Staff Picks
Religious Diversity: Youth Titles That Highlight Other World Religions
- Ashley S.
- Friday, April 07, 2023
Collection
Check out these youth titles that highlight other world religions.
Gods & Goddesses of Ancient China
Published in 2015
Examines the two main faiths, Confucianism and Daoism, that developed before China had meaningful contact with the rest of the world. Aspects of Buddhism later joined features of these faiths to form elements of Chinese ideology and, with the beliefs in immortals and the worship of ancestors, they led to a popular religion. The narrative describes the gods and goddesses that dominated China's mythology and folk culture, roughly from the 3rd millennium to 221 BCE, including the Baxian (Eight Immortals), Chang'e (moon goddess), Guandi (god of war), the Men Shen (door spirits), and Pan Gu (first man).
The Takeout
Published in 2023
Twelve-year-old Mia uses Filipino folk magic to take down the shady chef brothers who are threatening her family's food truck.
Daughters of Jubilation
Published in 2020
In the Jim Crow South, white supremacy reigns and tensions are high. But Evalene Deschamps has other things to worry about. She has two little sisters to look after, an overworked single mother, and a longtime crush who is finally making a move. On top of all that, Evvie's magic abilities are growing stronger by the day. Her family calls it jubilation--a gift passed down from generations of black women since the time of slavery. And as Evvie's talents waken, something dark comes loose and threatens to resurface...AND when the demons of Evvie's past finally shake free, she must embrace her mighty lineage, and summon the power that lies within her.-- Publisher's description.
Beyond the Mapped Stars
Published in 2021
Seventeen-year-old Mormon girl Elizabeth is torn between becoming an astronomer and familial duties and faith when she navigates a whole new world of possibility, in this sweeping adventure set in Colorado in the late nineteenth century.
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A Yoruba Tale
Published in 1998
When Ear, Leg, and Arm refuse to marry Mosquito, she shows them that she is not to be ignored.
Peace
Published in 2013
Based on the Eastern philosophies of the Tao Te Ching, a lyrical picture book explores the eternal question of how to promote world peace and shares inspiring quotes from famous peacemakers while counseling readers on how to find peace within oneself.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Published in 2019
"Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from pink for dancing to bhangra beats to red for courage. He especially takes care with his patka--his turban--smoothing it out and making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet's mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, all he wants is to be invisible. Will he ever feel a happy sunny yellow again?"--Amazon.com.
Rabbit Chase
Published in 2022
"Anishinaabe culture and storytelling meet Alice in Wonderland in this coming-of-age graphic novel that explores Indigenous and gender issues through a fresh yet familiar looking glass. Aimée, a non-binary Anishinaabe middle-schooler, is on a class trip to offer gifts to Paayehnsag, the water spirits known to protect the land. While stories are told about the water spirits and the threat of the land being taken over for development, Aimée zones out, distracting themselves from the bullying and isolation they've experienced since expressing their non-binary identity. When Aimée accidentally wanders off, they are transported to an alternate dimension populated by traditional Anishinaabe figures in a story inspired by Alice in Wonderland. To gain the way back home, Aimée is called on to help Trickster by hunting down dark water spirits with guidance from Paayehnsag. On their journey, Aimée faces off with the land-grabbing Queen and her robotic guards and fights the dark water spirits against increasingly stacked odds. Illustrated by KC Oster with a modern take on their own Ojibwe style and cultural representation, Rabbit Chase is a story of self-discovery, community, and finding one's place in the world."-- Provided by publisher.
We Are Water Protectors
Published in 2020
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all. When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. -- Publisher.
Hair Twins
Published in 2021
Follows a Sikh father and his daughter as they go through their daily hair routine.
A Girl's Guide to Love & Magic
Published in 2022
Fifteen-year-old Haitian American Cicely is excited to celebrate the West Indian Day Parade with her aunt, and voodoo dabbler, Mimose, but when Mimose's dabbling goes awry and she becomes possessed by a spirit, Cicely, Renee, and Kwame, her crush, must find a way to set things right.
The Coming of Night
A Yoruba Tale from West Africa
Published in 1999
When the daughter of the river goddess Yemoya goes to the Land of Shining Day to marry a handsome earth chief, her longing for the cool darkness of her former home causes Night to be brought to the world.
Root Magic
Published in 2021
"It's 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won't stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn eleven and their uncle, Doc, tells them he's going to train them in rootwork. Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations--especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family's true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs... and not a moment too soon"-- Provided by publisher.
Fauja Singh Keeps Going
The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon
Published in 2020
"The inspiring true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community"-- Provided by publisher.
Hoodoo
Published in 2015
In 1930s Alabama, twelve-year-old Hoodoo Hatcher is the only member of his family who seems unable to practice folk magic, but when a mysterious man called the Stranger puts the entire town at risk from his black magic, Hoodoo must learn to conjure to defeat him.
Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns
A Mesoamerican Creation Myth
Published in 2020
"This pre-Columbian creation myth tells the story of Quetzalcoatl, one of the most important deities in ancient Mesoamerica, and his quest to create humankind. The gods tried to make humans during each sun, or age, but each time failed. So when they grew tired, only one did not give up: Quetzalcoatl, also called the Feathered Serpent. Determined, the Feathered Serpent embarks on a dangerous journey full of fearsome foes and harsh elements, facing each trial with wisdom, bravery, and resourcefulness before confronting his final challenge at Mictlan, the underworld. With his instantly recognizable, acclaimed art style and grand storytelling, Tonatiuh recounts a dazzling creation tale of epic proportions"-- Provided by publisher.
Brothers Have Talent, Too
Published in 2017
"Alexis is the youngest sibling in a large Mormon family of five children. With four athletic brothers, it's hard to stand out. Even gymnastics isn't her own thing. Her brother, Drew, is a gymnast too. When her school announces a talent show Alexis decides this is her chance to shine. She asks her teammates at Perfect Balance Gymnastics Academy to be in the show with her. Together, they work hard to create a dazzling gymnastics and dance routine. But Alexis' plans are shattered when she learns her teammates aren't allowed in the show. What will she do? Teach the routine to friends at school? Perform a solo? Whatever she decides she must act fast. Alexis turns to her brothers for help. But do they have enough talent to help her stay in the show?"--Page 4 of cover
Kapaemahu
Published in 2022
Four individuals of dual male and female spirit bring their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, where they are beloved for their gentle ways and miraculous cures and where they imbue four giant boulders with their powers.
Healer of the Water Monster
Published in 2021
"Nathan, a young Navajo boy from Phoenix, Arizona, goes on an epic hero's journey."--Kirkusreviews.com