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New year, lots of exciting new multicultural children\u2019s and young adult books! Our favourite books for January 2025 are The Welcome Book<\/strong>\u00a0(Babies & Toddlers),\u00a0Girls On The Rise <\/strong>(Preschool),\u00a0Why We Need Dried Peanuts<\/strong>\u00a0(Elementary School),\u00a0As You Wish<\/strong>\u00a0(Middle School), and\u00a0Togetha<\/strong>\u00a0(High School). Enjoy browsing!<\/p>\n You can buy the books on this list from Amazon USA by clicking on the book titles or images or from my\u00a0Bookshop <\/strong><\/a>page.<\/p>\n As an Amazon & Bookshop Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.<\/p>\n The Welcome Book<\/a><\/strong> \u201cIf you meet someone new in the world today, \/ <\/span>there is a very kind word you can say. \/ <\/span>\u201cWelcome!\u201d \/ <\/span>Welcoming somebody shows that you care. \/ <\/span>You\u2019re happy to see them. You\u2019re glad they are there.\u201d <\/span>From inviting a friend to play to welcoming a new baby into the world, The Welcome Book<\/strong> celebrates all the ways we can welcome those around us\u2014and shows readers that even small acts can have a big impact on individuals as well as communities. ~ Diverse \u2013 Babies & Toddlers<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a012 Multicultural Children\u2019s Books about the Power of Community<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Mai\u2019s \u00c1o D\u00e0i<\/a><\/strong> It\u2019s the morning of Tet, and Mai can\u2019t wait to celebrate at her beloved grandmother\u2019s home. With the perfect dress: a poofy, sparkly Cinderella dress that makes Mai look like the movie star she dreams of being! But when Mai\u2019s father suggests that she wears an \u00e1o d\u00e0i, a traditional Vietnamese outfit, to her Ba Noi\u2019s party, Mai is disappointed. Stars don\u2019t wear \u00e1o d\u00e0i, she thinks. Then Ba tells her the story of a true star, her very own Ba Noi, who sewed beautiful, highly sought-after \u00e1o d\u00e0i in Vietnam and brought her magic with her when she immigrated to the United States. So maybe stars wear \u00e1o d\u00e0i after all! Mai\u2019s \u00c1o D\u00e0i <\/strong><\/span>is an irresistibly charming picture book about embracing your heritage and the traditions that tie generations together\u2014centered around <\/span>Tet<\/span>,<\/span> the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.\u00a0 ~Asian \u2013 Preschool<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a028 Children\u2019s Books About The Lunar New Year<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Glam World Tour<\/a><\/strong> Bountiful \u2018fros bop. Fresh, tight locs swing. Mehndi flashes as fingers snap. On the glam world tour, the stunning variation of beauty norms around the world are showcased and celebrated as inclusive, not divisive. With dynamic illustrations and bouncy text, The Glam World Tour<\/strong> is a compelling picture book reminds young readers that true beauty comes from accepting everyone. ~ Diverse \u2013 Preschool<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a025 Multicultural Books About Children Around The World<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Mixed Feelings<\/a><\/strong> This exploration of mixed and wide-ranging emotions is presented in illustrated vignettes and beautifully articulate text. Each spread portrays a specific scenario involving a child and a phrase that reminds readers (young and old) that not all feelings can be summed up in a single word, or occur singularly. The text \u201cMostly happy but a little sad<\/span>\u201d accompanies a child leaving for the beach, but waving goodbye to his dog. \u201cLike I\u2019m trying hard to have fun\u201d\u00a0<\/span>shows a child at a loud party, covering their ears. Mixed Feelings<\/strong> is a deeply insightful book that validates the way we all experience the world. ~ Diverse \u2013 Preschool<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a021 Multicultural Children\u2019s Books About Feelings<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Night: A Children\u2019s Fable<\/a><\/strong> Even long ago, there was day and night. The day was full of light and warmth, and people and animals alike rejoiced in the rays of the sun. But what happens when people get greedy and take the Night for granted? What will become of the Earth and those who dwell upon it? Follow Baby Mwana and her older Sister Alekachawo as they trek up the great Sky Road to bring the heavens back into balance. Night<\/strong> is a rhythmic tale \u2013perfect for bedtime\u2013 that masterfully brings the world of the Malawian savanna to life. ~ African \u2013 Preschool<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a023 Children\u2019s Books set in South Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Wash Day with Mama<\/a><\/strong> \u201cI love Sundays, because Sundays are wash days. And wash days are just for