Book Recommendations Archives

Picture Books with Diverse Characters
- Book Recommendations
Diversity matters! It is important that kids not only see themselves in books but that they see others. This booklist will help add diversity to your classroom or home library.
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this entire list on Bookshop here.
This is My Room! (No Tigers Allowed)
Do you love books with unexpected endings?⁣
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I do!⁣
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I know I say this ALL the time, but this book is super cute!⁣
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I’m definitely adding it to my books as gifts list.⁣
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Jojo decides this is the night she is sleeping on her own.⁣
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But, she gets some unexpected guests that make it really hard for her to stay out of her big sister’s room!⁣
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We used this book to work on making predictions and my students had so much fun. They were shocked at the ending…literally, their mouths were open!😲⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Federico and the Wolf
I don’t know why I love different variations of Little Red Riding Hood, but I do!⁣⁣
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Federico has to go visit his Abuelo but his grandfather looks a little strange.
If you have non Spanish speakers in your class, this is an excellent book to use to teach context clues. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the book and there are great context clues to help readers figure out what those words mean.⁣⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
⁣Help Wanted, Must Love Books
Shailey loves bedtime stories with her dad. ⁣
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When her dad gets a new job and no longer has time for her, she FIRES him!🤣⁣
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And then she puts up a Help Wanted sign.🤣⁣
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She begins interviewing our favorite storybook characters to fill the position, but it doesn’t work out so well!⁣
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My students were yelling and jumping in their seats when they saw a character they knew.⁣
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They also started rolling their eyes at Shailey’s pickiness.⁣
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They loved this book! ⁣
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Of course, the book ended happily ever after!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
My Rainy Day Rocket Ship
What do you like to do on a rainy day?⁣
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That’s what I asked my students after we read this book. ⁣
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This week we are focusing on making connections and this was an excellent book to make students make text to self connections!⁣
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It was a great way to get to know my students more too!⁣
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My Rainy Day Rocket Ship is about a little boy who uses his imagination to have a blast on a rainy day!⁣
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This book reminded me of playing indoors with my brothers on rainy days. We had a gigantic playroom that we would destroy!🤣⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Stella’s Stellar Hair
When I saw the cover I immediately knew that the illustrator was the same illustrator from Honeysmoke…so I was already sold.⁣
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And I’m glad I picked it up!⁣
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Stella doesn’t know what to do with her hair!⁣
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So, Stella hops on her hoverboard to get help from her Aunties…who live on different planets in the solar system. 🌌⁣
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My favorite part of the book is the back, where we get facts about the planets and what hairstyles would be best for each planet. ⁣
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So cute!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Paper Kingdom
Daniel’s parents have a night job. When they are unable to find a babysitter, he has to go with them. Using his imagination, he’s able to turn a boring office into his very own kingdom. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Saturday
Ava is super excited that it’s Saturday because she gets to spend time with her mom. Her mom works Sunday through Friday, and this is the only day of the week they can be together. Everything starts great and then BOOM, there’s one bump after another in their plans. I mean, their day was jacked y’all.⁣⁣
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But, Ava realizes that the most important thing was that they got to spend time together. They recognize that although the day was not what they wanted, it was still a good day. ⁣⁣Bookshop Affiliate Link
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The Boy From the Dragon Palace
The Boy From the Dragon Palace is a Japanese folktale and it’s really good!
One day a flower seller receives a gift from the Dragon King, it’s a snot-nosed boy. 😂⁣
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The snot-nosed 🤧 boy brings the man everything he needs and wants until he crosses the line!⁣
After I read this book with my students we talked about needs vs. wants. I read it around Christmas and a lot of my students talked about making their lists just a little bit shorter lol. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Lucia the Luchadora
When Lucia is told that girls can’t be a luchador (wrestler), she proves that girls are not just made of sugar and spice.⁣⁣⁣
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This book is full of figurative language and gives plenty of opportunities to teach context clues. ⁣⁣⁣Bookshop Affiliate Link
If you like this collection of books, check out my Ultimate List of Diverse Picture books! You’ll never run out of books to read!

