“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi is a heartwarming picture book that explores themes of identity and acceptance. The story follows a young Korean girl named Unhei who has just moved to America. Unhei is nervous about going to school and fitting in, so she decides not to tell her new classmates her real name. Instead, she tells them that she will choose a new name from a jar. As the story unfolds, readers witness Unhei’s journey as she learns to embrace her culture and heritage, ultimately finding the courage to share her real name with her classmates.
“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña
“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña is a beautifully illustrated picture book that provides readers with a glimpse into the life of a young African American boy named CJ. The story follows CJ and his grandmother as they take their weekly bus ride across the city. Along the way, CJ asks questions about their surroundings and expresses his desire for the things he sees other people have. Through his grandmother’s wisdom and guidance, CJ learns valuable lessons about gratitude and the true beauty that resides within his own community.
“Neither” by Airlie Anderson
“Neither” by Airlie Anderson is a unique and thought-provoking picture book that challenges traditional gender norms. The story takes place in a world divided into two groups: blue bunnies and yellow birds. Neither, a creature that is both blue and yellow, struggles to fit in with either group. Through their journey of self-discovery, Neither learns to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individuality. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their differences.
“The Sandwich Swap” by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah
“The Sandwich Swap” by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio is a delightful picture book that explores themes of cultural diversity and friendship. The story centers around best friends Lily and Salma, who both bring sandwiches to school for lunch. When Lily makes a negative comment about Salma’s sandwich, their friendship is tested. However, with the help of their wise lunch lady, the girls learn to appreciate each other’s cultural differences and recognize the value of trying new things.
“Drawn Together” by Minh Lê
“Drawn Together” by Minh Lê is a touching and visually stunning picture book that celebrates the power of intergenerational connections and the language of art. The story follows a young boy who struggles to communicate with his Vietnamese grandfather due to the language barrier. However, the two ultimately discover a shared love of drawing that transcends words. This book beautifully illustrates the universal language of art and highlights the importance of cultural understanding and connection.
