2024 Vibrant Voices Titles for Kids

75 Books Found

  • Ajay and the Mumbai Sun

    Ajay has big dreams of becoming a journalist. With the help of his friends, he gets the chance to investigate a newsworthy story affecting his community. Read this book for a story on bravery, entrepreneurship, and justice.

    Cover of Ajay and the Mumbai Sun
  • Alex Wise vs. the End of the World

    Alex would do anything to save his younger sister Mags, who is possessed by the ancient spirit of Death. Now, Mags is the harbinger of the Apocalypse, and Alex is the only one who can stop her in this fast-paced fantasy adventure.

    Cover of Alex Wise vs. the End of the World
  • Baking with Mi Abuelita

    Abuelita and her three grandchildren bake a tres leches cake for Papi's birthday—a family tradition. Spanish phrases and simple sentences make it a great choice for bilingual readers.

    Cover of Baking with Mi Abuelita
  • Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince

    Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice | Big-up to Shane—the dancehall prince who wants to save his family's Saturday get-together when the music goes out. A rhythmic tale with vibrant illustrations, featuring a strong community bond.

    Cover of Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince
  • Breaking to the Beat!

    Illustrated by Frank Morrison | It's the 1970s in the Bronx, where shy boy Manolo finds himself inspired by rhythms and sounds to join a new dance movement called breaking. Look into the lives of the b-boys and b-girls of NYC who rock and don't quit.

    Cover of Breaking to the Beat!
  • Bábo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day

    Illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan | Who says chores can’t be fun? Brush, scrub, mop, and rinse in this lighthearted story about one Armenian family's tradition.

    Cover of Bábo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day
  • Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors

    Explore a collection of short stories and poems about menstruation from BIPOC authors. Contributions range from funny to heartfelt and sentimental—and there's a story for everyone in this anthology.

    Cover of Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors
  • Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America

    An introduction to the life and legacy of a Grammy award–winning Latin American singer, who became famous for her voice and storytelling through the powerful messages in her music. 

    Cover of Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America
  • Cape

    Illustrated by Kitt Thomas | A young boy uses his cape as a shield against the death of his father figure. Read this for a story about navigating grief and loss accompanied by gorgeous illustrations that capture both his sorrow and joy.

    Cover of Cape
  • Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis

    Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera | A portrait of a humble woman who popularized Southern cooking in NYC and beyond with "simple, pure ingredients, plus lots of love, a dash of a smile, the taste of home.”

    Cover of Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis
  • Dear Star Baby

    Illustrated by Kamala Nair | A small boy looks to the stars after learning his unborn sibling will not be coming home. With gentle illustrations and compassionate text, this story has the potential to help families grieve.

    Cover of Dear Star Baby
  • Dim Sum, Here We Come!

    Dim sum is about more than food: it's about family time. Join an extended family for their weekly feast of char siu buns, turnip cakes, and egg tarts that will make you hungry for more.

    Cover of Dim Sum, Here We Come!
  • Doodles from the Boogie Down

    Steph has a lot on her plate—navigating friendships, a strict mom, and the high school admissions process. Deciding whether to follow her heart or her mother's expectations is proving to be harder than Steph thought.

    Cover of Doodles from the Boogie Down
  • Eagle Drums

    Will a young hunter fulfill the eagle god’s demands—or meet the same fatal end as his brothers? Explore this folkloric tale of magical realism accompanied by stunning illustrations that will send your heart soaring. 

    Cover of Eagle Drums
  • Egyptian Lullaby

    Illustrated by Hatem Aly | An aunt's lullaby offers a look into the noise, crowds, and bustling activity of Cairo. Journey through Egypt with a young girl and her aunt in this heart-warming picture book with detailed illustrations.

    Cover of Egyptian Lullaby
  • Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia

    Illustrated by Dream Chen | Everyone loves lunchtime but Zia, whose lunch looks different from the rest of her classmates’. With the help of her parents, Zia discovers the magical power behind these Cantonese dishes.

    Cover of Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia
  • Farah Loves Mangos

    Farah's grandfather helps her realize that there’s more to her beloved mango tree than just its delicious fruit. A playful read with eye-catching illustrations that will leave you smiling.

    Cover of Farah Loves Mangos
  • Finch House

    Micah knows that Finch House is off-limits. But when her Poppop vanishes in the rundown Victorian house, she follows him and finds she can't leave… The house won't let her go! Perfect for fans of Coraline.

    Cover of Finch House
  • The First Woman Cherokee Chief: Wilma Pearl Mankiller

    Illustrated by Aphelandra | In a time when people thought that only men could be leaders, Wilma Pearl Mankiller was elected Chief of the Cherokee Nation, fighting for her people, their community, and the land. 

