It’s Multicultural Children’s Book Day created by Read Your World and I’m celebrating with a list of CULTURALLY DIVERSE CHAPTER BOOKS for 2nd and 3rd Graders featuring strong female protagonists.
I hope most people are now familiar with the philosophy of books being like “mirrors, windows, and doors” where it is important for readers to be able to see a reflection of themselves and get a glimpse into another person’s experiences. I am thrilled to see more and more culturally diverse books being published especially with such authentic and likeable characters that readers can relate to and learn from.
This collection features books with short chapters, illustrations, and entertaining plots that are a good fit for second and third graders transitioning from early readers into longer chapter books. I particularly love how elements of various cultures are effortlessly woven into these books creating rich, interesting stories.
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My Family Adventure (Sofia Martinez series) by Jacqeline Jules; illustrated by Kim Smith
(Ages 6 and up)
Sofia Martinez is a spirited second-grade girl who wants to stand out. Three short chapters filled with colorful illustrations and sprinkled with Spanish vocabulary follow Sofia as she finds a special look for school picture day, creates a piñata for her abuela’s birthday, and captures an escaped pet mouse. Lexile: 520L
Meet Yasmin! (series) by Saadia Faruqi; illustrated by Hatem Aly
(Ages 6 and up)
Yasmin is an exuberant, creative second-grader learning how to navigate life. Her adventures are captured in short chapters filled with colorful illustrations making this early chapter book accessible for new readers. Pakistani and Muslim cultural details are effortlessly woven into the stories with a glossary and additional facts about Pakistan located in the backmatter.
Jo Jo Makoons and the Used to Be Friend (series) by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Tara Audibert
(Ages 6 and up)
Full of humor and heart, this series stars the endearing Jo Jo, a seven-year-old girl growing up in a Native American Ojibwe reservation. As a first grader, Jo Jo is trying to figure out the ins out and of school and friendships.
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
(Ages 6 and up)
This utterly charming story of a girl growing up in modern-day Africa is such a gem! Whether it’s going on a seaside vacation, selling oranges, or just spending time with her large extended family, reading about Anna’s life in Africa is fascinating.
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence; illustrated by Elizabet Vuković, 2017
(Ages 7 and up)
It’s the Lunar New Year and Jasmine yearns to make the traditional Japanese mochi dessert like her big sister. Many younger siblings will relate to Jasmine’s desire to feel special and have the opportunity to do something before her older sister. There is a lot to like about the spunky Jasmine and this heartwarming story celebrating family and culture.
Lola Levine is Not Mean (series) by Monica Brown; illustrated by Angela Dominguez
(Ages 7 and up)
Lola Levine is a bicultural second-grader who loves playing soccer, writing in her diary, and spending time with her family and best friend, Josh. When she accidentally hurts another classmate during a soccer game, she is teased for being mean. Luckily, Lola’s supportive family helps her through this tough time. With well-developed characters and a realistic school scenario, many children will be attracted to this engaging series.
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (series) by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Ani Bushry
(Ages 7 and up)
Jealous of her neighbor Alexa’s giant birthday bash two days before Marya’s 8th birthday, she desperately wants to throw her own party. The only problem is her parents want to do more of a low-key celebration. Hijinks ensue with disastrous results as Marya tries to convince her parents to host a henna party. When Marya attends Alexa’s party, she gains a new perspective on what is really important and gains a new friend in the process.
Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina
(Ages 7 and up)
Colorful illustrations match the vibrant personality of Juana, a spirited Columbian girl. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text as Juana shares her love of her South American town, her dog Lucas, and her favorite hobbies with readers as well as her dislikes namely learning English.
Too Small Tola by Antinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu
(Ages 7 and up)
Though small in size, Tola is mighty in nature. In three amusing tales, readers gain a glimpse of Tola’s vibrant world in Nigeria surrounded by her tight-knit community.
Ruby Lu Brave and True (series) by Lenore Look, 2006
This comical book stars the high-spirited Ruby Lu who is learning to become a magician, adapting to life with a new baby brother, and struggling through Chinese school on Saturdays. Ruby Lu’s hysterical hijinks are so much fun to read about.
Knight of The Cape (Definitely Dominguita series) by Terry Catasus Jennings, Terry Anaya
(Ages 7 and up)
Cuban-American Dominguita (Dom) loves the stories of the brave knight Don Quixote that her abuela shared with her. When her abuela moves away, Dom is determined to become a knight herself by doing good deeds. When a class bully challenges that girls can’t be knights, she acquires a group of loyal companions to help her on her quest of becoming a real knight. I really liked Dom’s perseverance through the book and how her brother supported her along with friends she made along the way.
Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business (series) by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho
(Ages 7 and up)
After her mother’s death, Mindy Kim moves from California to Florida with her father. As the only Korean kid in her class, the other students are captivated by her exotic lunch especially the seaweed she brings. The story follows Mindy as she finds new friends and tries to help her dad work through his grief. Though this book touches upon some difficult topics, it does so in a child-friendly and authentic way. My daughter really enjoyed it.
Stella Díaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez, 2018
(Ages 8 and up)
Inspired by her own childhood, Angela Dominguez has created a lovable and relatable character in Stella Díaz. With roots in Mexico City, Stella struggles to speak both Spanish and English and occasionally gets tongue tied in front of her classmates and family. Spanish vocabulary is effortlessly integrated into the story as Stella learns to navigate changing friendships.
Cilla Lee-Jenkins Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
(Ages 7 and up)
With clever and comical writing, this book is a ton of fun. As a biracial 8-year-old with a new baby sister on the way, Priscilla Lee-Jenkins has a tricky time figuring out her place in the world. One thing for certain, however, she is destined for greatness.
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