this stunning picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors. Addressing environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community, the authors deliver a poignant and universal message in an accessible way: Be a good ancestor to the world around you. Thought-provoking stanzas offer a call to action for each one of us to consider how we affect future generations. Every decision we make ripples out, and we can affect the world around us by thinking deeply about those decisions. FIND IT HERE Jayden and a new friend bring nature to the city in this timeless story about a community garden Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama doesn't believe there's nature in the city. So Jayden sets out to help Mama see what he sees. With the help of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden plants the seeds of a community garden and brings together his neighbors--and Mama--to show them the magic of nature in the middle of the city. Timeless and vibrant, this story highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships and the power of imagination and perseverance in bringing the vision of a community garden to life. Jayden's love of nature will inspire readers to see their environment and surroundings as bursting with opportunities for growth and connection. At the back of the book, readers will find activities to make items found in the book, such as the milk jug bird feeder. FIND IT HERE Logan searches for carrots in his wheelchair-accessible greenhouse in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? picture book series. Logan is organizing a pet playdate at his greenhouse for all of his friends, and his treats won't be the same without his carrots. He's searched and searched, but his greenhouse is filled with plenty of plants and Logan needs our help to identify them. What do we know about carrots? They're long, orange, and have bushy leaves at the top--and, wait a moment, is that a carrot? No, that's a turnip. Where, oh, where could those carrots be? Can you help Logan find them in time for his playdate? The third title in JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy's Where in the Garden? picture book series stars Logan, a young boy who uses a wheelchair and accessible tools while gardening in his greenhouse. Playful text guides young readers to hunt for visual clues and compare and contrast the unique characteristics of carrots against sweet potatoes, leeks, turnips, and other produce that grows in Logan's greenhouse. Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Back matter includes a delicious winter carrot soup recipe for little chefs and their adult helpers to try together. FIND IT HERE To everything there is a season in this beautiful story about gardening, seasons, and treasured memories. This inspiring picture book written by Zoë Tucker and illustrated by Julianna Swaney--the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines--celebrates the friendship between a young girl and an elderly woman as they plant seeds in a community garden alongside friends and neighbors, waiting for the seeds to flower. By mid-summer, the friends welcome a rainbow of color in the garden and picnics in the sun. At harvest, the young girl's elderly friend is bed-ridden, but jubilant as they share baskets with red tomatoes and snap peas amid the sweet smell of lavender. When the last leaves fall, everything is different. But in the spring, hope arises anew. FIND IT HERE From an acclaimed author and illustrator: Enjoy this tribute to Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her contributions to building the healthy future that America's children deserve. Former First Lady Michelle Obama had an idea. A big, inspiring, and exciting idea! She would grow the largest kitchen garden ever at the White House. This wouldn't be easy, since she'd never gardened before: Where should she start? What tools did she need? What would she plant? Everyone needs help when they're learning something for the first time, even the first lady of the United States. So she gathered the help of local students, the White House staff, and even President Barack Obama. Together, they wouldn't just grow a garden--they would inspire a nation! FIND IT HERE Confident, empowered girls are celebrated in this follow-up to Happy Hair, a flower-filled, nature-loving, read-together picture book that encourages growth and positivity, Lovely and wise, shine at sunrise! I am growing each day! Beautiful Black and Brown girls with gorgeous natural hairstyles full of flowers, butterflies, and other garden treasures are the stars of this vibrant, rhythmic picture book from the author/illustrator of Happy Hair and Cool Cuts. Set in a backdrop of nature's glorious color and bounty, it's the perfect springtime read-aloud to promote confidence and self-esteem for girls of all ages. FIND IT HERE 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 an island at the edge of a wide, wild sea, a girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Salmon from the stream, herring eggs from the ocean, and in the forest, a world of berries. Salmonberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry, Nagoonberry. Huckleberry, Snowberry, Strawberry, Crowberry. Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. Brimming with joy and gratitude, in every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all. Michaela Goade's luminous rendering of water and forest, berries and jams glows with her love of the land and offers an invitation to readers to deepen their own relationship with the earth. FIND IT HERE The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with this Level 1 Ready-to-Read about the joy of growing a garden. Parker is growing her own backyard garden! She plants tulips with Nana and herbs and vegetables with Mom Mom. After patiently waiting all winter long, Parker sees her garden bloom! This story celebrates Parker's relationships with her two grandmothers and the joy of nurturing plants in the garden, and the backmatter features Parker's love of taking nature walks in her neighborhood. FIND IT HERE ​Discover the incredible true story of Harlem Grown, a lush garden in New York City that grew out of an abandoned lot and now feeds a neighborhood. Once In a big city called New York In a bustling neighborhood There was an empty lot. Nevaeh called it the haunted garden. Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration. Five years later, the kids and their parents, with the support of the Harlem Grown staff, grow thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables a year. All of it is given to the kids and their families. The incredible story is vividly brought to life with Jessie Hartland's "charmingly busy art" (Booklist) that readers will pore over in search of new details as they revisit this poignant and uplifting tale over and over again. Harlem Grown is an independent, not-for-profit organization. The author's share of the proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to Harlem Grown US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's iconic poem "Remember," illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it. Remember the sky you were born under, Know each of the star's stories. Remember the moon, know who she is. Remember the sun's birth at dawn, That is the strongest point of time. So begins the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way. This timeless poem paired with magnificent paintings makes for a picture book that is a true celebration of life and our human role within it. FIND IT HERE This touching picture book celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories. The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home. There's a wedding tomorrow! And one little girl sits patiently while her mother tenderly applies intricate, delicate henna designs on her hands. As she does, she shares family stories--about weddings, monsoons, and ancestors long gone. The little girl must be careful to protect her hands as the henna dries--one smudge could ruin a story! After a whole night of anticipation, when the flakes are washed away, what will they reveal? Lyrical text pairs with vibrant illustrations for this poignant picture book that blooms with heart, connects us to our roots, and sweetly reminds us of the garden of love we curate with those closest to us. FIND IT HERE Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links These picture books help readers connect to and celebrate a diverse group of foods, cultures, and families. (Complete with publisher's descriptions) BONUS: A FUN VIDEO READ ALOUD IS INCLUDED AT THE END OF THIS POST. From soul food on Sundays to kimchi, pancit, sushi, and more! Readers are sure to see themselves in these books, while also learning about the diverse people, food, and cultures who live in their communities and in the world beyond their own. And some of these books contain easy to follow recipes to try! Inspiration struck when Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II. Magic Ramen tells the true story behind the creation of one of the world's most popular foods. Every day, Momofuku Ando would retire to his lab--a little shed in his backyard. For years, he'd dreamed about making a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was quick, convenient, and tasty for the hungry people he'd seen in line for a bowl on the black-market following World War II. Peace follows from a full stomach, he believed. Day after day, Ando experimented. Night after night, he failed. But Ando kept experimenting. With persistence, creativity, and a little inspiration, Ando succeeded. This is the true story behind one of the world's most popular foods. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP In this remarkable author-illustrator debut that's perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street and Extra Yarn, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew. One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself? Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that Omu (pronounced AH-moo) means queen in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean Grandma. This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora's life. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Padma Lakshmi, bestselling author and host of Bravo's Top Chef and Hulu's Taste the Nation, and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal team up in this celebration of food and family.Top Chef and Hulu's Taste the Nation, and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal team up in this celebration of food and family. "Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of cooking with the women in my family. It is the foundation for all I have spent my life working on." -Padma Lakshmi Neela loves cooking with her amma and writing down the recipes in her notebook. It makes her feel closer to her paati who lives far away in India. On Saturdays, Neela and Amma go to the green market and today they are buying tomatoes to make Paati's famous sauce. But first, Neela needs to learn about all the different kinds of tomatoes they can pick from. And as Neela and Amma cook together, they find a way for Paati to share in both the love and the flavors of the day. Bestselling author and host of Bravo's Top Chef and Hulu's Taste the Nation Padma Lakshmi takes young readers on an intergenerational journey full of delicious flavors and fun food facts that celebrates a family's treasured recipes. And Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal brings this circle of women to life with vivid detail and warmth. Tomatoes for Neela lovingly affirms how we can connect to other cultures, as well as to our own, through food. