Diverse Stories for K–12

Every student should be able to see themselves in the stories they read — and also discover new worlds, voices, and perspectives that help them grow. This book list was put together with diverse learners in mind, honoring all the different identities, experiences, and ways of learning they bring to the table.

Here you’ll find books by Black authors and other diverse voices that spark self-love, empathy, creativity, and curiosity. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, these stories can help build connection, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Kindergarten List

Confidence & Pride

  • Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut – Derrick Barnes

  • Look Up! — Nathan Bryon

Self-Love & Identity

  • Hair Love – Matthew A. Cherry

  • I Am Every Good Thing – Derrick Barnes

  • Sulwe – Lupita Nyong’o

  • Big Hair, Don’t Care – Crystal Swain-Bates

  • The Day You Begin – Jacqueline Woodson

STEM Books

  • Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner — Janice N. Harrington

  • Mae Among the Stars — Roda Ahmed

  • Ty’s Travels: All Aboard! — Kelly Starling Lyons

  • My Rainy Day Rocket Ship – Markette Sheppard

Family & Community

  • Saturday – Oge Mora

  • Thank You, Omu! – Oge Mora

  • Brown Baby Lullaby – Tameka Fryer Brown

  • Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment – Parker Curry & Jessica Curry

First Grade

Family & Community

  • Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box — Michael S. Bandy & Eric Stein
    A moving story about voting rights and the importance of family history.

  • Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day — Tameka Fryer Brown
    A celebration of a vibrant, connected neighborhood.

  • What Is Given from the Heart — Patricia C. McKissack
    A boy discovers that even the smallest gift, given with love, can make a big difference.

Confidence & Pride

  • Please, Baby, Please — Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee
    A fun and lively story about a toddler and the love (and patience) she inspires.

  • You Matter — Christian Robinson
    A bright and reassuring book reminding kids that they are important just as they are.

  • I’m Gonna Push Through! — Jasmyn Wright
    An empowering book encouraging perseverance and pride.

Historical

  • Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World — Cheryl Willis Hudson
    A beautifully illustrated book full of inspiring women.

  • Before She Was Harriet — Lesa Cline-Ransome
    A poetic biography of Harriet Tubman.

  • Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom — Carole Boston Weatherford
    A moving, lyrical account of Tubman’s courage.

  • A Black Women’s History of the United States (Young Reader’s Edition) — Daina Ramey Berry & Kimberly Brown Pellum
    A beautifully written, accessible introduction to the stories of Black women who shaped America.

  • Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race (Picture Book) — Margot Lee Shetterly
    A simplified and engaging version of the famous story.

  • The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just — Mélina Mangal
    A biography of a groundbreaking Black scientist.

  • Rosa — Nikki Giovanni
    A poetic retelling of Rosa Parks’ brave act and its impact on history.

STEM

  • What Do You Do With a Problem? — Kobi Yamada (features diverse characters in illustrations, good for problem-solving & growth mindset)

  • The Water Princess — Susan Verde & Georgie Badiel
    Based on the true story of Georgie Badiel’s childhood in Burkina Faso, focusing on clean water and perseverance.

  • Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History — Vashti Harrison
    Brief bios of trailblazing Black women, including many in STEM.

  • Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History — Vashti Harrison
    Short stories of Black men who made history, including scientists and innovators.

Self-Love & Identity

  • I Love My Hair! — Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
    A joyful celebration of a young girl’s beautiful hair and her identity.

  • Happy to Be Nappy — bell hooks
    A lyrical ode to natural hair and the beauty of being yourself.

  • The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson: Encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and differences. 

  • Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o: This story explores themes of self-love and beauty as Sulwe, a young girl with dark skin, learns to appreciate her own unique beauty.