us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>Filled with heartwarming illustrations,\u00a0Wash Day with Mama<\/span><\/strong> centers on a little girl cherishing each step of their hair washing routine while Mama imparts her wisdom and stresses the importance of self-care, loving yourself, and being proud of who you are. The process of washing and taking care of Black hair takes time and effort, but this poignant story shows how it is an act of self-love and nurtures a special connection between mother and daughter. ~ African \u2013 Preschool<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a060+ Multicultural Children\u2019s Books about Hair & Skin<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Girls on the Rise<\/strong><\/a> Who are we? We are a billion voices, bright and brave; we are light, standing together in the fight.\u00a0<\/span>Girls are strong and powerful alone, but even stronger when they work to uplift one another. In this galvanizing original poem by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, girls and girlhood are celebrated in their many forms, all beautiful, not for how they look but for how they look into the face of fear. Creating a rousing rallying cry with vivid illustrations, Girls on the Rise<\/strong> reminds us how girls have shaped our history while marching boldly into the future. ~ Diverse \u2013 Preschool<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a080 Picture Book Biographies About Bold Black Women & Girls<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Captain America: Brave New World<\/span>,\u00a0A Hero Looks Like You<\/span><\/a><\/strong> Set in the world of Marvel Studios, stunningly illustrated Captain America: Brave New World<\/span>,\u00a0A Hero Looks Like You<\/span><\/strong> is a heartwarming picture book about a young boy named DJ who steps up to help Captain America, his favorite Super Hero, and discovers along the way that heroes don\u2019t always look big or strong or wear a suit. Sometimes, they might even look like him. With stunning illustrations, this inspiring picture book shows readers that anyone can choose to be a hero. ~ African \u2013 Preschool<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a030 Multicultural Children\u2019s Books featuring Superheroes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Greatness<\/a><\/strong> When Nasir and Imani step into their Grandma\u2019s studio, she opens their minds to the power of a photograph. From Bessie Smith to Basquiat to Beyonc\u00e9, Grandma introduces them to famous figures and what makes them special. And before long, Nasir and Imani find themselves\u00a0in\u00a0<\/span>the images and stepping into greatness, too. Greatness<\/strong> reimagines powerful moments from Black history through the eyes of the youngest readers. With child-friendly recreations of famous figures from the past and present, this book reminds children of their own potential for greatness. ~ African \u2013 Elementary School<\/a><\/p>\n Related:\u00a015 Black History Biography Collections for Children<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers<\/a><\/strong> Gabby Torres is nine years old and ready to conquer the world. She\u2019s already joined the Sea Musketeers, the environmental protection club founded by her idol, Stella D\u00edaz<\/a><\/strong>, and plans to be their best (and youngest) member ever. Gabby\u2019s latest and greatest idea: start a social media page for her club. But her parents think she\u2019s too young! Nothing stops Gabby though\u2026 until some online meanies get her in some serious trouble! Gabby Torres Gets a Million Followers<\/strong> is a new heartwarming graphic novel series featuring a tenacious, bold, relatable, and hilarious protagonist. ~ Hispanic \u2013 Elementary School<\/a><\/p>\n Related: 80+ Multicultural Graphic Novels for Children & Teenagers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Interpreter<\/a><\/strong> Some kids have one job: to be a kid! Cecilia has two. When she isn\u2019t on the soccer field scoring goals, she\u2019s accompanying her parents to all kinds of grown-up places, like the DMV, the accountant\u2019s office, and the auto shop. She helps them translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. It\u2019s an important job, and it can even be fun. It\u2019s also hard work. Sometimes Cecilia\u2019s second job is so much responsibility, it feels like she\u2019ll split in two! Is it time for Cecilia to blow her whistle and call for a time-out? With clever text and charming illustrations, The Interpreter captures<\/strong> a common aspect of life for immigrant and bilingual families while offering a model for teamwork that helps everyone feel understood. ~ Hispanic \u2013 Elementary School<\/a><\/p>\n Related: 300+ Hispanic Children\u2019s & YA Books<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Baking Up Love<\/a><\/strong> Esther and her mom are supposed to bake cupcakes after school this afternoon for tomorrow\u2019s Literacy Feast. <\/span>But when Esther arrives home, her mom is still at work, and she finds Grandpa snoozing in his favorite reading chair. \u201cGrandpa! Wake up!