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Yoomi loves Grandma's cooking--except for stinky, spicy kimchi, the pickled cabbage condiment served at Korean meals. You can't eat it because you're a baby, her brothers tease. And they don't play with babies. Determined to prove she's not a baby, Yoomi tries to find a way to make kimchi taste better--but not even ice cream can help. Luckily, Grandma has a good idea, and soon everyone has a new food to enjoy. Celebrating family, food, and growing up, this story about a Korean American family will appeal to picky eaters and budding foodies alike. Aram Kim's lively art is filled with expressive characters and meticulous details--and of course, mouth-watering illustrations of traditional Korean dishes and ingredients. Backmatter includes information about kimchi and how it's made, and best of all, a recipe for Grandma's kimchi pancakes to try yourself! FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Granny teaches her grandson to cook the family meal in this loving celebration of food, traditions, and gathering together at the table On Sundays, everyone gathers at Granny's for Soul Food. But today, I don't go to the backyard or the great room. I follow Granny instead. "You're a big boy now," Granny says. "Time for you to learn." At Granny's, Sunday isn't Sunday without a big family gathering over a lovingly prepared meal. Old enough now, our narrator is finally invited to help cook the dishes for the first time: He joins Granny in grating the cheese, cleaning the greens, and priming the meat for Roscoe Ray's grill. But just when Granny says they're finished, her grandson makes his own contribution, sweetening this Sunday gathering--and the many more to come. Evocatively written and vividly illustrated, this mouthwatering story is a warm celebration of tradition and coming together at a table filled with love and delicious food. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal. Fry bread is food. It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate. Fry bread is time. It brings families together for meals and new memories. Fry bread is nation. It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond. Fry bread is us. It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP This stunning picture book looks into the life of Georgia Gilmore, a hidden figure of history who played a critical role in the civil rights movement and used her passion for baking to help the Montgomery Bus Boycott achieve its goal. Georgia decided to help the best way she knew how. She worked together with a group of women and together they purchased the supplies they needed-bread, lettuce, and chickens. And off they went to cook. The women brought food to the mass meetings that followed at the church. They sold sandwiches. They sold dinners in their neighborhoods. As the boycotters walked and walked, Georgia cooked and cooked. Georgia Gilmore was a cook at the National Lunch Company in Montgomery, Alabama. When the bus boycotts broke out in Montgomery after Rosa Parks was arrested, Georgia knew just what to do. She organized a group of women who cooked and baked to fund-raise for gas and cars to help sustain the boycott. Called the Club from Nowhere, Georgia was the only person who knew who baked and bought the food, and she said the money came from "nowhere" to anyone who asked. When Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested for his role in the boycott, Georgia testified on his behalf, and her home became a meeting place for civil rights leaders. This picture book highlights a hidden figure of the civil rights movement who fueled the bus boycotts and demonstrated that one person can make a real change in her community and beyond. It also includes one of her delicious recipes for kids to try with the help of their parents! FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Join the celebration in the kitchen as a family makes their traditional New Year's soup -- and shares the story of how Haitian independence came to be. The shake-shake of maracas vibrates down to my toes. Ti Gran's feet tap-tap to the rhythm. Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the new year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup -- Freedom Soup -- just like she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, they dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast, and Ti Gran tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle's family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle's family is from. In this celebration of cultural traditions passed from one generation to the next, Jacqueline Alcántara's lush illustrations bring to life both Belle's story and the story of the Haitian Revolution. Tami Charles's lyrical text, as accessible as it is sensory, makes for a tale that readers will enjoy to the last drop. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Cora and Mama work together to cook up pancit for the family in this celebration of Filipino heritage and foods. Cora loves being in the kitchen, but she always gets stuck doing the kid jobs like licking the spoon. One day, however, when her older sisters and brother head out, Cora finally gets the chance to be Mama's assistant chef. And of all the delicious Filipino dishes that dance through Cora's head, she and Mama decide to make pancit, her favorite noodle dish. With Mama's help, Cora does the grown-up jobs like shredding the chicken and soaking the noodles (perhaps Mama won't notice if she takes a nibble of chicken or sloshes a little water on the floor). Cora even gets to stir the noodles in the pot-carefully-- while Mama supervises. When dinner is finally served, her siblings find out that Cora did all their grown-up tasks, and Cora waits anxiously to see what everyone thinks of her cooking. Dorina Lazo Gilmore's text delightfully captures the warmth between mother and daughter as they share a piece of their Filipino heritage. With bright and charming illustrations by Kristi Valiant, Cora's family comes alive as Cora herself becomes the family's newest little chef. FIND IT HERE BOOKSHOP Set at one young boy's annual family reunion, this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book by Kelly Starling Lyons and Daniel Minter is a rich and moving celebration of Black history, culture, and the power of family traditions. "On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there's nothing like going down home." Down home is Granny's house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they'll share, but what will Lil Alan do? Kelly Starling Lyons' eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family. FIND IT HERE BOOKSHOP In this contemporary tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he's sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid's-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites is a picture book biography that tells the story of the powerhouse female Japanese American chef and her rise to fame As a child and adult, Niki faced many naysayers in her pursuit of haute cuisine. Using the structure of a traditional kaiseki meal, the authors Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak