Most popular books with multicultural themes

(By Allen Say) A beautifully illustrated story about a Japanese-American girl who moves to Japan, struggling with cultural identity but ultimately finding a balance between her two worlds.

(By Allen Say) A touching story about immigration, identity, and longing for home, inspired by the author’s grandfather’s journey between Japan and America.

(By Jeron Ashford Frame) A beautifully illustrated story showing how a single candle passes through different families, each celebrating their own cultural traditions, emphasizing community and togetherness.

(By Sherman Alexie) A coming-of-age novel about a Native American teenager who leaves his reservation to attend an all-white school, facing challenges with humor, resilience, and self-discovery.

(By Chieri Uegaki) Suki insists on wearing her favorite kimono to school, embracing her cultural heritage despite her classmates' reactions. A sweet tale about confidence and staying true to oneself.

(By Marjorie Flack) A timeless tale about a little duck who gets separated from his family on the Yangtze River. With rich illustrations and a gentle lesson about obedience and finding one’s way home, this book has captivated generations of readers.

(By Christopher Paul Curtis) Set during the Great Depression, this heartwarming and humorous novel follows 10-year-old Bud Caldwell as he embarks on a journey to find his father. Along the way, he encounters a band of jazz musicians who help him uncover his roots.

(By Yangsook Choi) A young Korean girl, Unhei, struggles with whether to keep her real name or adopt an American one after moving to the U.S. A beautiful story about identity and self-acceptance.

(By Christopher Paul Curtis) A moving and humorous historical novel about a Black family’s journey to Alabama during the Civil Rights era, culminating in the tragic events of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.

(By Barbara Cohen) A young Russian Jewish immigrant struggles to fit in at her new school until a Thanksgiving lesson helps her classmates understand the true meaning of being a pilgrim.

(By Pat Mora) Based on a true story, this book follows Tomás, the son of migrant workers, who discovers the magic of books and learning thanks to a kind librarian. A touching tale about literacy and opportunity.

(By Ellen Levine) A moving true story about Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who mails himself to freedom in a wooden crate, highlighting the courage and ingenuity of those who fought for liberation.

(By Suzanne Fisher Staples) A compelling coming-of-age story set in the deserts of Pakistan, following Shabanu, a young girl who must choose between following her heart and fulfilling family traditions.

(By Lisa Travis) A fast-paced mystery novel that introduces young readers to Thai culture as two girls investigate the disappearance of a treasured golden statue in Thailand.

(By Pam Muñoz Ryan) After losing everything, Esperanza and her mother must leave their wealthy life in Mexico and start anew as farmworkers in California during the Great Depression. A touching and powerful story of resilience.

(By Gerald McDermott) A beautifully illustrated retelling of a West African folktale featuring Anansi, the trickster spider, who embarks on a journey and is helped by his six sons, each with a unique talent.

(By Arthur Dorros) A delightful bilingual story where a young girl imagines flying over New York City with her grandmother, exploring their Latino heritage and the beauty of the city.

(By Janelle Diller) A thrilling mystery set in Mexico, where two girls uncover clues and solve a nighttime burglary, all while immersing themselves in the vibrant local culture.

(By John Steptoe) A stunningly illustrated retelling of an African folktale about two sisters—one kind, one selfish—who undergo a test to determine who will marry the king. A rich and meaningful story about character and kindness.

(By Moni Ritchie Hadley) A touching story about a Japanese girl and her grandmother as they celebrate Tanabata, the Star Festival, learning about traditions and the importance of family along the way.

(By Mildred D. Taylor) A prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, this novel follows Paul-Edward Logan, a biracial boy in post-Civil War America, as he struggles for equality and fights to own land in the segregated South.

(By Shaeeza Haniff) A heartwarming story about resilience and creativity, following a young girl from Guyana who transforms a simple rice bag into a hammock, highlighting the importance of sustainability and resourcefulness.

(By Ji-li Jiang) A powerful memoir about a young girl’s experience during China’s Cultural Revolution, as she grapples with political upheaval, family loyalty, and personal identity.

(By Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl) A calming bedtime story about two Ugandan siblings, Siba and Saba, as they find comfort in each other and the rituals of bedtime, featuring beautiful, cultural illustrations that evoke peace.

(By Jacqueline Woodson) A deeply personal novel-in-verse that tells the story of Woodson’s childhood, growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. The poems explore themes of identity, family, and resilience with lyrical beauty.

(By Bette Bao Lord) A touching story about a young Chinese girl who immigrates to the U.S. in 1947, navigating cultural differences while finding solace in baseball and the legendary Jackie Robinson.

(By Rania al-Abdullah) Two best friends, Lily and Salma, discover the power of cultural differences and friendship when they swap their peanut butter and hummus sandwiches. A lovely lesson in acceptance and understanding.

(By Christine Kohler) A historical novel set in Guam during the Vietnam War, exploring themes of cultural identity, honor, and the lasting impact of war through the eyes of a young Chamorro boy.

(By Angel M. Alvarez) A bilingual book that introduces children to the alphabet in both English and Spanish, using engaging illustrations and simple vocabulary to promote early literacy.

(By Gary Soto) A heartwarming holiday story about a young girl who believes she lost her mother’s ring in a batch of tamales, leading to a humorous and relatable family moment.

(By Verna Aardema) A West African folk tale explaining why mosquitoes are so annoying, featuring a beautifully illustrated chain reaction of events in the animal kingdom.

(By Mildred D. Taylor) This historical novel follows Cassie Logan, a young Black girl growing up in the racist South during the Great Depression, as she learns about injustice, family strength, and resistance.

(By Rafe Martin) A Native American version of Cinderella, this tale follows a young girl who, despite her scars, wins the heart of the Invisible Being through her inner beauty and kindness.

(By Anfaney Gladwin) Ballet Boy by Johanna Wright is an uplifting story that tells the journey of a boy who is passionate about ballet. Despite feeling out of place in a world where ballet is often seen as a girl’s activity, he pursues his love for dance. This story promotes self-expression, confidence, and breaking gender stereotypes. Through charming illustrations and a positive message, it encourages readers to follow their passions and be proud of who they are.