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Diverse Middle Grade Novels
- Book Recommendations
If you’re looking for a diverse group of middle-grade books (books geared for kids in upper elementary to middle school), then this is the list for you!
The characters in these books are from all around the world and allow readers to experience a variety of cultures!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this entire list on Bookshop here.
Front Desk
Mia and her family have recently moved to the United States from China.⁣
⁣An opportunity arises for her family to manage a motel in Anaheim, California, where Mia decides to run the front desk. The front desk isn’t exactly Mia’s first job, but it the first job she keeps longer than a few hours.⁣
⁣What I enjoyed most about this book is that it encourages the reader to stand up for what is right. If I had fifth graders this school year, this would be our first novel of the year. ⁣
⁣Mia’s job at the front desk is a nonstop adventure! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Clean Getaway
Scoob and his Grandma go on an unforgettable road trip that doesn’t end as expected.⁣
⁣Scoob learns that his Grandma and Grandpa took the same road trip years earlier with the help of The Green Book.⁣
⁣I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had excellent historical references that could lead to more research and discussions with your students or children. There are so many things you could do with this book. If I still had 5th graders. Bookshop Affiliate Link
The night diary
The Night Diary takes place in 1947 right after India was free from Britain’s rule. India is divided, and part of the country becomes Pakistan. Nisha is half Hindu and half Muslim and must leave her home because it has become too dangerous for Muslims. ⁣
⁣We follow Nisha and her family, who are now refugees as they make the dangerous trip to their new home. This is another book on this list with historical references that will leave kids wanting to learn more. Bookshop Affiliate Link
New Kid
Class Act
Jordan Banks and Drew Ellis are just a few of the Black students at RAD Middle School. Some days they fit right in, while other days they feel like outcasts. Through the ups and downs, they learn how to build friendships and survive middle school.
New Kid: Bookshop Affiliate Link
Class Act: Bookshop Affiliate Link
Save Me a Seat

Most of my students LOVE Save Me a Seat. Ravi. who is a star student back home struggles is new to the United States and Joe is misunderstood. Both are outcasts, but find that they have a lot more in common than they think. I pair physical copies of the book with the audiobook. Bookshop Affiliate Link

The Only Black Girls In Town
Alberta is a true California girl who loves to surf. She’s also the only Black girl in her class. That is until a new family moves into the bed and breakfast next door. Edie and her mother move to the small beach town for a fresh start. Alberta and Edie don’t have much in common but connect instantly.
While hanging out in the B&B, they find some old journals that contain a mystery that they have to solve! Bookshop Affiliate Link

Becoming Muhammad Ali
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In Becoming Muhammad Ali, young Ali and his best friend Lucky take turns telling the story about how one of the greatest boxers in the world came to be. ⁣
⁣One of my former students is a boxer and would LOVE this book. I’m emailed his parents to let them know about this book!
⁣Although this book takes us back to the 50s, Ali’s childhood experiences are easily relatable to kids today.⁣
⁣Also included are moments in history like the murder of Emmitt Till and the integration of schools.⁣
⁣We also learn how Ali struggled in school because he was dyslexic.⁣
⁣Becoming Muhammad Ali is written in prose and verse. It was fitting that Ali’s voice is written as poetry, making his voice stand out. ⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
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Isaiah Dunn is My Hero
This is such a sweet story about 10 year Isaiah who is learning how to navigate life without his dad. ⁣
⁣I loved how so many adults in his life supported his interests and looked out for his well-being.⁣
⁣His relationship with the barber is soooooo sweet. I may or may not have teared up reading one of their interactions. Bookshop Affiliate Link
These middle grade novels will make a perfect addition to any home or classroom library!

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Picture Books for Women’s History Month
- Book Recommendations
Are you looking for picture books for Women’s History Month? Then, this list of diverse picture books is perfect for you! What makes this list special is that many of these women aren’t well known and their stories need to be shared.
Many of us currently benefit from their hard work and sacrifices. These women are incredible!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this entire list on Bookshop here.

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
Effa Manley (1897-1981) was a civil rights activist and the owner of the Negro League Team, the Newark Eagles. ⁣
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Effa took good care of her players and made sure they got the respect and recognition they deserved long after they left her team. ⁣
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Effa was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.⁣
As someone who grew up in a city that loves baseball (St. Louis), I enjoyed this book.⁣
I also loved this book because it is illustrated by my favorite illustrator, Don Tate. My school actually owns a copy of this book signed by him! How cool is that? Bookshop Affiliate Link
Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children
Mary G. Harris Jones, better known as Mother Jones (?-1930) is furious that children are working in factories to help their families make ends meet. ⁣
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She is disgusted that children are getting hurt and sometimes disabled because of the back-breaking work they are doing. ⁣
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In 1903, Mother Jones decided that enough is enough, so she and 100 children begin marching to Theodore Roosevelt’s summer home to protest child labor laws. ⁣
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Although this protest did not end child labor, it did help bring awareness and, of course, child labor became illegal eventually.⁣
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This book is written in first person, and you feel the wrath of Jones. That’s what makes it so good! My students really enjoyed this book!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
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Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina
Sylvia Townsend taught herself how to dance with books from a bookmobile!🩰⁣⁣
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Growing up in the 1950s, Sylvia faced many obstacles, but it didn’t keep her from dancing.⁣⁣
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Ready to Fly is a great story, and the illustrations are gorgeous!⁣⁣
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The back of the book has a brief history of bookmobiles and pictures of how they’ve changed over time. ⁣⁣Bookshop Affiliate Link