playfully detail Niki's hunger for success in thirteen bites -- from wonton wrappers she used to make pizza as a kid to yuzu-tomatillo sauce in her own upscale Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka. To anyone who tells her a woman can't be a master chef, Niki lets her food do the talking. And oh, does it talk. Niki was featured on the first season of Netflix's culinary documentary series Chef's Table. And Chrissy Teigen proclaimed that Niki's restaurant was one of her absolute favorites. She's currently a featured teacher on MasterClass. A smart, strong woman with starpower, Niki is only just getting started -- like the young readers who will devour this book, featuring illustrations by Yuko Jones! FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP A vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer from Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player. Ring! Ring! Ring! Can you hear his call? Paletas for one! Paletas for all! What's the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José! Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator's pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now. Full of musicality, generosity, kindness, and ice pops, this book is sure to satisfy fans of Thank You, Omu! and Carmela Full of Wishes. Includes Spanish words and phrases throughout, an author's note from Lucky Diaz, and a link to a live version of the Lucky Band's popular song that inspired the book. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP A little girl helping her grandmother prepare a holiday meal learns about the origins of soul food in this powerful picture book that celebrates African American cuisine and identity from an award-winning author. Know what I like most about Grandma's kitchen? More than jambalaya? More than sweet potato pie? Even more than pralines? Grandma's stories! Every meal Grandma cooks comes with a story. What will today's story be? While visiting her grandma in Louisiana, nine-year-old Frances is excited to help prepare the New Year's Day meal. She listens as Grandma tells stories--dating back to the Atlantic Slave Trade--about the food for their feast. Through these stories, Frances learns not only about the ingredients and the dishes they are making but about her ancestors and their history as well. A celebration of the stories that connect us, this picture book urges us to think about the foods we eat and why we eat them. This book was inspired by the author's own childhood and includes her family's very own recipe for pralines in the back! FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Your turn! Which books would you add to this list? Let us know. VIDEO READ ALOUD Padma Lakshmi reads TOMATOES FOR NEELA Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram for more great books.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a powerful part of American history. It was written and composed by two influential brothers from Jacksonville, Florida named James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson. The hymn, known as the Black National Anthem, is a rallying cry, a history lesson, and a pledge of unity. These children's books teach about the song's powerful legacy. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. In Jacksonville, Florida, two brothers, one of them the principal of a segregated, all-black school, wrote the song Lift Every Voice and Sing so his students could sing it for a tribute to Abraham Lincoln's birthday in 1900. From that moment on, the song has provided inspiration and solace for generations of Black families. Mothers and fathers passed it on to their children who sang it to their children and grandchildren. Known as the Black National Anthem, it has been sung during major moments of the Civil Rights Movement and at family gatherings and college graduations. Inspired by this song's enduring significance, Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett tell a story about the generations of families who gained hope and strength from the song's inspiring words. Learn more about it here. Download the Sing a Song activity guide that accompanies the book by Kelly Starling Lyons Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" has become an anthem for African Americans in the struggle for equality. Bryan Collier's vibrant, stunning artwork offers an inspirational and rousing interpretation of this powerful song that continues to influence and shape new generations of children today. Learn more about it here. This selection of more than forty poems from a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance includes both uncompromising indictments of racial injustice and celebrations of the triumphs of African-Americans. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Learn more about it here. Lift Every Voice and Sing Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand. True to our God, True to our native land. More Children's Books About Black History

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links The Author's Nook is a series on the Helping Kids Rise blog that introduces authors (and their books) to our amazing book loving community. We've supplied the featured authors with nine optional prompts to answer and have shared their responses below. We hope this series helps our readers discover new authors to support and new books to enjoy. Without further ado, please welcome Author Stephanie Perry Moore to the Author's Nook. When did you realize you wanted to become a published author? So fun fact, in middle school was when I knew I wanted to write for television and film. I wrote an episode of the Cosby Show, and I wrote Grease III. These were just me playing around, but the tug and pull to be a writer was born. What is your favorite part of the writing process? Imagining the story is my favorite part of the writing process. I see the story in my mind, then I just go to town with an outline. Finding the best beginning to hopefully reel people in gets me excited. Share about your latest project. What inspired it? I'm excited about my new Magic Strong series. This book was a tough one to get out there. After writing seventy-five books without stop for twenty years, I've gone five years without having a new book published. There are lots of reasons for