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And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison's Life in Stories by Andrea Davis Pinkney

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And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison's Life in Stories by Andrea Davis Pinkney

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Pinkney, Andrea Davis. And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison's Life in Stories. Illustrated by Daniel Minter, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025.

This poetic picture book introduces young readers to the life and legacy of Toni Morrison, highlighting her journey from a storytelling child to a Nobel Prize-winning author. Through lyrical text and evocative illustrations, the book celebrates Morrison's impact on literature and Black expression. In the classroom, this book can be used to discuss the themes of identity, culture, and the power of storytelling. It would be a great starting point for lessons on Toni Morrison's works, promoting discussions about diversity, the African American experience, and the impact of literature. Students could reflect on how stories shape their own lives and create art or written responses inspired by the themes in the book.

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The Bicycle by Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar

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The Bicycle by Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar

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McCormick, P., & Babakar, M. (2025). The Bicycle. Roaring Brook Press.

The Bicycle tells the story of a young refugee who embarks on a journey to find safety, using a bicycle as a symbol of freedom and hope. The book highlights the resilience and courage required to overcome adversity. This book can be used in a classroom to discuss themes of resilience, empathy, and the refugee experience. It can also serve as a springboard for writing prompts about personal challenges and how students can overcome them. Teachers can use the story to promote discussions about global issues, diversity, and the importance of kindness and understanding towards refugees.

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The Bicycle by Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar

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Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh

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Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh

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Commeh, K. (2023). Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim. African Bureau Stories.

In this heartwarming story, Kwesi and his grandmother Nana Ruby face their fears as they learn to swim together. The book celebrates African American culture and the importance of family bonds, while addressing overcoming challenges and fears. This book can be used in the classroom to discuss overcoming fears and the significance of family support. It can prompt discussions about cultural traditions and activities, as well as explore the theme of perseverance. Activities could include writing reflections on overcoming personal challenges or creating family-oriented art projects.

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Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh

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A Change Is Gonna Come by Nikkolas Smith

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A Change Is Gonna Come by Nikkolas Smith

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Smith, N. (2025). A Change Is Gonna Come. HarperCollins.

A Change Is Gonna Come tells the story of a young boy experiencing the Civil Rights Movement. Inspired by Sam Cooke's song, it highlights themes of justice, hope, and resilience. The book introduces children to the importance of fighting for equality and making a difference in the world. This book can be used to introduce students to the history of the Civil Rights Movement and spark discussions about justice, change, and activism. It can also serve as a powerful text for teaching about music’s role in social movements and the importance of using art to inspire change. Students can explore themes through reflection, discussion, and creative projects like writing their own "change" songs or artwork.

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Raúl the Third. ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat. Versify, 2020.

¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat is a bilingual picture book that follows Little Lobo and his dog Bernabé as they visit various food stands in their vibrant community. Through the story, readers are introduced to Mexican culture, food, and traditions, all while learning Spanish vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. This book can be used to teach cultural diversity and the significance of food in different cultures. It is a great resource for incorporating bilingual language development, exploring Mexican traditions, and encouraging discussions about food, family, and community in the classroom. Activities could include making simple recipes from the book or creating a classroom "food map" to connect different cultural dishes to student backgrounds.

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Smith, D. (2025). The Welcome Book. HarperCollins.

The Welcome Book is a heartwarming picture book that emphasizes the universal value of welcoming others. Through gentle storytelling and beautiful illustrations, it explores the importance of kindness and inclusion, making it a perfect read for children learning about empathy and diversity. This book can be used to start discussions on empathy, diversity, and inclusion. Teachers can use it at the beginning of the school year to help students understand the importance of welcoming new classmates and respecting different cultures. Activities can include creating welcome cards for new students or role-playing scenarios where students practice introducing themselves and making others feel comfortable.

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Gorman, A. (2025). Girls on the rise. Penguin Random House.

Girls on the Rise is an empowering collection of stories highlighting young girls from diverse backgrounds making a difference in their communities and beyond. Through these inspiring tales, the book celebrates the strength, determination, and brilliance of girls everywhere. This book can be used to inspire discussions on leadership and diversity in the classroom. It can also serve as a springboard for creative writing assignments where students can write about their own experiences of making a positive impact. Additionally, the stories can be incorporated into social studies lessons to explore the importance of community involvement and cultural awareness.

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Zha, Z. (2025). Why We Need Fried Peanuts. Penguin Random House.

Why We Need Fried Peanuts explores the cultural significance of fried peanuts in different traditions, focusing on their role in family gatherings and ceremonies, while celebrating the value of food in connecting generations and communities. Why We Need Fried Peanuts can be used to introduce students to the concept of cultural traditions and the role of food in different communities. It can prompt discussions on the significance of family and culture, allowing students to share their own traditions. This book is a great way to enhance multicultural awareness in a 2nd-grade classroom, with a focus on storytelling, diversity, and respect for different customs.

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Bardugo, L. (2025). The Invisible Parade.