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines
Maya Lin (1959-) is the architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. ⁣
Maya won the national contest that decided who would create the memorial. Although she won the contest, when others found out that Maya created the design, they were not happy that she won. They like that an Asian woman had won. Critics also said they didn’t understand her design.
Maya proved her unique design had meaning and was a perfect way to honor Vietnam Veterans.
I loved that there are tons of figurative language in this book; it gave us plenty of opportunities to practice! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver
Do you know the story of the first Black woman to become a mail carrier?⁣
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In 1895, Mary Fields (1832-1914) took the job of driving a stagecoach in the Wild West!⁣
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Mary would do whatever it took to make sure her cargo was delivered safely. She fought off wolves and thieves. And she had no problem traveling the dangerous mountain trails.⁣
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She even had a pet eagle to help protect her and her packages!⁣
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We had a great time learning about this unsung hero! Bookshop Affiliate Link
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Do you know a little girl helped convince Congress to pass the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)?⁣
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That disability activist is Jennifer Keelan (1981-).⁣
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Jennifer Keelan was born with cerebral palsy and found out very quickly that it was not easy to get around in a wheelchair.⁣
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In 1987, when Jennifer was only six years old, she joined her first protest. This would be her first of many.⁣
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She was arrested at a protest in 1988.😲⁣
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All the Way to the Top is an excellent story about a courageous little girl that helped pass a law that made sure people with disabilities have access to the world.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers
Many people know Cesar Chavez, but they don’t know the woman behind the scenes that made everything happen. Dolores Huerta (1930-) is the little known civil rights activist who fought for the safety of migrant workers.
PBS produced an incredible documentary about her if you want to learn more. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees
Wangari Maathai (1940-2011) is known as the woman who planted 30 million trees and the FIRST African woman to win the Noble Peace Prize.⁣
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Wangari Maathai earned a scholarship to attend college in the U.S., along with hundreds of other Africans from then-Senator John F. Kennedy. When she returned to Kenya, Wangari noticed that the trees were gone. Animals were becoming endangered and the soil wasn’t good for crops. ⁣
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When Britain colonized Kenya, they cut down a lot of their trees to sell and use Kenya’s resources. The deforestation continued after Britain was overthrown so, Wangari began her fight to return Kenya to the beautiful country it once was by organizing the planting of millions of trees. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating
Mabel Fairbanks (1915-2001) was a Black and Native American figure skater. Mabel was denied opportunities to compete in competitions and qualifying events for the Olympics because of the color of her skin.
She found ways to keep skating by performing in shows and she eventually became a coach to little-known and well-known (Scott Hamilton and Kristi Yamaguchi) figure skaters.
In 1997, she would become the first Black woman inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Lizzie Demands a Seat!: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights
Everyone has heard of Rosa Parks, but have you heard of Elizabeth Jennings (1827-1901)?⁣⁣
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In 1854, Elizabeth Jennings lived in New York City and tried boarding a streetcar but was brutally denied. ⁣⁣
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Lizzie Demands a Seat, takes us through Elizabeth’s fight for equal rights on public transportation.⁣⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom
Wu Chien Shiung (1912-1997) was a Chinese physicist. ⁣
Her parents made sure she was adequately educated, even if that meant she had to live far away from them. Chien Shiung developed a passion for math and eventually, physics very quickly! She would sneak and read her friends’ textbooks to learn everything she could. ⁣
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Chien Shiung means courageous hero, and it was fitting. She would lead an underground group to fight against the Chinese government even though she could have been punished or killed. ⁣
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She eventually moved to the United States, where she continued her study of physics. Chien Shiung helped many scientists with their research that earned them Nobel Prizes. She never got credit for her work. ⁣
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Although Chien Shiung never got the appropriate recognition, she definitely was a trailblazer.⁣
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She was the first female instructor at Princeton University.⁣
She was the first female president of The American Physical Society.⁣
She was the first person to receive the Wolf Prize in Physics. ⁣
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She rightfully earned the nickname Queen of Physics.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was a civil rights leader who was determined to make a change. Her story is heartbreaking, but it was why she constantly fought for equal rights for the Black community.
This is an excellent book that I highly recommend for parents and teachers to read. This book contains content and language that is more appropriate for older elementary/middle school students. You should use your best judgment if you’re reading this to your students.
Fun fact, my cousin is related to her! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl
Althea Gibson was the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon, the French and U.S. Open title. 🎾⁣
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Althea was known to be strong on and off the court, which made her the perfect person to tear down barriers in the game of tennis.⁣
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She also would become the first Black golfer in the Ladies Professional Golf Association! 🏌️‍♀️⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) was a former congresswoman who began her career as a lawyer and ended it as an educator.⁣
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She is known for her powerful voice; her most well-known speech was probably her opening speech for Richard Nixon’s impeachment investigation.⁣
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In Texas, you can find many schools named in her honor. ⁣
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The illustrations in this book are gorgeous, and it’s written by one of my favorite authors! ⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020) was a lawyer and a Supreme Court Justice (1993-2020)
Isn’t the cover dope?⁣
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Ruth Objects takes us back to her childhood. We learn how she earned her position in the highest court in the U.S. Bookshop Affiliate Link
If you like this list of diverse books, you’ll love The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books. There are over 250 books to use in the classroom and home libraries.

