African American Authors Booklist
This list featuring the books of 100 wonderful Black authors, illustrators, and poets is meant to help introduce readers to some of the many African American creators who are celebrated in the field of children’s literature and tell important truths and stories that captivate kids.
American Indian/Alaska Native/First Nations Titles
Titles to share to help readers of all ages get to know Native people and their nations.
Books that Explore Arab and Arab American Experiences
Check out these recommended titles that honor the culture heritage and history of the diverse peoples of the Arab world.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Recommended Titles
Share stories that celebrate major figures and telling titles about the lives of everyday men, women, and children who made and are making history.
Black History Booklist
Celebrate African American heritage, tradition, and achievement when you share the stories of African Americans throughout history and inspire young readers to learn more about their relevance today.
Books Kids Love
We asked educators to tell us what books are popular with their students—and got a list of new 'classics’ for the classroom.
Disability Booklist
These titles give readers the opportunity to explore a wide range of disability experiences as well as enjoy fabulous stories that focus on a disabled character but not their disability.
Diverse Books with Trailblazing Women
In these selected titles you’ll find authors, artists and architects, rulers and rebels, athletes and astronauts, musicians, mothers of invention and many, many more famous and influential women.
Great Poetry to Read Aloud
The list includes poems and collections of poetry from different cultures, introductions to a variety of poetic forms, and playful language for lots of read aloud fun.
Hip-Hop Reading
Ever evolving, hip-hop is more than music; it’s a way of living. Share these titles to celebrate all that hip-hop is and open windows to this cultural force.
Hispanic Heritage Booklists
Colorín Colorado’s children’s Hispanic Heritage booklists feature biography, history, cultural traditions, family stories, fun stories, and titles about growing up Latino.
LGBTQ Recommended Reading
Find books in this list that reflect on the LGBTQ experience along with titles about pride, tolerance, and diversity.
Read Across America: State by State
Travel across a map of the U.S. by reading books that take place in each of the states! In this list, you’ll find fiction and nonfiction titles to engage readers of all ages—from preschool through high school.
Spanish/English Bilingual Booklist
Celebrate reading in two languages with titles featured in this Bilingual Booklist from Colorín Colorado.
Titles for Social Justice, Activism, and Change
Help inspire and guide readers of all levels in the fight for a better society and the disruption of inequity.
Read Across America Books Banned or Challenged in Schools
Educators recommend these titles to connect students with worlds and characters as diverse as they are and inspire them to a lifelong love of reading. But others want to pull them from the library shelves.
Additional Recommended Books from Trusted Sources
Turn to these trusted organizations for more recommendations and advice on choosing the best in children’s literature.
- OurStory, We Need Diverse Books
- Books by Theme for Elementary-Age Children, Reading Rockets
- Award-Winning and Notable Children’s Books, American Library Association
- 60 Carefully Selected Lists of Multicultural and Social Justice Books for Children, Young Adults, and Educators, Social Justice Books
- Great Reads Recommended by Authors and Illustrators, The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance
In addition to taking advantage of these booklists, NEA recommends that you seek out your school librarian or the children’s librarian at your local public library. Librarians work incredibly hard to keep up with what’s new and awesome in children’s literature. Ask them for recommendations, especially for great books to read aloud.
Join Our Community of Readers
Are you a teacher, librarian, educator, author, or devoted book worm? Join the Read Across America Facebook group to share resources, ideas, and experiences as we celebrate a nation of diverse readers.
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