Best Children's Books on Immigration of 2025

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales is a beautifully illustrated picture book memoir that celebrates the resilience, hope, and dreams of migrants. It tells the story of finding one's way in a new place and navigating unfamiliar territory, highlighting the strength and beauty of the human spirit. The book includes a brief autobiographical essay by the author, a list of books that inspired her, and a parallel Spanish-language edition. Winner of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award and a New York Times Bestseller, Dreamers is a timely and timeless reminder that we are all dreamers, bringing our own strengths wherever we go.

"What Was Ellis Island?" by Patricia Brennan Demuth, published by Penguin Workshop, is a children's book that tells the story of Ellis Island, the gateway to a new life in the United States for millions of immigrants from 1892 to 1954. The book covers the history of the island, including its later years when it was deserted and the buildings were decaying, and how it was restored with the help of Americans from all over the country who donated more than $150 million. The book is an excellent resource for children to learn about America's history and the importance of immigration. Overall, it's a well-written and informative book that is easy for children to understand.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo - Celebramos Cinco de Mayo is a bilingual book that teaches children about the history and traditions of this festive holiday. The book is written in both English and Spanish and contains easy-to-read text that describes the customs and festivities of Cinco de Mayo. Children can also enjoy bonus pages for coloring and craft instructions for making their own sombrero, sarape, and taco. This book is a great choice for parents and teachers who want to teach children about Mexican culture and history.

A Different Pond is a touching children's book about a father and son's fishing trip. The book explores the relationship between the two and the cultural differences they face. The father and son fish for food, not for recreation, and the story provides insight into their life and struggles. The illustrations are stunning and beautifully complement the expertly crafted prose. This book is a must-read for children and adults alike, and it is a great way to teach children about cultural differences and the importance of family. Overall, A Different Pond is a heartwarming and powerful book that deserves all the awards it has received.

The book "ABC Positive Affirmations for Young Black and Brown Girls" is a must-have for every young girl. The rhyming ABC story has uplifting words and affirmations to inspire girls and remind them of their inner strength, beauty, power, and worth. The beautifully illustrated book encourages girls to celebrate their uniqueness and own their true identity. Its message of self-love and empowerment is crucial for young Black and Brown girls who need to know their strength, beauty, and power. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for parents and educators looking for positive representation and messages for young girls.

Oh, the Lavas That Flow!: All About Volcanoes (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library) is a great choice for fans of the hit PBS show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! This nonfiction, unjacketed hardcover book introduces beginning readers ages 5-8 to the science and history of volcanoes. With the Cat in the Hat as the guide, kids will learn how volcanoes are formed, why we wouldn't have rain, sleet, or snow without them, and much more. The book also includes a look at specific volcanoes from around the world (and Mars). Overall, this book is a perfect choice for nurturing a love of science and reading in young children.

Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History (English and Spanish Edition) is a bilingual book that celebrates 11 Latinas who excelled in various fields including science, medicine, sports, art, and politics. The book presents the true biographical stories of these outstanding Latinas in rhyming verses, making it easy for young readers to follow their journey to success. The book is beautifully illustrated, making it engaging and kid-friendly. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to children's Hispanic & Latino books, and it's a great way to introduce young readers to some of the most inspiring Latinas in American history.

"Areli Is a Dreamer" is a picture book written by DACA recipient Areli Morales. It tells the story of her family's move from Mexico to New York, and her struggles to adapt to a new language and culture. The book also highlights the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States, particularly undocumented children like Morales. Despite the difficulties, Morales perseveres and eventually receives approval for her DACA application. This heartwarming and inspiring story is a must-read for children and adults alike, and offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience in America.

The children's musical biography book, "Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma," written by Joanna Ho, captures the inspiring story of Yo-Yo Ma, a world-renowned cellist, and his mission to use music to build bridges between different cultures. Through his life story, the book highlights the importance of breaking barriers and celebrating diversity. The vibrant illustrations by Teresa Martinez complement the lyrical writing of Joanna Ho. The book is a must-read for children and adults alike who are looking for motivational stories about perseverance and unity.

The Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World is an excellent addition to the series, featuring the stories of 100 immigrant women who have left their home countries for new opportunities or out of necessity. The book is filled with relatable stories of women from all over the world, including those who are alive today and those who have left a mark in history. The book is beautifully illustrated by 70 female and nonbinary artists from 29 countries, making it a visual delight for children and adults alike. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to inspire young girls to dream big and change the world.