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Black History Books for Beginning Readers
- Book Recommendations
The 2020-2021 school year was my first year teaching first grade. I’ve always taught upper elementary or middle school. The first thing I’ve noticed is how hard it is to find nonfiction picture books for lower elementary students. Especially books that highlight leaders in Black history. If you’re here you’ve probably run into the same problem!
Your learners may not be ready to read these books independently, but they are simple enough that they can learn new information in one sitting. Okay, well there’s one that may take longer, but it is a necessary addition to the list!
Do me one favor, promise me that you will incorporate Black history throughout the school year, not just in February. These stories can be told all year long!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
If you like this list of books, you’ll love The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books. There are over 250 books to use in the classroom and home libraries.
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this entire list on Bookshop here.
Carter Reads a Newspaper

Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was a historian that dug for the facts. He collected information so that he could share African and Black American history with the world. Dr. Woodson eventually created Negro History Week, which would ultimately become Black History Month. This book gives us a glimpse of his life and work. The illustrations are done by my favorite illustrator, Don Tate.
This is the only book on this list that may take longer than one sitting to read. But, I felt that it was important to include it. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Ron’s Big Mission
Before Ron McNair (1950-1986) became a physicist and astronaut, he was just a kid who loved to read. This story is about when Ron had enough of the discriminatory laws and did what he had to do. Bookshop Affiliate Link
WHOOSH!: LONNIE JOHNSON’S SUPER-SOAKING STREAM OF INVENTIONS

If you don’t know Lonnie Johnson, I KNOW you’ve played with his invention, the Super Soaker. Lonnie Johnson (1949-) is a former NASA engineer ad has over 120 patents! This book is about how he followed his passions and ended up creating one of the most popular toys to this day! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Mae Among The Stars
Mae Jemison (1956-) is an engineer, a physicist, and is the first African-American woman to travel to space. This book tells a story about how her dream of becoming an astronaut began as a little girl. Although her parents are supportive, her teacher and classmates are not. She sure did prove them wrong! Bookshop Affiliate Link
A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put American on the Moon

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) This book is all about Katherine Johnson’s journey to become the mathematician that helped the United States win the space race and saved Apollo 13. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Trombone Shorty

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews (1986-) is a New Orleans musician, known for playing the trombone and trumpet. As a child, he wanted to be in a band so bad he started one with his neighborhood friends. In this book, we learn how he got his big break! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating

Mabel Fairbanks (1915-2001) was a figure skater denied the right to compete in many competitions including the Olympics because she was Black. Although she was unable to compete to show the world her talent, Fairbanks took up coaching to help children of all backgrounds. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina

After watching Swan Lake on t.v., Sylvia Townsend decides she wanted to learn ballet. Getting lessons wasn’t easy so she taught herself how to dance with books from a bookmobile! I LOVE this book! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver
Do you know the story of the first Black woman to become a mail carrier?⁣
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In 1895, Mary Fields (1832-1914) took the job of driving a stagecoach in the Wild West!⁣
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Mary would do whatever it took to make sure her cargo was delivered safely. She fought off wolves and thieves. And she had no problem traveling the dangerous mountain trails.⁣
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She even had a pet eagle to help protect her and her packages!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link

Want more diverse books to add to your library? Check out this list below.

