Best Children's Multicultural Biographies Books of 2026

This empowering collection of true stories from teenage Scripps National Spelling Bee champ and Guinness World Record holder Zaila Avant-garde is a must-read for kids who need inspiration to embrace their inner weirdness and persevere through obstacles. Zaila shares her personal anecdotes that have shaped her life and extends advice to readers on living authentically. Her peppy, casual tone is sure to speak to young readers and encourage them to reach for the stars. With solid advice and insightful humor, Avant-garde delivers an inspiring how-to manual that compels readers to lean into what makes them different and to never be ashamed of acknowledging their wins. Overall, "It's Not Bragging If It's True" is an upbeat volume that celebrates uniqueness and encourages young people to follow their dreams.

The My First English - Español Learning Library is a box set of 10 board books that cover basic concepts in both Spanish and English. The bilingual books feature well-researched pictures with labels to make it easier for children to learn concepts and build a robust vocabulary. The box set includes books on the alphabet, numbers, animals, shapes, colors, fruits, and vegetables. Wonder House Books has done a great job in developing age-appropriate content that enhances children's language skills. Overall, this is a great collection of books for young children learning Spanish and English.

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael Lopez is a wonderful children's book that celebrates diversity and inclusion. The book encourages readers to embrace their differences and to ask questions about others who may seem different from them. The book is based on Justice Sotomayor's personal experience as a child diagnosed with diabetes, making it relatable and inspiring for children facing similar challenges. The vibrant illustrations by Rafael Lopez perfectly complement the positive message of the book, making it an excellent addition to any child's library.

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison is a beautifully illustrated board book edition of the instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. The book showcases 18 trailblazing black women in American history and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. The women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them, and their actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. The adorable and idiosyncratic drawings in this book are poster-worthy. Overall, Dream Big, Little One is an inspiring and unique book that every child should have on their bookshelf.

Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir written in verse by Jacqueline Woodson that tells the story of her childhood in South Carolina and New York during the 1960s and 1970s. The book explores the remnants of Jim Crow and Woodson's growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Through her eloquent poetry, Woodson shares her journey of finding her voice through writing stories despite struggling with reading as a child. This National Book Award and Newbery Honor winner is a powerful and touching read that offers a mature exploration of grown-up issues and self-discovery.

Who Was Anne Frank? is a comprehensive biography written for younger readers, focused on the life of the young girl who became a symbol of hope and resilience during the Holocaust. This book explores Anne’s life before and during her family’s time in hiding, and the legacy she left behind through her diary. The inclusion of black-and-white illustrations, maps, and diagrams help bring the story to life, making it an accessible and informative read. The book, published by Penguin Workshop, is a must-read for children interested in learning about the Holocaust and the lives of those impacted by it.

Who Is Michael Jordan? (Who Was?) is a children's multicultural biography book that tells the story of NBA superstar Michael Jordan. The book takes readers on a journey through Jordan's life, from his competitive nature as a young boy to becoming an NBA legend known for his skills and endorsements. Author Kirsten Anderson does an excellent job of detailing the iconic moments of Jordan's career, including his famous reverse lay-ups and jump shots. This book is a great read for children who are interested in basketball or want to learn more about Michael Jordan's life.

This beautifully illustrated picture book titled "Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All" highlights the achievements of 36 inspirational Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, such as disabled hero Daniel Inouye, immigrant astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and biracial entertainer Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Written by Olympic medalist siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani, and journalist Dane Liu, this book showcases the undeniably positive impacts that Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans have made in this country and around the world. The book is a thoughtful and comprehensive survey of the ways in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shaped, and will continue to shape, the United States. The quick and accessible biographies written in clear and concise prose make it a perfect read for young readers. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration and a deeper understanding of the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our society.

"It's OK to be Different" is an award-winning children's picture book that celebrates diversity and kindness. The book encourages children to accept and celebrate differences in themselves and others, whether it's physical appearance, culture, or abilities. Readers will come away with the message that being kind to those who are different is important because everyone is unique in their own way. The book also includes a short survey for children about kindness, making it a great tool to start conversations about diversity. Overall, this book is a must-have for children's book libraries and is a great way to teach early literacy while promoting kindness and acceptance."

This children's multicultural biography book, "Who Was Kobe Bryant?" by Ellen Labrecque, is a gripping read that chronicles the life and legacy of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. The book tells the story of his rise to fame, his iconic moments, and his impact on the sports world and beyond. It is written in a new Who HQ Now format for trending topics, making it engaging and easy to read for young readers. Overall, this book is a must-read for basketball fans and anyone interested in learning about one of the greatest players in NBA history.