that... Covid, personal, moving, empty nesting, lots of loss... and sales numbers. I realize that publishing is a business, so I'm now committed to not just writing the books but marketing them as well. I was inspired to write this series by the large number of elementary schools with low academic scores. This series was written to help change that. Magic Strong is the main character in the series. He loves learning new things. The problem is that Magic does not pick-up subjects as easy as others. Thanks to his cool small group teacher, Mr. Gray, Magic is able to use his wild imagination to take him to fun places where he is able to better understand the skills he needs to succeed. Each adventure is a time for the students to explore and have a blast while reading. Magic Strong aims to let nothing stop him from being all he can be. Part of the Helping Kids Rise mission is to empower young readers. How does your work exemplify that mission? Many students who don't read on grade level, need high interest books that are written on a lower grade level. The Magic Strong series was created to be uplifting, but easy to read and understand as well. When students read the books and master the concepts taught in them, they will feel more empowered to continue reading and achieving. What goals or dream collaborations do you have for your books/writing career? Turning my books, and especially the Magic Strong series is something that I am currently working on. Read about the Magic Strong series Stephanie is working on in collaboration with several partners including PBS (SCETV). How do you spend your time when you’re not writing? I'm a huge fan of Asian dramas. If I'm not watching those programs, I'm listening to gospel music and watching some SEC football. Share a favorite quote or words of wisdom that inspire you. "It's great when those that CAN... DO!" Stephanie Perry Moore Do you have any tips for children who want to become writers? My advice would be to remember these concepts: YOU CAN, THINK BIG, WORK HARD, DO MORE & NEVER QUIT. More about the Magic Strong series: Magic Strong is a third grader who likes to learn about new subjects. In these wonderfully illustrated stories, he and his buddies, twins Rex and Reva, love coming to Mr. Gray's class. This inspiring teacher takes them on magical journeys that help them understand subjects better. Each book also includes a page for caregivers and teachers that suggests guiding questions to help aid in reading comprehension. Downloadable Teacher Notes available. Magic Strong Titles and Focus Areas: Circus Web (English) Aquarium Clock (Math) Space Rocket (Science) Capital Wand (Social Studies) Park Paint (Art) Stephanie Perry Moore has over 75 titles with over 1,000,000 copies sold. She is the trailblazing author of the Payton Skky Series, the first African American Christian teen series. She is a graduate in Marketing from Auburn University. Also, she has a certificate in film from Georgia Film Academy and has worked on several TV projects. Mrs. Moore has co-written titles with her husband, Derrick Moore, who is a former NFL player and current Executive Director of Player Development for the University of South Carolina. They have three new adults. She enjoys speaking in schools across the country and writing to make a difference in young lives. Where you can find Stephanie Perry Moore: Website | Instagram | Twitter Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links These children's books celebrate love by showing some of the many ways love can show up in our lives. They're perfect for sharing on Valentine's Day or at any time. * Love Grows Everywhere by Barry Timms, illus. by Tisha Lee * Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Marie, illus. by Julie Flett * With Lots of Love by Jenny Torres Sanchez, illus. by André Ceolin * Love Made Me More by Colleen Rowan Kosinski, illus. by Sonia Sánchez Dear Mama's Loving Arms is a touching story about the importance of a mother's embrace and the joy it brings to children, told from the witty perspective of a child. This book is a reminder to all mothers to stop and enjoy the bond we share with our children even when it is most challenging, like those days where all the baby wants is to be held. Despite longing for Dear Mama's embrace, Baby learns to defeat the big, bad daily nap time separation by joining Dear Mama in adventurous safari dreams inspired by Baby's stuffed giraffe pal, Raffie. FIND IT HERE * My Baby Loves Valentine's Day by Jabari Asim, illus by. Tara Nicole Whitaker * Keyana Loves Her Family by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illus. by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow * Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan, illus. by Saffa Khan * Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illus. by Vashti Harrison From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans! Valentine's Day is approaching, and Miles Lewis doesn't really like all the mush that comes with it. He is excited about the candy experiments they're doing in science class, though. And when his teacher asks for adult volunteers to help out, Miles and his friend Jada share that they're both planning on inviting their grandparents. That's when they realize that Miles's Nana and Jada's Pop Pop have a lot in common--could they be a perfect match? (Grades 1-3) FIND IT HERE * A Pinch of Love by Barry Timms, illus. by Tisha Lee * One Love by Bob Marley/Adapted by Cedella Marley, illus. by Vanessa Brantley-Newton * How We Say I Love You by Nicole Chen, illus. Lenny Wen * Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell, illus. by Allison Colpoys An alphabet board book inspired by the bestselling HAIR LOVE with new spot illustrations and text from the original award-winning author and illustrator duo--and perfect for baby gift baskets. A is for Afro, N is for Natural, and W is for Waves. Letter by letter, follow Zuri and her father in their joy-filled journey through the kinks and curls of Black hair. This 7x7 board book is perfect as a baby gift, for existing fans of HAIR LOVE, young readers embracing their natural hair, and toddlers learning their ABCs! (August 2023) FIND IT HERE * Love by Corrinne Averiss, illus. by Kirsti Beautyman * Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illus. by Yas Imamura * Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Right Movement by Sandra Neil Wallace, illus. by Bryan Collier Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways to connect with them. And it's not just for babies and toddlers. Independent readers enjoy having books read to them too. The fact that audiobooks have become popular is a sign that even adults enjoy a good read aloud as well. If that doesn't convince you, check out these six benefits of reading aloud with children. 