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Diverse Social-Emotional Picture Books
- Book Recommendations
I love social-emotional picture books. They are a great way to get kids talking about their feelings. What I love about this list of books is that all kids can see themselves represented in these books.
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other books to read at home or at school! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this entire list on Bookshop here.

The Problem With Problems by Rachel Rooney
Who doesn’t need help solving their problems?⁣
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The Problem with Problems helps kids recognize problems and share how to work through them.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
A Little Space for Me by Jennifer Gray Olson
We all need space sometimes. Even kids.⁣
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A Little Space For Me helps kids figure out what to do when they just want to be alone.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul
This book is so cute!!!⁣
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Allie breaks her crayon and is furious!⁣
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She’s so mad she’s unrecognizable.⁣ I can relate!
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Allie’s brother gives her different strategies to work through her anger and she eventually is herself again.⁣
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This is a great book to teach kiddos how to calm down when they are mad.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Being Frank by Donna W. Earnhardt
THIS BOOK IS HILARIOUS!⁣⁣
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Frank is too frank and is offending everyone with his honesty. ⁣⁣
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Frank has zero tact. Zero chill. Frank is off the chain. ⁣⁣
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With him offending everyone, he of course ends up alone.⁣⁣
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One day he has a talk with his grandpa and learns how to kindly tell the truth. ⁣⁣⁣Bookshop Affiliate Link
I’m Gonna Push Through by Jasmyn Wright
This book is all about teaching perseverance. Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera
This book was definitely an easy read for my 5th graders, but it was a great book to teach them about showing gratitude.⁣⁣
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When we got done reading, I had the students write thank you notes for people they’re thankful for and gifts they received over the winter break.⁣⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
“Don’t carry around the hurtful words that others say. Drop them. They are not your words to keep. They belong only to those who said them.”⁣
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This is my favorite quote in this book. What a beautiful message that we ALL need to hear. ⁣
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It is the first day of school for sisters, Asiya and Faizah. What makes this day even more special is that it is Asiya’s first day wearing her hijab. ⁣
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Proudest Blue was a great book that is written by Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Mindful Day by Deborah Hopkinson
Mindful Day is a great book to remind us all to slow down and be thankful. ⁣⁣Bookshop Affiliate Link
Check out The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books if you are looking to add more diverse picture books to your classroom or home library!
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Nonfiction Books Perfect for Kindergarten to Second Grade
- Book Recommendations
Are you looking for non-fiction texts for lower elementary students?
Well, I have a solution for you!
Red Chair Press has a fantastic collection of diverse biographies that are perfect for beginning readers.
Some of the subjects are well-known, while others not so much. There are a few I didn’t know, like Prima Ballerina, Maria Tallchief, and Senator Daniel Inouye.
Oh, and I LOVE how the Cesar Chavez book didn’t leave out Dolores Huerta. I think she needs her own book (wink, wink).
Over the last few years, the amount of diverse biographies and literary non-fiction available on bookshelves has exploded. Unfortunately, they often leave out the little guys. Many of the books are too long or too complicated for younger readers.
This is what makes these beginner biographies a perfect choice.
They are bite-sized, but FULL of information!
What I also appreciate about these books is that they are full of text features. Having age-appropriate books to model what non-fiction text features look like is so bomb to me!
Don’t believe me? Check them out below!
I already have tons of ideas of how I can use them in my classroom! I’ll share a few of those ideas with you soon!
Go check out this amazing collection from Red Chair Press!