    Cover of The First Woman Cherokee Chief: Wilma Pearl Mankiller
  • Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine

    Illustrated by Reem Madooh | Through nightly stories, a Palestinian father keeps the memory of his homeland alive for his daughters, who dream of a land they've never seen. Features moving text and detailed illustrations.

    Cover of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine
  • How to Bird

    Explores tips, tools, and information to prove that birding can be a fun and engaging activity for all. Features bold and vibrant photographs of New York City.

    Cover of How to Bird
  • It's Boba Time for Pearl Li!

    Pearl Li has never stepped away from a challenge. So, when her beloved boba tea shop is on the verge of closing, she makes her passion for making yarn animals more than just a hobby. Her new business might just save the day!

    Cover of It's Boba Time for Pearl Li!
  • Jackie Ormes Draws the Future

    From an early age, Jackie created new worlds through art—which later landed her a career in making newspaper cartoons. Read about her journey to becoming one of the first Black female cartoonists for "The New Yorker." 

    Cover of Jackie Ormes Draws the Future
  • Jimmy’s Shoes: The Story of Jimmy Choo, Shoemaker to a Princess

    Illustrated by Derek Desierto | A simple picture-book biography detailing the life of iconic shoemaker Jimmy Choo. Follow his journey from a small shop in Malaysia to the runways of London.

    Cover of Jimmy’s Shoes: The Story of Jimmy Choo, Shoemaker to a Princess
  • Just Like Grandma

    Illustrated by Julie Flett | Becca loves everything about spending time with her grandmother and trying new things together. As she bonds with her grandma, Becca learns something very sweet about her that she didn’t realize before.

    Cover of Just Like Grandma
  • Kantiga Finds the Perfect Name

    Illustrated by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne | Kantiga is not the biggest fan of her name. But when her gogo tells her the meaning behind a "kantiga," she begins to view herself and her name a little differently.

    Cover of Kantiga Finds the Perfect Name
  • Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar

    This picture-book biography with collage illustrations chronicles how Little Rosetta mastered the guitar. Read about Sister Rosetta Tharpe's journey to becoming the “Godmother of Rock and Roll.”

    Cover of Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar
  • Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store

    Illustrated by Christine Almeda | Reminiscing about working in Lolo's shop, a Filipina girl learns about her grandfather’s special relationship with the community. Even after waking up, she decides to keep Lolo’s legacy alive in her new home. 

    Cover of Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store
  • Make a Move, Sunny Park!

    Sunny Park has always followed her BFF Bailey's lead. Now, she's started making new friends who listen to her ideas and share her love of K-pop. Sunny must figure out what makes a true friend before she loses them all.

    Cover of Make a Move, Sunny Park!
  • The Many Fortunes of Maya

    With her parents' separation and her bestie's new friend, Maya tries to understand her feelings and those around her. Turning to her collection of fortunes from family takeout dinners, Maya hopes to find reassurance that better days lie ahead.

    Cover of The Many Fortunes of Maya
  • Meesh the Bad Demon

    Meesh might be a demon, but she's just not super into breathing fire and molding lava. When catastrophe strikes the underworld, however, Meesh realizes she needs to do something—by joining forces with the unthinkable!

    Cover of Meesh the Bad Demon
  • Mehndi Boy

    Illustrated by Jani Balakumar | According to Tez's uncle, mehndi isn't for boys! Tez must find the courage to be his true creative self and stand up to the traditonal gender roles of his Indo-African heritage.

    Cover of Mehndi Boy
  • Mexikid

    Taking a family road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito back to live with them in California sounds simple, right? But nine bored kids in an RV making questionable decisions is bound to make for one memorable summer.

    Cover of Mexikid
  • My Grandfather's Song

    Grandfather teaches Ti to listen to and sing with the land as he reminisces on how he created a home. In this book, a grandparent and child honor and celebrate nature, learning to live in harmony with the world around them.

    Cover of My Grandfather's Song
  • My Incredible India

    Illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti | Thara’s grandmother shows Thara artifacts and treasures from India, her home country. Explore Indian culture, stories, and histories in this informative nonfiction book.

    Cover of My Incredible India
  • My Indigo World: A True Story of the Color Blue

    With her community, a young Korean-American artists explores the history and methods of traditional indigo dyeing. Learn about the science, art, cultural impact, and importance of the color blue—and how to dye yourself. 

    Cover of My Indigo World: A True Story of the Color Blue
  • Ning and the Night Spirits

    Differences aren't as intimidating as they seem. Ning unites the villagers and the night spirits, who have always been scared of each other. Learn the power of finding one's voice in this picture book with eye-catching illustrations.

    Cover of Ning and the Night Spirits
  • Not an Easy Win

    After being expelled from school for a fight he didn’t start, Lawrence starts helping out at the community center where he learns chess. As his game improves, he starts developing the focus he needs to succeed in life.