6 Ways Reading Aloud Can Help You Bond with Your Kids and Cultivate a Love of Reading Quality Time Reading aloud to children gives them your undivided attention, which can help them feel that they matter to you. Positive Communication Reading aloud creates an opportunity for conversations to blossom. The conversations might start out being about the book and turn into learning new things about one another or with sharing a laugh. Create Memories Together The most special memories are often created by the little things we do together. Being intentional about setting aside time to read aloud a few minutes each day can create memories that last a lifetime. Fun Together Reading a book together can be tons of fun, especially if the story is gripping or silly or full of twists and turns. You can also make the read aloud fun by using different voices or acting out some of the scenes. Discovering Books Reading aloud is a great way to introduce a love of books to children. Offering a variety of content such as different genres, writing styles, characters, and storylines can help children discover their love for reading. Just do it! Add reading to your calendar, if only a few minutes each day or each week. Make a commitment to read early (babies love read alouds too) and read often. Take advantage of the many benefits of reading aloud to your children.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links We're thrilled to reveal the cover of the forthcoming book, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons. The cover is illustrated by Keith Mallet. Number of Pages: 32 Recommended Ages: 5-8 and up Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books Publication Date: August 6, 2019 Purchase: Bookshop Publisher's Description: Just in time for the 120th anniversary of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing"--this stirring book celebrates the Black National Anthem and how it inspired five generations of a family. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. In 1900, in Jacksonville, Florida, two brothers, one of them the principal of a segregated, all-black school, wrote the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" so his students could sing it for a tribute to Abraham Lincoln's birthday. From that moment on, the song has provided inspiration and solace for generations of Black families. Mothers and fathers passed it on to their children who sang it to their children and grandchildren. It has been sung during major moments of the Civil Rights Movement and at family gatherings and college graduations. Inspired by this song's enduring significance, Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett tell a story about the generations of families who gained hope and strength from the song's inspiring words. Do you know the lyrics to this empowering song? Click here to listen as elementary students sing it. Kelly's Latest and Forthcoming releases Latest Releases: Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist (Jan 2019) Forthcoming Releases: Going Down Home with Daddy (April 2019) Jada Jones: Dancing Queen (June 2019) Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations (August 2019) Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon (2020) Author: Kelly Starling Lyons Pittsburgh native Kelly Starling Lyons is a children's book author whose mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. She has written more than a dozen books for young readers that span from easy readers to picture books and chapter books. Her acclaimed titles include One Million Men and Me, Ellen's Broom, Tea Cakes for Tosh, Hope's Gift, One More Dino on the Floor, A Girl Named Misty, Going Down Home with Daddy, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations and the Jada Jones chapter book series. Website Illustrator: Keith Mallet Keith Mallett is an American painter, etcher, and ceramic artist whose subject matter ranges from figurative to abstract. His work has been exhibited worldwide and is featured in corporate and private collections. He has enjoyed considerable success with numerous sold-out limited-edition prints, and was commissioned to craft the official limited-edition print commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's breakthrough into major league baseball. In 2017 as guest artist, he created the Google doodle celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Keith has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award. His clients include: Simon & Shuster, Random House, Farrar Straus Giroux, Harper Collins, Lee & Low, Charlesbridge, and Bradford Exchange, among others. Website Fan of our book coverage? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more. #childrensbooks

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson was provided by Scholastic, a Platinum Sponsor of Multicultural Children's Book Day. This review of The Hero Two Doors Down is a part of Multicultural Children's Book Day (MCBD). The mission of MCBD is to raise awareness of the need to include children’s books that celebrate diversity on bookshelves at home and at school. About the Book The Hero Two Doors Down celebrates diversity by reminding us that friendship isn't bound by the color of a person's skin or the religious customs they observe. This heartwarming story is based on the true story of the friendship between Jackie Robinson, a legendary African American baseball player and a young Jewish boy named Steve Satlow, who looked to Jackie as a hero. SEVEN THEMES READERS WILL FIND WHILE READING THIS BOOK 1. BASEBALL It's 1948 and Steve Satlow is a dedicated Brooklyn Dodgers fan. He and his dad spend a lot of time following the team – Jackie Robinson’s baseball team. Steve’s somewhat lackluster life takes a sharp turn when the African American family rumored to be moving into his all-Jewish neighborhood, turns out to be the Robinson family. Steve would now be living two doors down from his all-time hero, Jackie Robinson! 