Diverse Books that Teach Values

I am happy to announce that I am again a co-host for Multicultural Children’s Book Day, the annual event dedicated to promoting and celebrating diverse children’s and YA books. This year I have received to review some wonderful diverse books that teach values, such as independence, inclusivity, environmental awareness, friendship, perseverance, and more. Read on to discover these fantastic books, and find below more information about Multicultural Children’s Book Day, including the upcoming Virtual Party!

Disclosure: I received complimentary copies of the books below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Diverse Books that Teach Values

Meet the Mermaids: Hi, I’m Zari is part of the Five Enchanted Mermaids series of picture books. Each of the racially diverse mermaids has a superpower that they teach to children. For example, Zari’s superpower is independence, so her introductory book focuses on ideas for practicing independence. The other mermaids teach about honesty, courage, confidence, and kindness. I love that the books give kids practical ideas for each quality, such as picking out your own outfit and helping make breakfast to be more independent. It even includes step by step instructions for how to do each task! In the book that focuses on honesty, the mermaid Sophia gives familiar situations and helps the readers practice picking the most honest way to respond in each scenario. These books are a perfect way to get kids excited about exercising their own superpowers!

In the Nick of Time, Too is the sequel to the popular Christmas book In the Nick of Time. Both books show the importance of true friendship, shown by helping each other in time of need and by having open and honest communication about life’s big questions – including what color Santa is! These two books help children realize the importance of inclusivity, since love and friendship encompass all colors. Be sure to read my full review in an earlier post.

Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach is part of a wonderful middle grade series about a young girl and her diverse group of friends. (See my review of another book in the series). Sophie is visiting her grandmother at the beach with her brother and best friend Chloe when they make an exciting discovery – a clue to a treasure hunt! But the real prize is the journey along the way, as the kids are led on adventures that teach them about local marine life, including an adorable sea turtle they name Ariel. Most importantly, they learn the dangers that animals like Ariel face when we don’t take good care of our environment. This action-filled story is also rich with interpersonal drama, as Sophie must confront the jealousy that threatens to destroy her friendship with Chloe. In the end, they learn the importance of being honest with each other, even if it means admitting that their lives are as perfect as they seem.

Inspire young writers with the real life stories of people who have made an impact the power of their words! Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing is a fascinating collection of biographical sketches of people whose writing has made a difference in the world. They are arranged chronologically, starting with two of my personal favorites (the inventor of the novel Murasaki Shikibu and traveler Ibn Batutta) and ending with Malala and young activist Sophie Cruz (only 5 when she handed her famous letter to the Pope). I love that the writers included are so diverse in their backgrounds as well as in their writing styles. But what comes through most clearly is the urgent need for young readers to make their voices heard, whether to protest, invent, explore, or remember. Each chapter includes a writing activity that helps the reader practice their craft and reimagine how their words can shape the world around them.

Diverse Picture Books about Inner Strength

Picture Books to Raise Good Humans

Children’s Books that Teach Life Lessons

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/22) is in its 10th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages

🏅 Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Cardinal Rule Press, Lee & Low, Barefoot Books, Kimberly Gordon Biddle
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward

Poster Artist: Lisa Wee

Classroom Kit Poster: Led Bradshaw

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik

MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!

MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!

Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

📌 FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

📌 Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party!

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 26, 2023, at our virtual party!