At WNDB, we love celebrating diverse books — and gifting titles to others. If you are looking for some recs for those on your list ( … or yourself!) here are some suggestions from our staff.
I'm always on the lookout for a picture book that I won't mind reading a hundred times to my kids and Mixed: A World of Color by Arree Chung fits that bill to a T! It has vibrant illustrations and a really poignant plot that demonstrates to readers the importance of tolerance and embracing our differences. — Caroline Richmond, Executive Director
With a perfect blend of humor and heart The Electric Slide and Kai, written by Kelly J. Baptist and illustrated by Darnell Johnson, speaks to readers who sometimes feel out of step, and reminds them that everyone’s got a different groove. This fun celebration of mixed families always makes me wanna get up and bust a move! — Kandace Coston, Internship Grants Committee Chair & Rise Up Program Consultant
Every child deserves to go to magic school — and in the wonderful, whimsical, sensational world of The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton, now they finally have that chance. Filled with high stakes adventures, ride-or-die friendships, laugh-out-loud humor, and plenty of fantastical twists and turns, this always inclusive tale truly has something for everyone! — Ann Marie Wong, Project Director
One of the best books I've read in 2022. Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemore is a powerful Great Gatsby retelling for YA readers who thought the original should be much gayer. It explores LGBTQ+ and Latine identity in the 1920s with nuance. — Alaina Lavoie, Program Manager
Everyone who loves to curl up with a fantastical story but would also like a break from world-ending stakes: Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier is for you. Truly character-driven fantasy feels like such a rarity to me, and this gem of a book centers on two teens who get swept up in solving a mystery that's wrapped up in political intrigue, secrets, and emotional intrigue. — JoAnn Yao, Social Media Manager
WNDB uses affiliate links, so if you make a purchase via the above links, we will earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting our efforts to celebrate diverse books!