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Books to Help Kids Learn About Hurricane Katrina
- Book Recommendations
In August of 2005, one of the deadliest hurricanes hit New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Coast. I remember being in college, watching it on the news. I remember my college taking in other college students who were displaced by the storm. I remember Kanye West’s unforgettable quote. Hurricane Katrina killed almost 2,000 people; over 700 people were never found.
In just three years, we will be able to say, none of our students were alive when it happened. That makes me feel a little old, but it makes it even more important to me to make sure I share what happened to my students every year.
This list contains books to read to any school-aged child. Use these books to build connections, but don’t stop there. Have your child or students research more information. For the younger students, share age-appropriate information. We cannot forget what happened before and after Katrina hit.
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other books to read at home or at school! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you. ❤️
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this list on Bookshop here.
Also, for complete transparency, there are some books on this list that I have not read. When I make book lists I always read the books before posting. Since there are several chapter books/novels on this list I have not had time to read them all just yet, but I will! This is the only book list on my website with books I haven’t read.
A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg
A Storm Called Katrina is a picture book that follows Louis Daniel and his family as they abandoned their home in search for higher ground. This may be a longer book for a kindergartner or first grader, but it could be broken up and read over a few days. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner
In this picture book we learn about the sanitation worker who begins cleaning up after Katrina just like it was an ordinary day. His spirit encourages neighbors and volunteers to help with cleaning up the city. Being that I’m not for New Orleans, I really appreciated the pronunciation guide in the back of the book. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Hurricane Katrina Rescue (Ranger in Time #8) by Kate Messner
Hurricane Katrina Rescue is a beginner chapter book that I think is meant for second and third graders (just a suggestion). Ranger is a time traveling dog who helps Clare find her family. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but I thought that this was a good book to help students relate to the those impacted by the store. I also liked that they included real pictures from the storm so that the reader can see the damage. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
The Ninth Ward is a novel geared toward middle schoolers. There’s actually an excerpt of this book in our 6th grade textbooks.
In this novel, we meet 12 year-old Lanesha who lives with Mama Ya-Ya. The Ninth Ward gives the reader a more realistic version of what happened once the hurricane hit. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina by Rodman Philbrick
Zane and the Hurricane is one of the books on this list I haven’t read, but it was recommended by my former teammate! She reads tons of books and picks great ones to read to her students, so I completely trust her recommendation.
In this book, we follow Zane and his dog, Bandit as they try to survive Hurricane Katrina. This novel is perfect for upper elementary and middle school students. Bookshop Affiliate Link
A Place Where Hurricanes Happen by Renee Watson
A Place Where Hurricanes Happen follows four friends in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina. Once Katrina hits, each family has their own experience with the arrival of the storm. This is a great book to show how everyone who was affected by Hurricane Katrina had a different experience. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach By Brenda Woods
Here’s another novel I haven’t read…yet. I’ve started the book (read two chapters) and I think it’s going to be really good. According to the reviews, it’s a good book!
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach is not a place but a boy who lives in Treme. Saint tells the story of his life before, during, and after Katrina with his best friend, the neighborhood dog Shadow. Upper elementary and middle school students would enjoy this book. I’ll update the post once I’m done reading! Bookshop Affiliate Link
There are a couple more books I want to at least have in my possession before I put them on the list! I will update the list once I get a chance to read them. Follow me on Instagram to look for updates!
Check out The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books if you are looking to add more diverse picture books to classroom or home library!

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A Sparkly List Of Unicorn Picture Books
- Book Recommendations
I think it is safe to say that just about everyone loves unicorns! These books are all excellent choices to check out from the library or buy!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you. ❤️
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this list on Bookshop here.
Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinson
Unicorns 101 gives you everything you need to know about these mythical creatures!⁣ If your kiddo or students love unicorns, this is a book they must read! Bookshop Affiliate Link
It’s Okay to Be a Unicorn! by Jason Tharp

Believe it or not, some unicorns, don’t want to be unicorns! In It’s Okay to Be a Unicorn, Cornelius J. Sparklesteed doesn’t want people to know that he is a unicorn, so he pretends to be a horse. Cornelius just wants to fit in, but he learns that he shouldn’t hide who he is and that you should always be yourself! Bookshop Affiliate Link

You Don’t Want a Unicorn by Ame Dyckman

So everybody thinks unicorns are cool, but have you ever owned one? In You Don’t Want a Unicorn, we learn why owning one might not be a good idea. Bookshop Affiliate Link

Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea
Goat had a great life until Unicorn showed up. Goat was confident until Unicorn showed up. Compared to Unicorn, nothing he does is cool. Goat eventually meets Unicorn and finds out that Unicorn isn’t as confident as he thinks he is. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Little Unicorn is Shy by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine
Little Unicorn feels different emotions, sometimes he is shy. This book is great to read to kids who sometimes feel uncomfortable being the center of attention. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Unicorn is Maybe Not So Great After All by Bob Shea
It’s the first day of school and Unicorn is expecting to get everyone’s attention. When he arrives at school something else has everyone’s attention. Nobody notices him! So, Unicorn tries to find a way to make people love him again. Bookshop Affiliate Link
A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young
Lucy orders a unicorn for 25 cents. When the unicorn arrives, he is not what she expected. This book is hilarious! It’s definitely in my top 3 of books on this list! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert by Morag Hood
Sophie has the important job of training Unicorns. Even though she is an expert, she still has some learning to do.
Unicorn (and Horse) by David Miles
Unicorn and Horse are completely different. Unicorn can do so many things that Horse cannot. Horse doesn’t think he’s all that special until he has to do something that nobody else can do. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Little Unicorn Is Scared by Aurélie Chien Chow Chin
Little Unicorn gets scared like everyone else. Sometimes his fears keep him up at night. When Little Unicorn gets really bad he does breathing exercises to tame his fears. Little Unicorn shares the techniques in hopes that the reader will use them to whenever they feel frightened. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Kevin the Unicorn:It’s Not All Rainbows by Jessika von Innerebner
Out of all of the social emotional books on this list, this one is my favorite!
Kevin usually always has good days, but today for the first time something feels different. Kevin goes through the day trying to be positive but it’s not working. By the middle of the day he can no longer pretend that he is doing okay and he learns it is okay to have a bad day. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Unicorns are the bomb! Add these books to your classroom or home library today.
If you are looking for diverse picture books, I have an amazing list with over 250 books! Check out The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books, to add some amazing books to your library!