2. CIVIL RIGHTS When one of Steve’s neighbors makes a snide remark about the African American family moving into their all-Jewish neighborhood, Steve gets upset. He reflects on the hate Jackie Robinson had encountered simply because his skin was black. While the book doesn’t dwell on the civil rights issues surrounding the Robinson’s move to the Jewish neighborhood, it does open the door for a discussion about it. 3. REAL FRIENDSHIP Jackie Robinson was Steve’s hero long before Steve ever met Jackie, but an even deeper admiration and love blossomed when the young boy was able to get to know Jackie as a friend. Sometimes Steve had a hard time at school and Jackie would show up and somehow make things better. It was refreshing to watch the friendship grow. 4. GOOD CHARACTER Young readers are able to learn about Jackie Robinson’s character. They learn what makes Jackie a hero not just on the baseball field, but also off the baseball field. It’s a great lesson in humility and kindness. Although Jackie was a baseball legend, he was still approachable. He was kind, caring, and friendly. 5. HEROES Young readers will be delighted to watch as Steve gets a chance to meet his hero. Most children have heroes whom they dream of one day meeting. While there's only a small chance that we will meet our heroes, this story is a reminder that anything is possible. 6. NOT JUST BASEBALL The initial thought is to offer The Hero Two Doors Down only to readers who like baseball, but that would be a mistake. Baseball is just one theme of the book. Other themes like friendship, perseverance, and family traditions extends the reach of this book to children of all interests. 7. PERSEVERANCE Jackie says to Steve: “You’ve got to keep moving on and up. You’ll become your best self if you stay focused, set goals, and don’t let anyone stop you from making your dreams come true.” There are a lot of lessons we could all learn from the life that Jackie Robinson lived! FINAL THOUGHTS The Hero Two Doors Down is a great book for learning about the value of true friendship. Friendship isn't limited by the color of a person's skin or the religious customs a person observes. Sometimes the most unlikely friendships can last a lifetime, as evidenced by the real-life pictures of the Robinson and Satlow families included in the back of the book. (current as of the book's publishing) ABOUT JACKIE ROBINSON Jackie Robinson was the first African American to join baseball’s major league in 1947 as a prominent member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson’s belief in equality gave him the chance to bring the message to America and the world that race should not be a consideration for anything. via History for Kids EDUCATION EXTENSION ACTIVITIES *Brain Pop *42 movie trailer *PBS Jackie Robinson Documentary *Jackie Robinson/Civil Rights Timeline *Jackie Robinson biography on History for Kids *Other books by Sharon Robinson *FREE Jackie Robinson Coloring Page Download This review is a part of the Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/17) The following information was shared by MCBD: MCBD is in its fourth year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom. The mission of MCBD is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kid’s books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators. Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day holiday, the MCBD Team are on a mission to change all of that. Current Sponsors: MCBD 2017 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board. Platinum Sponsors include Scholastic, Barefoot Books and Broccoli. Other Medallion Level Sponsors include heavy-hitters like Author Carole P. Roman, Audrey Press, Candlewick Press, Fathers Incorporated, KidLitTV, Capstone Young Readers, ChildsPlayUsa, Author Gayle Swift, Wisdom Tales Press, Lee& Low Books, The Pack-n-Go Girls, Live Oak Media, Author Charlotte Riggle, Chronicle Books and Pomelo Books Author Sponsor include: Karen Leggett Abouraya, Veronica Appleton, Susan Bernardo, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Delores Connors, Maria Dismondy, D.G. Driver, Geoff Griffin, Savannah Hendricks, Stephen Hodges, Carmen Bernier-Grand,Vahid Imani, Gwen Jackson, Hena, Kahn, David Kelly, Mariana Llanos, Natasha Moulton-Levy, Teddy O'Malley, Stacy McAnulty, Cerece Murphy, Miranda Paul, Annette Pimentel, Greg Ransom, Sandra Richards, Elsa Takaoka, Graciela Tiscareño-Sato, Sarah Stevenson, Monica Mathis-Stowe SmartChoiceNation, Andrea Y. Wang LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SPONSORS CoHost Team: We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also work tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our Co Hosts HERE. #BlackHistoryMonth #childrensbooks #readyourworld

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links World Read Aloud Day is an annual celebration, created by LitWorld, and sponsored by Scholastic, that calls attention to the importance of sharing stories. Participants are challenged to grab a book, find an audience, and read-aloud. We believe that the kinds of stories we share is important too. That's why in celebration of World Read Aloud Day we've selected twelve fun picture books that share diverse stories representing a variety of people, cultures, and experiences. What will you be reading on World Read Aloud Day? 