The Invisible Parade is a beautifully illustrated children's book inspired by the Día de los Muertos celebration. It follows a young girl's emotional journey through grief and remembrance as she honors her lost loved ones, blending tradition and heartfelt storytelling. This book can be used to explore cultural traditions like Día de los Muertos, discussing themes of loss, memory, and family in the classroom. It can spark meaningful conversations about honoring loved ones and connecting with cultural heritage. Students can create their own "memory altars" or art projects to reflect on personal or family traditions.

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Jeffers, O. (2024). Where to Hide a Star. HarperCollins.

In this imaginative story, a young child seeks a perfect hiding spot for a star, sparking a playful exploration of what it means to hide and share something beautiful with the world. The book encourages curiosity and creativity while introducing themes of wonder and discovery. This book can be used in the classroom to spark creativity and discussions about the universe, imagination, and the importance of curiosity. Students could write or draw about their own ideas of where they would hide a star, promoting both artistic expression and imaginative writing.

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The Dictionary Story by Sam Winston and Oliver Jeffers

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The Dictionary Story by Sam Winston and Oliver Jeffers

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Winston, S., & Jeffers, O. (2024). The Dictionary Story. HarperCollins.

The Dictionary Story creatively explores the world of language, using illustrations and playful text to introduce children to the power of words and their meanings. The book encourages curiosity and the idea that words have a life of their own, sparking imagination and a love of language. This book can be used to engage students in discussions about the power of words and their meanings. Teachers can have students explore their own "personal dictionaries" by selecting meaningful words from their lives and creating stories around them. This activity promotes vocabulary development and creative thinking, while encouraging students to appreciate the diversity and richness of language.

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The Dinosaur Next Door by David Litchfield

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The Dinosaur Next Door by David Litchfield

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Litchfield, D. (2024). The Dinosaur Next Door. Flying Eye Books.

In The Dinosaur Next Door, a young boy discovers that his neighbor is a dinosaur. The story explores themes of friendship, curiosity, and acceptance as the boy learns about his extraordinary neighbor's life. The charming illustrations and imaginative narrative make it a delightful book for young readers. This book can be used to spark discussions about friendship and inclusivity. Teachers can have students explore themes of acceptance and diversity by having them create their own "imaginative neighbors" through drawing or writing activities. It can also be used to teach students about empathy and embracing differences.

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The Dinosaur Next Door by David Litchfield

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Riphagen, L. (2025). The Gnome Book. Templar Publishing.

The Gnome Book introduces young readers to a variety of gnome characters from different cultures, blending whimsical illustrations with folklore. It encourages curiosity about traditions and stories from around the world. This book can be used to explore cultural folktales and stories from around the world. Students can compare gnome folklore with other mythical creatures and discuss themes of diversity and imagination. It could also inspire creative writing or art projects where students create their own gnome characters based on different cultural influences.

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A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

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A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

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Lin, G. (2018). A Big Mooncake for Little Star. Little, Brown and Company.

This charming story follows Little Star as she nibbles away at a big mooncake, leaving behind a trail that forms the phases of the moon. The book is a gentle exploration of Chinese culture and the moon, with beautiful illustrations that captivate young readers. This book can be used to teach about the moon phases and integrate cultural awareness into the science curriculum. It offers a great opportunity for discussions on storytelling, Chinese traditions, and the importance of patience. Students can also create their own moon phases chart or mooncake craft to reinforce the lesson.

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A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

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Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat

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Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat

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Danticat, E. (2015). Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation. Orchard Books.

This touching picture book tells the story of a young girl named Saya, whose mother, an immigrant from Haiti, is detained in a U.S. immigration facility. Saya writes letters to her mother, using the power of storytelling to stay connected and hopeful despite their separation. This book can be used to discuss themes of immigration, separation, and resilience. It is ideal for lessons on empathy and understanding diverse family experiences. Students can write their own letters in response to the story, exploring their feelings about family and separation. It also offers an opportunity to discuss the importance of language and storytelling in preserving culture.

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Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat

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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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Muhammad, I. (2019). The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family. Little, Brown and Company.

This picture book tells the story of a young girl, Faizah, as she experiences her older sister's first day wearing a hijab. It celebrates family, cultural pride, and the beauty of diversity, as Faizah learns to embrace the significance of the hijab and the strength it represents. This book can be used to introduce discussions on cultural diversity, self-identity, and respect for different beliefs. It is ideal for encouraging empathy and understanding in students, particularly when exploring topics like personal expression and family traditions. Teachers can have students share stories of their own cultural practices or discuss the importance of respecting others' choices in a supportive classroom environment.

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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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The Mizzy Mysteries by Claire Hatcher-Smith

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The Mizzy Mysteries by Claire Hatcher-Smith

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Hatcher-Smith, C. (2025). The Mizzy Mysteries. Greenleaf Book Group Press.

The Mizzy Mysteries follows a young detective named Mizzy as she solves mysteries in a diverse community. The book highlights themes of curiosity, problem-solving, and inclusivity, while exploring cultural backgrounds and personal growth. This book can be used to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can work in groups to solve mini-mysteries, encouraging teamwork and communication. It’s also a great resource for discussing diversity and how different cultural experiences shape individual perspectives.

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The Mizzy Mysteries by Claire Hatcher-Smith

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McCombie, K. (2025). The World of Wanda. Orchard Books.

The World of Wanda follows a young girl named Wanda as she navigates life with her unique perspective, including her neurodiverse traits. Through her journey, she learns to embrace her individuality and overcome challenges in a diverse community. This book can be used to discuss themes of neurodiversity, empathy, and self-acceptance. It is ideal for encouraging students to explore their own identities and differences. Classroom activities can include character analysis, group discussions on diversity, and creating personal identity journals where students share what makes them unique.

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Mora, O. (2018). Thank You, Omu!. Little, Brown and Company.

In this heartwarming story, Omu, a grandmotherly figure, prepares a pot of stew and shares it with her neighbors. As the stew is passed along, Omu receives unexpected kindness in return, teaching the value of community, sharing, and gratitude. This book can be used to teach themes of generosity, community, and the importance of helping others. It is ideal for discussions about kindness and how small acts can create big impacts. Students can also engage in a creative activity by sharing something they can give or do for others, fostering a spirit of giving within the classroom.

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Cherry, M. A. (2019). Hair Love. Kokila.

Hair Love is a heartwarming story about a father who tries to style his daughter’s hair for the first time, navigating the challenges and joys of their special bond. It highlights themes of love, patience, and cultural pride. This book can be used to discuss themes of family, cultural identity, and perseverance. It is a great read-aloud for building empathy and understanding diverse family dynamics. Students can share their own experiences with family traditions or special activities they do together. Additionally, the book can spark discussions on self-care and the importance of confidence in one's appearance.

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Palacio, R. J. (2017). We Are All Wonders. Alfred A. Knopf.

This picture book adaptation of Wonder tells the story of Auggie, a young boy with a facial difference, through his perspective. It encourages empathy, kindness, and acceptance by showing that everyone has unique qualities and should be treated with respect. This book is ideal for promoting discussions about empathy and inclusion. It can be used in a lesson on kindness, encouraging students to consider how their actions affect others. Teachers can pair it with activities like role-playing scenarios, where students practice responding with empathy and understanding in various situations.

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The Upside Down Boy by Juan Felipe Hererra

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The Upside Down Boy by Juan Felipe Hererra

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Hererra, J. F. (2008). The Upside Down Boy. Scholastic.

This poetic story follows a young boy who moves from Mexico to the United States and experiences the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language. Through vivid illustrations and heartfelt language, the book explores the boy's emotional journey of feeling out of place but ultimately finding his voice. This book can be used to discuss themes of immigration, identity, and resilience. It’s ideal for lessons on empathy, language learning, and cultural diversity. Students can reflect on their own experiences with change or write about how they overcome challenges in unfamiliar situations. It’s also a great resource for teaching about the value of bilingualism and the immigrant experience.

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Where We Come From by John Coy, Shannon Gibney, Sun Yung Shin, and Diane Wilson

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Where We Come From by John Coy, Shannon Gibney, Sun Yung Shin, and Diane Wilson

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Coy, J., Gibney, S., Shin, S. Y., & Wilson, D. (2022). Where We Come From. Carolrhoda Books.

Where We Come From explores the diverse backgrounds of different families, celebrating the importance of heritage and identity. The book uses lyrical language and vibrant illustrations to highlight the unique stories that shape each individual. This book can be used to initiate discussions about family heritage and cultural diversity. Students can create personal "family trees" or share stories about their own backgrounds. It’s also a great resource for teaching about the importance of respecting and valuing different cultures in the classroom community.

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Where We Come From by John Coy, Shannon Gibney, Sun Yung Shin, and Diane Wilson

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Nyong'o, L. (2019). Sulwe. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Sulwe tells the story of a young girl named Sulwe who struggles with her dark skin and wishes to be lighter. Through a magical journey, she learns to appreciate her unique beauty and the importance of embracing herself. The book celebrates diversity, self-love, and the importance of inner beauty. This book can be used to foster discussions about self-esteem, body image, and embracing diversity. It can be integrated into lessons about identity and self-acceptance. Teachers can encourage students to reflect on what makes them unique and explore the beauty of different cultures and appearances through art projects or writing assignments.

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Díaz, J. (2018). Islandborn. Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. Dial Books for Young Readers.

Islandborn tells the story of Lola, a young girl who was born in the Dominican Republic but moved to the United States when she was very young. As Lola asks her family and community members about her homeland, she learns about its rich culture and her personal connection to it, all while exploring themes of identity, belonging, and memory. This book can be used to explore cultural identity and community. Students can discuss their own connections to their heritage and family stories, and compare those with Lola's journey. It can also be used for a creative project where students share stories about their family's traditions or write about a place they feel connected to.