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Diverse Picture Books for Art and Music Teachers
- Book Recommendations
Books can be and should be read in every classroom! I really wanted to make this list for music and art teachers to help encourage literacy in your classroom. I can see your creative minds using these books to create engaging lessons!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this list on Bookshop here.
The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow
The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons explains how inventor Edwin Binney created everyone’s favorite crayons!⁣
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Readers learn how Edwin has several failures before he creates the perfect concoction!⁣
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My students were engaged immediately!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
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Too Much Glue by Jason Lefebvre
Matty LOVES glue, like most kids do, but his love is a little extreme. One day in art class he goes overboard and he finds himself in a sticky mess.
I know art and classroom teachers can relate to this one. Why must they use so much glue???!!!
When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill
DJ Kool Herc, one of the grandfather’s of Hip-Hop. A lot of the music that students enjoy today can be traced back to DJ Kool Herc. Use this book to teach students how the music they love today got started. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace
This is an excellent book to show students that it is okay to have multiple interests.
Ernie Barnes always wanted to become an artist, but his art career got sidetracked when he was drafted to play in the NFL.⁣
⁣My students loved how he was a football player and an artist, especially my boys!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz by Jonah Winter
Jelly Roll Morton was one of the early jazz composers that helped make jazz well known. If you let him tell it, he invented jazz. ⁣
Whether or not he is credited as the inventor of jazz, ⁣his contributions, of course, laid the foundation for other jazz musicians.
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors by Chris Barton
Do you know the Day-Glo Brothers?⁣
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If you love bright fluorescent colors, you have the Switzer brothers to thank!⁣
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Learn how Bob and Joe Switzer’s invention brightened up our world! ⁣
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This was a really fun book! I love how the illustrations progress from gray and white to bright fluorescent colors!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Who Stole Mona Lisa? by Ruthie Knapp
What I loved about Who Stole Mona Lisa? is that the author tells the story from Mona Lisa’s point of view! ⁣
⁣In 1911 she was stolen, and we learn about what she goes through those two years she was missing!⁣
⁣My students and I were not expecting how fun this book would be, add this to your list!!⁣
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Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa by Veronica Chambers
Cuban singer Celia Cruz was known for her amazing voice as a child. People would often stop outside her house to hear her sing. ⁣
⁣My students didn’t know who she was when I read the book, but when I played a few of her songs many students were able to recognize her voice. Bookshop Affiliate Link
In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage by Alan Schroeder
Augusta Savage was a sculptor from Florida who moved to New York City to attend art school.⁣⁣
⁣⁣She was so talented she completed two years of school in 6 weeks!⁣⁣
⁣⁣Augusta eventually shared her love of art and became an art teacher. In Harlem, she opened an art studio where she would help children discover their love of art.⁣⁣
⁣⁣Augusta made busts of W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey! Her most famous art piece was Gamin, a bust of an African American boy. Bookshop Affiliate Link⁣⁣
Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville
Did you know that Mary Blair was the lead designer for Disney World’s It’s a Small World boat ride?⁣
⁣She also did some design work for Disney movies, Cinderella and Peter Pan. ⁣
⁣Do you remember Little Golden Books? Well, she illustrated some of those as well!⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown
A Voice Named Aretha starts when the Queen of Soul was a child. The reader learns she always had a powerful voice, and even as a child her voice drew crowds.
When she was young, you could find tons of celebrities enjoying the company of her family. Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr were frequent visitors of the Franklin home.
My students thought they didn’t know who Aretha was until I played RESPECT. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Queen of Tejano Music: Selena by Silvia Lopez
Selena takes us through Selena’s life, starting with her childhood. ⁣I could see music and art teachers using this book because Selena also designed her own clothes.
⁣This is a long book, but luckily there are great starting and stopping points that make it easy to take your time. ⁣Bookshop Affiliate Link
A is for Audra: Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z by John Robert Allman
This book lists the amazing leading ladies of Broadway! All of my music and theater art teachers will appreciate this book. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Women Artists A to Z by Melanie LaBarge
Women Artist A to Z is another book filled with amazing women. There are brief descriptions for each woman listed in the book.
⁣I only knew three artists listed; Frida Kahlo, Maya Lin, and Georgia O’Keefe.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Anywhere Artist by Nikki Slade Robinson
This book is all about a little girl who can make art anywhere and out of anything! I can see art teachers using this book at the beginning of the year to show students that anyone can be an artist. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Radiant Child has gorgeous illustrations and is a great childhood story of the unforgettable artist, Basquiat.⁣ Bookshop Affiliate Link
Music and art teachers should read to their students frequently, especially since there is an abundance of amazing art and music themed picture books in school libraries! I’ve heard numerous principals say “all teachers are reading teachers” and I agree.
The books listed above should be a great starting point to help build your classroom library. If you need more, check out The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books, there is special section full of books about the arts, that is perfect for theatre, music, and art teachers. Check it out!

