Staff Picks
CSMCL's Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2021
- Caitlin B.
- Tuesday, February 01, 2022
Collection
The following picture books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2021. Want to learn more about diverse books? Check out this blog post.
Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location!
We Shall Overcome
Published in 2021
""We Shall Overcome" is one of the most recognizable anthems of the Civil Rights movement, widely performed at protests and rallies to promote nonviolent civil rights activism. Now, these inspirational, empowering, legendary lyrics are brought to life with the stirring, evocative, and breathtaking illustrations from multi-award-winning talent Bryan Collier. Powerfully imagined for the present moment, Collier's illustrations meld the most emblematic moments of the twentieth-century Civil Rights movement with the present day, depicting the movements, protests, and demonstrations -- big and small -- as the fight for justice continues"-- Provided by publisher.
Soul Food Sunday
Published in 2021
Granny teaches her young grandson how to cook the family meal, in this celebration of food, traditions, and gathering together at the table. Includes recipe for baked macaroni and cheese.
I Dream of Popo
Published in 2021
When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. Includes author's and illustrator's notes detailing their personal experiences, and glossary of Chinese words connected to the story.
My Two Border Towns
Published in 2021
"A boy and his father cross the United States-Mexico border every other Saturday, visiting their favorite places, spending time with family and friends, and sharing in the responsibility of community care"-- Provided by publisher.
The Cot in the Living Room
Published in 2021
A young Dominican American girl in New York City moves from jealousy to empathy as her parents babysit children whose families work the overnight shift in this picture book debut. Night after night, a young girl watches her mami set up a cot in the living room for guests in their Washington Heights apartment, like Raquel (who's boring) and Edgardo (who gets crumbs everywhere). She resents that they get the entire living room with a view of the George Washington Bridge, while all she gets is a tiny bedroom with a view of her sister (who snores). Until one night, no one comes, and it's finally her chance! But as it turns out, sleeping in the cot in the living room isn't all she thought it would be. A celebration of the ways a Dominican American community takes care of one another while showing young readers that sometimes the best way to be a better neighbor is by imagining how it feels to spend a night sleeping on someone else's pillow.
Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner
Published in 2021
Inspired by the rich tradition of African American reunions, a multigenerational story follows the experiences of young Ruby, who helps loved ones prepare the foods they are bringing while trying to think of a signature dish of her own.
Milo Imagines the World
Published in 2021
While Milo and his sister travel to a detention center to visit their incarcerated mother, he observes strangers on the subway and draws what he imagines their lives to be.
I Love You, Baby Burrito
Published in 2021
"From Pura Belpre honoree Angela Dominguez, Love You Baby Burrito is a modern classic picture book celebrating the act of swaddling a newborn into a baby burrito." -- Provided by publisher.
A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Published in 2021
Introduces scenes of hospitality and the word for "welcome" in more than twelve languages and cultures. Includes a pronunciation guide and information about the languages featured in the book.
Boogie Boogie, Y'all
Published in 2021
Lively and colorful with a read-aloud beat, this picture book celebrates the rich culture of the Boogie Down Bronx, inviting readers to an epic block party!
Amira's Picture Day
Published in 2021
Amira is excited because tomorrow is Eid with special clothes, treats, gifts, and a morning party at her mosque; but then she realizes that she is going to miss class picture day at school, something she was also looking forward to--so Amira has to figure out a way to be in two places at once.
We All Play = Kimêtawânaw
Published in 2021
"[Presents an illustrated look] that celebrates the interconnectedness of nature and the wonder of play - and includes Cree names for each animal in a glossary"-Jacket flap.
May Your Life Be Deliciosa
Published in 2021
Each year on Christmas Eve, Rosie's abuela teaches her not only how to make a delicious tamale, but how to make a delicious life--one filled with love, plenty of spice, and family.
Change Sings
A Children's Anthem
Published in 2021
"As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes--big or small--in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves"-- Provided by publisher.
Seven Special Somethings
A Nowruz Story
Published in 2021
After accidentally ruining his family's haft-seen, a display of seven traditional items to bring luck in the Persian New Year, young Kian finds seven unusual items to replace them. Includes facts about Nowruz.
The Passover Guest
Published in 2021
In Washington, D.C., during the Great Depression, Muriel and her family have no money to prepare the seder meal until a mysterious stranger performs a Passover miracle. Includes notes on the Passover holiday, the Great Depression, and the history of the D.C. Jewish community.
Tomatoes for Neela
Published in 2021
As Neela and her mother cook together, they find a way for Neela's grandmother, who lives in India, to share in both the love and the flavors of the day. Includes tomato facts and two recipes.
Zonia's Rain Forest
Published in 2021
Enjoying days spent with animal friends near her home in the Amazon, young Zonia wonders what to do on a day when the rainforest calls out to her for help, in a lushly illustrated story that is complemented by back matter about the Asháninka community.
Bright Star
Published in 2021
"A nurturing voice reassures the lonely and afraid in difficult times"-- Provided by publisher.
Coquí in the City
Published in 2021
"When Miguel and his parents move from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland, Miguel misses their home, his grandparents, and his pet frog, Coquí, but he soon realizes that New York City has more in common with back home than he originally thought"-- Provided by publisher.
Your Mama
Published in 2021
Illustrations and easy-to-read text twist classic "your mama" jokes into a celebration of the beauty, power, and love of motherhood.
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift
Published in 2021
"The debut picture book by author and human rights activist Qasim Rashid that celebrates good deeds during the month of Ramadan. It's the first day of Ramadan and Hannah wants to be a part of this important month every way she can. But if she's too young to fast, how can she observe Ramadan? By saving the world, Dada Jaan tells her. And so Hannah learns that by helping her friends and neighbors and by showing kindness and generosity, she can make the world a better place. The debut picture book by human rights activist and attorney Qasim Rashid tells a timely story full of warmth and heart about the observance of Ramadan and the power of good deeds"-- Provided by publisher.
Strollercoaster
Published in 2021
A quick-thinking father thwarts his daughter's impending temper tantrum when he transforms an everyday walk outside into an exciting strollercoaster ride through the neighborhood.
I Sang You Down from the Stars
Published in 2021
A Native American woman describes how she loved her child before it was born and, throughout her pregnancy, gathered a bundle of gifts to welcome the newborn.
Wishes
Published in 2021
"In this spare, poetic picture book based on author Muon Van's family history and told through a series of wishes, a family packs up everything they own and embarks on a perilous oceanic voyage toward a better life"--Provided by publisher.
Watercress
Published in 2021
Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents.