Children's Picture Books: Stories about Characters of Unknown Ethnicity

"When Mama Braids My Hair captures a young girl s experience of having her hair braided and the bond it creates with her mother. The tradition of African hair braiding is more than just a Sunday routine. Come join Nikki on an adventure as she is transformed into an Egyptian queen, a Nigerian goddess, a Zulu warrior, and a Maasai girl. While young girls throughout the African Diaspora can relate to getting their hair braided in intricate styles, it is also an ancient ritual that is a large part of their history. Readers will enjoy going on an adventure with the main character and learning about the origins of popular braided hairstyles worn today." -- publisher

When Rosa Parks went fishing

2018

by Rachel Ruiz and Chiara Fedele

No discussion of the Civil Rights Movement is complete without the story of Rosa Parks. But what was this activist like as a child? Following young Rosa from a fishing creek to a one-room schoolhouse, from her wearing homemade clothes to wondering what "white" water tastes like, readers will be inspired by the experiences that shaped one of the most famous African-Americans in history.

When the cousins came

2018

by Katie Yamasaki

Even though Lila's cousins do some things differently, Lila loves when they come to visit.

When we love someone we sing to them / Cuando amamos cantamos

2018

by Ernesto Javier Martínez and Maya Christina Gonzalez

A reclamation of the Mexican serenata tradition, follow the story of a young boy who asks his father if there is a song for a boy who loves a boy.

Who Belongs Here?

2018

by Margy Burns Knight and Anne Sibley O'Brien

"Long an anchor text for school units on immigration and tolerance, Who Belongs Here? is now renewed in look and content. Teaching compassion for recent immigrants while sharing the important contributions made by immigrants of the past, this story is more relevant now than ever. In this probing, plain-spoken book, based on a true story, Margy Burns Knight and Anne Sibley O'Brien, author and illustrator of the acclaimed "Talking Walls," invite young readers to explore the human implications of intolerance. Anecdotes relating the experiences of other refugees and their contributions to American culture play counterpoint to Nary's tale, all enlivened by O'Brien's full-color pastels. A compendium at the end of the book offers more detailed information about Pol, Pot, Ellis Island, and other topics in this text. Who Belongs Here? will lead to discussions about The effects of war on children and families * Refugees and relocation processes in the U.S.Cambodian culture * U.S. History and attitudes towards immigration * Bullying and intolerance * Conflict-resolution skills * Lexile Level 1040, Fountas and Pinnell Level W" -- publisher

Wild One

2018

by Jane Whittingham and Noel Tuazon

"An energetic, rhyming day-in-the-life romp with a child and the animal playmates of her imagination Rhyming couplets describe a day in the life of an energetic, little girl who stretches "like a cat" and hangs "like a bat," while the illustrations show both the child and the succession of imaginary animals she mimics. Her activities wind up with a gentle goodnight as her parents tuck her, "snuggling like a bear," into bed. Can you stretch like a cat or hang like a bat? This little one can do those things and so many more as she bounds energetically through her day. Author Jane Whittingham's sprightly couplets take her from the park to the pool, to dinner and bed, while Noel Tuazon cleverly illustrates the animal companions of a child's imagination. Published in a sturdy format with a padded cover, rounded corners, and extra-heavy paper, Wild One is perfect for sharing with wiggly, little wild ones of your own. And as the last pages are turned, the story’s final, sweet "goodnight" will leave the liveliest listeners ready to snuggle like a bear at bedtime." -- publisher

Woke baby

2018

by Mahogany L. Browne and Theodore Taylor III

"For all the littlest progressives, waking up to seize a new day of justice and activism. Woke babies are up early. Woke babies raise their fists in the air. Woke babies cry out for justice. Woke babies grow up to change the world. This lyrical and empowering book is both a celebration of what it means to be a baby and what it means to be woke. With bright playful art, Woke Baby is an anthem of hope in a world where the only limit to a skyscrapper is more blue."--Publisher's description

Worries are not forever

2018

by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen

"This book for preschool and primary children explains what worries are and how it feels to be worried. It assures children that everyone--even grown-ups--feel worried, and that they can learn to cope. Strategies include talking about worries, breathing deeply, and thinking good thoughts. Includes a section for adults"-- |cProvided by publisher

Write to me

2018

by Cynthia Grady and Amiko Hirao

A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps. When Executive Order 9066 is enacted after the attack at Pearl Harbor, children's librarian Clara Breed's young Japanese American patrons are to be sent to prison camp. Before they are moved, Breed asks the children to write her letters and gives them books to take with them. Through the three years of their internment, the children correspond with Miss Breed, sharing their stories, providing feedback on books, and creating a record of their experiences. Using excerpts from children's letters held at the Japanese American National Museum, author Cynthia Grady presents a difficult subject with honesty and hope.

Yan’s Hajj

2018

by Fawzia Gilani-Williams and Sophie Burrows

Yann's trip to perform Hajj turns into a journey that lasts a lifetime. A heart-warming tale about helping others.