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Really Cool Picture Books About Animals
- Book Recommendations
What kid doesn’t like books about animals? I haven’t met a single one. This list contains some of the most engaging animal books I’ve used in my classroom!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
This book list is all about animals, but if you are looking for diverse picture books then you should check out The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books. There are over 250 books to use in classroom and home libraries.
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you. ❤️
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this list on Bookshop here.
If Sharks Disappeared
by Lily Williams
If you’re doing a unit or study of saving the environment or predators and prey, this is a great book to include.
If Sharks Disappeared explains why we need sharks and how we all benefit from them. This is also a great book to use to introduce new science vocabulary. Bookshop Affiliate Link
What Do They Do with All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz
Prepared for your kids to be grossed out! But they will love it! What Do They Do with All That Poo? shares all the information you maybe didn’t want to know about how some animals go number 2. This is a must read! It is sooooo fun! Bookshop Affiliate Link
When Sue Found Sue: Sue Hendrickson Discovers Her T. Rex by Toni Buzzeo
I enjoyed this book because I have a personal connection to SUE the T-Rex.
I’ve seen SUE the Tyrannosaurus Rex several times as a kid when visiting my dad in Chicago.⁣
⁣While digging around in South Dakota in 1990, Sue Hendrickson found SUE.⁣
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If you read this book to your students or children, go to T he Field Museum’s website to check out SUE. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton

Give Bees a Chance is always a hit because kids love talking about bees!
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Before we read, I always ask my students to share their stories about getting stung by a bee! My students love to talk about themselves (and who doesn’t), so it is a great way to get them to make an instant connection to the book.

Give Bees a Chance gives the reader information about bees and why they are important to the environment. Bookshop Affiliate Link

If Elephants Disappeared by Lily Williams
Over the years I have really loved learning about elephants. They are intelligent and beautiful animals.
If Elephants Disappeared gives facts about elephants and explains how hunters are on track to forcing these animals into extinction.
This is another great book to discuss saving the environment and protecting animals. If you like this series, check out If Polar Bears Disappeared. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Surprising Sharks by Nicola Davies
If you’re looking for book with a variety of different species of sharks, this is the book for you!
Surprising Sharks not only gives the reader facts about the different kinds of sharks, the author does an amazing job of explaining why humans should not be afraid of sharks. Sharks should be afraid of humans. This book is always a hit. Bookshop Affiliate Link

Hippos Are Huge! by Jonathan London
In Hippos Are Huge the reader learns how fast hippos can run, their mating rituals, how they fight, why they “yawn” and more!⁣
This is another great animal book to add to your list. Bookshop Affiliate Link
How to Survive As a Firefly by Kristen Foote
In How to Survive As a Firefly, a group of larvae gets schooled by an adult firefly on how to survive.⁣⁣
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If your students or child is a fan of bugs, this is an excellent book that teaches the life cycle, metamorphosis, anatomy, and physiology. ⁣⁣
FYI, we call them lightning bugs in the Midwest lol. Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach
The Very Impatient Caterpillar is the perfect book to teach the life cycle of the butterfly. The book includes all the key vocabulary and entertaining dialogue to keep kids engaged! Bookshop Affiliate Link

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