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 wants the flyest, freshest fade on the block! But there are so many beautiful hairstyles to choose from, and the clients and her mother suggest them all: parts, perms, frizzy fros, dye jobs, locs, and even cornrows! But this little girl stays true to herself and makes sure she leaves the shop feeling on top with the look she picks! Author Shauntay Grant's sweet, rhyming story encourages young girls to be self-confident and celebrates the many shapes and forms Black hair can take. Through their stunning illustrations, Kitt Thomas is able to bring life and movement to the versatile styles featured in this book. FIND IT HERE 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 restaurant, Mia spies one giant panda ride, two lion statues, three swimming turtles, four bonsai trees, five tai chi practitioners ... There are so many things to see in Chinatown! And when they reach the Big Wok, they find ten yummy dim sum dishes to eat. But what route should they take back home? This sweet story about a girl, her uncle, and a little cat they meet on the way accomplishes multiple fun and useful aims: It's a fully bilingual counting book that teaches readers the numbers one through ten in both simplified Mandarin and English. It provides a fun tour of a typical Chinatown--a beloved neighborhood in many cities around the world. Children will enjoy spotting the kitten in every illustration as it trails Mia and Uncle Eddie through the streets. And with each item that Mia encounters on her walk, the book introduces some fascinating new aspect of Chinese culture or myth, as explained in the friendly backmatter. Join Mia and Uncle Eddie as they wander Ten Blocks to the Big Wok! savor each page and indulge in the power of imagination. FIND IT HERE 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 ribbons, passed down from her mother and sister. Faizah's teacher starts the day by asking her students to envision the kind of world they want, inspiring Faizah and her friends to spend the day helping one another in ways large and small. But when it's time for sibling pictures, Faizah realizes that she and her older sister, Asiya, don't match like her classmates do with their siblings. With help from her classmates inspired by Asiya's hijab, Faizah finds that acts of kindness can come back to you in unexpected ways. From Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and fellow bestselling, award-winning creators S.K. Ali and Hatem Aly comes a heartfelt exploration of friendship, faith, and the joy of spreading kindness wherever you go. FIND IT HERE Award-winning picture book creator Frank Morrison makes his author/illustrator debut in an exuberant story about being yourself. Epic has tricks you won't believe. He's the kick flipping, big rail king. When his family moves to a new neighborhood, he can't wait to hit the street with his skateboard. But his old moves don't feel fresh without a crew to see 'em. Epic thinks about giving up his board to fit in, but an encouraging word from his dad helps him see that the trick to making new friends is to always be yourself. Be you. . . be epic! Award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison offers a heartwarming, dynamic celebration of self-expression, inspired by his own journey through fatherhood. FIND IT HERE Accompanied by Ken Daley's vibrant, sun-soaked artwork, Sadé Smith's debut picture book Granny's Kitchen is the perfect readaloud for budding chefs everywhere. Shelly-Ann lives with her Granny on the beautiful island of Jamaica. When Shelly-Ann becomes hungry, she asks her Granny for something to eat. Granny tells her "Gyal, you betta can cook!" and teaches Shelly-Ann how to get in touch with her Jamaican roots through the process of cooking. As Shelly-Ann tries each recipe, everything goes wrong. But when Granny is too tired to cook one morning, Shelly-Ann will have to find the courage to try one more time and prepare the perfect Jamaican breakfast. FIND IT HERE Pure joy and the power of community radiate from this sweet picture book about a young Black girl's perseverance and confidence in following her double Dutch dreams. Africa's grandmother was a double Dutch legend, and Africa knows she can become the same. Her brother scoffs when she signs up for a double Dutch competition, though--how can she hope to compete when she's never done it before? But Africa has all the tools she needs: memories of her grandmother, her bestie Bianca's dance moves, her friend Omar's rhythm, and her classmates' Mary Mack timing and cartwheels. If Africa can pull everything together to jump some winning moves, she might just fly, but it's the birthmark in the shape of her name that tells her she's always been a winner. FIND IT HERE This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. FIND IT HERE From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as...an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too! Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky. But it's Career Week at school, and Nigel can't find the courage to share his dreams. It's easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates--especially when he already feels out of place. FIND IT HERE In this Caldecott Honor winning book, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, Gracias, Omu!, is also available for purchase. Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself? Author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that "Omu" (pronounced AH-moo) means "queen" in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean "Grandma." This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora's life. FIND IT HERE Under the full moon, Abuela leads an enchanted dance, bows to the sky and the night winds, and helps her curious grandson discover the rhythm of his heartbeat while listening to the great secret of the plátanos. At first his tiny ears couldn't hear it, but Abuela shares that she can't teach something that only her heart knows. This loving and tender story of the magical union between a grandmother and her grandson was penned by Dominican author, Luz Maria Mack, and inspired by a dream where she and her Abuela met again to dance and share the secrets of the plátanos. Sometimes the secrets of life are written in nature, under the stars, and in the sounds of the whispering leaves. FIND IT HERE 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, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Maybe then she'd be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily. Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly--even if it takes a hundred tries. FIND IT HERE A little boy who loves storytelling but struggles with writing learns that it's okay to make mistakes in this charming and encouraging picture book from the author of Mommy's Khimar. Abdul loves to tell stories. But writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren't meant to be written down...until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers--and superheroes--make mistakes. FIND IT HERE Join our community of BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.