    Cover of Not an Easy Win
  • An Ofrenda for Perro

    Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera | Benito can't remember a time when his furry companion, Perro, wasn’t by his side. Can Benito heal from this loss by celebrating Perro during Día de los Muertos? Recommended for kids dealing with loss.

    Cover of An Ofrenda for Perro
  • Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family Celebration

    Explore the language, customs, and traditions of the Gullah Geechee as Bobo helps Papa make okra stew. Follow along as they pick vegetables, catch shrimp, chop, season, and bake to create a feast for their family.

    Cover of Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family Celebration
  • Only for a Little While

    Illustrated by Richy Sánchez Ayala | After Maribel's Papi loses his job, the family needs to move into Tía Carmen 's crowded house. It's fun living with all her cousins—but challenging not having a place to call home. 

    Cover of Only for a Little While
  • The Only Way to Make Bread

    Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales | The only way to make bread is with love. Explore bread from around the world—from arepas to focaccia—and the importance of sharing with your community.

    Cover of The Only Way to Make Bread
  • The Order of Things

    Everything in April’s world is changing. Her mother is in a new relationship, her best friend Zee starts attending a prestigious music school, and an unexpected loss forces April to find a new way forward in this powerful verse novel.

    Cover of The Order of Things
  • Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock

    Illustrated by Eliza Kinkz | Jesús, "boss of the magical water-jug clock," is excited to spend the day at work with Papa, who says when the jug is empty, the work day is done. It's not that simple. A hilarious life lesson about patience.

    Cover of Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock
  • Parachute Kids

    Feng-Li is excited to visit America—until her vacation turns into a permanent move. When Mama and Baba are forced to return to Taiwan, Feng-Li and her siblings are left to their own devices. Will they ever see their parents again?

    Cover of Parachute Kids
  • The Pearl Hunter

    Kai strikes a deal with the gods to bring her sister back from the dead. In exchange for her life, Kai has to go on a quest that takes her from her small village to a bandits' camp, a General's compound, and a spirit fox's gathering.

    Cover of The Pearl Hunter
  • Plátanos Are Love

    Illustrated by Mariyah Rahman | While shopping and cooking dishes with her abuela, Esme learns how plantains play a big part in Latinx history and culture. The illustrations and recipes will have you hungry for more.

    Cover of Plátanos Are Love
  • The Puttermans Are in the House

    Sammy and Matty are twins with a strong bond, especially over their love of baseball. When a secret causes Matty to quit baseball, they must find a way back to each other—while dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

    Cover of The Puttermans Are in the House
  • Queen of Leaves: The Story of Botanist Ynes Mexia

    Illustrated by Isabel Muñoz | Explore the life of Mexican American Ynes Mexia, botanist and trailblazer who discovered her passion later in life. This story will remind you that you should never let time get in the way of your dreams!

    Cover of Queen of Leaves: The Story of Botanist Ynes Mexia
  • Quiet Time with My Seeya

    Sona and her Seeya speak different languages, but that doesn't stop them from enjoying their time together. Cooking or playing, loud or quiet, their bond is special, their love unconditional.

    Cover of Quiet Time with My Seeya
  • Recipes for Change: 12 Dishes Inspired by a Year in Black History

    Illustrated by Alleanna Harris | Teen chef Michael Platt introduces 12 mouth-watering recipes that accompany major events in Black history through colorful illustrations and engaging text.

    Cover of Recipes for Change: 12 Dishes Inspired by a Year in Black History
  • Ruby Lost and Found

    Ruby feels distant from her family and friends after her grandfather's death. Forced to stay with her grandmother over the summer, she embraces unexpected friendships and opportunities to reconnect with her family to honor special memories.

    Cover of Ruby Lost and Found
  • Salma Makes a Home

    Illustrated by Anna Bron | After almost a year apart, Salma is eager to have her father join her and her mother in their new home—but can't help but worry that he might want to return back to their homeland of Syria.

    Cover of Salma Makes a Home
  • Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging

    Illustrated by Lala Watkins | Kofi is dreading the school potluck, because he needs to bring food from a place he's never been to, his family's home country. While preparing Ghanaian dishes, Kofi learns a little more about his culture.

    Cover of Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging
  • Saving Chupie

    Illustrated by Ronnie Vazquez | Violeta Rubio is in Puerto Rico to help reopen Abuelita's restaurant—except the grown-ups won't let her. Dejected, she meets two kids who lead her on the adventure of a lifetime to find a baby chupacabra.

    Cover of Saving Chupie
  • Scroll

    Lulu and her dog Dumpling enter a magical world where ancient Chinese characters have come to life. There, she must use her creativity and calligraphy skills to outwit a fire-breathing dragon.

    Cover of Scroll
  • The Secret Pocket

    Illustrated by Carrielynn Victor | Forced to attend the Lejac Indian Residential School, Mary and her classmates survive by working together. Based on the author’s mother’s experience, this story is one of resilience and ingenuity.

    Cover of The Secret Pocket
  • Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms

    Illustrated by Abira Das | When a hurricane threatens to ruin Diwali, Sejal embarks on an adventure to calm the incoming storm—using her imagination to transform her cardboard box into an aircraft! Perfect for fans of 'The Magic School Bus.'

    Cover of Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms
  • Shakti

    Illustrated by Nabi H. Ali | Shakti, a 12-year-old Indian American girl, discovers ancestral magic that could save her town from a dangerous curse. Battling bullies-turned-monsters, Shakti learns the true meaning of strength and empathy.

    Cover of Shakti
  • Sincerely Sicily

    Sicily has a lot to deal with—from attending a new school to fighting with her abuela over her braids. She learns about her rich history as a Black Panamanian and how to stand up for herself at home and at school.

    Cover of Sincerely Sicily
  • Something Like Home

    After being placed in the custody of her aunt, Laura longs to be reunited with her parents who are in rehab. When a puppy comes into her life, Laura begins to work through her guilt and build new relationships. For older readers.

    Cover of Something Like Home
  • Stories of the Islands

    These girls aren’t waiting around for someone to save them—and take matters into their own hands! Read this feminist graphic novel for a retelling of three Indonesian folktales.

    Cover of Stories of the Islands
  • The Takeout

    Mila loves creating recipes for her father's Indian-Filipino food truck. When a new restaurant starts serving suspiciously similar entrees, Mila decides she needs to do something about it...!

    Cover of The Takeout
  • Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes

    Illustrated by Dion MBD | Meet athletes with disabilities who have won gold medals and championships and set world records. An inspiring read about determined individuals and the power of resilience.

    Cover of Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes
  • Tethered to Other Stars

    US-born Wendy has seen too many friends taken by ICE to ever be truly comfortable. All she wants to do is fit in... That was until undocumented Luz takes sanctuary next door, bringing the press and ICE to Wendy's front door.

    Cover of Tethered to Other Stars
  • These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family's Story

    A young Palestinian girl and her family care for the olive trees growing outside their refugee camp. The olives give them fuel, food, and oil. When they must flee from the war, she promises to return to care for them.

    Cover of These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family's Story
  • Tokyo Night Parade

    Illustrated by Minako Tomigahara | Eka knows she might not come back to Japan for some time—so on this night, she joins her yokai friends as they parade across the streets of the country she loves, determined not to let her sadness ruin her fun.

    Cover of Tokyo Night Parade
  • The Unlovable Alina Butt

    Alina Butt: Yes, that's her last name, and she's tired of all the "butt" jokes. Moving from Pakistan to England, Alina just wants to fit in—not stand out. A humourous, heart-warming, family-oriented, coming-of-age novel.

    Cover of The Unlovable Alina Butt
  • Waci! Dance!

    Illustrated by Leah Dorion | Follow a mother and daughter through their first powwow in a book that features boldly colored, eye-catching paintings that incorporate Lakota patterns and Metis designs.

    Cover of Waci! Dance!
  • Waiting for Tomorrow

    Illustrated by Julie Kwon | For sisters Haejin and Hanna, tomorrow marks the return of their Appa. The sisters decide to make a Korean pancake filled with warm brown sugar for their Appa. When things go wrong, Hanna begins to worry...

    Cover of Waiting for Tomorrow
  • We Could Fly

    Illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu | Inspired by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell’s song “We Could Fly,” this lyrical story is about a mother who promises her daughter that she can fly—just like her ancestors.

    Cover of We Could Fly
  • What My Daddy Loves

    What do daddies love? Spending time with their kids! Whether it be sitting, playing, or creating, the love of a father has no limits. Explore the special bond they share with their children.

    Cover of What My Daddy Loves
  • Who Am I?

    Illustrated by Aliya Ghare | An Indigenous mother makes the connection for her daughter between her, nature, and the world. An important story on cultural pride and affirmation, reinforcing the connection we all have with Mother Earth.

    Cover of Who Am I?
  • A Year of Black Joy: 52 Black Voices Share Their Life Passions

    Illustrated by Jade Orlando | Discover a mix of contemporary Black voices from around the world. Featuring a range of experts and fields, these thoughtful essays and interactive activities make it a great introduction to new careers.

    Cover of A Year of Black Joy: 52 Black Voices Share Their Life Passions
  • The Yellow Áo Dài

    Illustrated by Minnie Phan | Naliah wants to impress at International Day and show off her Vietnamese dance. Taking her mother's special áo dài for her performance, however, leads to a big mistake. It's up to Naliah to make it right. 

    Cover of The Yellow Áo Dài