\u201d Grandpa reassures a doubtful Esther that he does in fact know how to bake, a skill he learned from Esther\u2019s late grandmother. Grandpa and Esther bake, dance, and sing, filling the kitchen, and their hearts, with Grandma\u2019s special ingredient\u2015love. With expressive illustrations, Baking Up Love<\/strong> is a heartwarming story about the special bond between children and their grandparents. ~ African \u2013 Elementary School<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a040+ Multicultural Children\u2019s Books about Grandparents<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Akua Goes to the Post Office<\/a><\/strong> Akua is excited to visit her grandparents and cousins over summer break, but she is worried she will miss her friends at home. Then she<\/span> has an idea! She will write letters to her friends. Mama takes Akua and her friends to the post office to purchase stamps, paper, and envelopes. The children practice writing letters and addressing envelopes. Now they are ready to stay in touch all summer long. Akua Goes To The Post Office<\/strong> is a sweet story about friendship and the importance of reading and writing. ~ African \u2013 Elementary School<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a028 Multicultural Children\u2019s Books Celebrating Books & Reading<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Why We Eat Fried Peanuts: A Celebration of Family and Lunar New Year Traditions<\/a><\/strong> Join M\u00e8ng, a Chinese American girl, as she prepares for the Lunar New Year festivities with her family and discovers the significance of ancestral stories and the history behind the Mandarin language and traditional foods eaten during the holiday. Meng\u2019s father shares with her the family story of t\u00e0i nai nai, Meng\u2019s great-grandmother, and a very important ancestor for the family. T\u00e0i nai nai\u2019s brave act of courage many years ago inspired generations after and teaches valuable lessons that every child can learn from today.\u00a0 Along the way, see how food plays an important role in the festivities and why one food\u2014peanuts\u2014is an important snack. Rich with vibrant and joyful illustrations<\/span>,\u00a0Why We Eat Fried Peanuts<\/span><\/strong> honours the concept of ancestry, a pillar of Chinese culture that is remembered during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Includes a simple recipe for fried peanuts and a glossary of Mandarin words. ~ Asian \u2013 Elementary School<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a028 Children\u2019s Books About The Lunar New Year<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday Morning at the \u2018Shop<\/a><\/strong> \u201cIt\u2019s Saturday morning. We hop in the car. Mom\u2019s heading to work, and I\u2019m geeked to go spend the day at the \u2019shop!\u201d <\/span>The barbershop is a sound booth, an art gallery, a playground, a classroom, and so much more. It\u2019s a place for artistry and comradery and, most importantly, community. Come spend the day feeling all the style and wisdom and joy at the \u2019shop! Vibrantly illustrated Saturday Morning at the \u2018Shop<\/strong> is an upbeat celebration of the spaces and places that bring communities together. ~ African \u2013 Elementary School<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a060+ Multicultural Children\u2019s Books about Hair & Skin <\/a><\/strong>\/\/ 150 Children\u2019s Books Celebrating Black Boys<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n A Copycat Conundrum (The Misfits)<\/a><\/strong> After solving the case of the Royal Rumpus, Olive Cobin Zang and her elite team of underdogs are on top of the world. As the awkward, crime-fighting Misfits, they\u2019re acing every mission thrown at them from NOCK (aka No One Can Know, the covert agency they work for). But when their classmate Zeke starts receiving threatening notes, the Misfits are stumped. They\u2019re no strangers to danger, but this case is a total head-scratcher. Who would target kind, friendly Zeke . . . unless he\u2019s not what he seems to be? At the same time, unusual<\/span> earthquakes start shaking up San Francisco just as priceless art goes missing, and the Misfits are called to investigate. Is it a coincidence that the city is under attack while Zeke is getting mysterious messages? Or is it all just a cover for a scheme bigger than any they\u2019ve faced before? Part of the illustrated Misfits series, A Copycat Conundrum is a fast-paced and hilarious adventure that tweens everywhere will love. ~ Diverse \u2013 Middle School<\/a><\/p>\n Also available: A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Stories of the Spirit of Justice<\/a><\/strong>NEW Multicultural Children\u2019s & YA Books January 2025<\/span><\/h3>\n
Babies & Toddlers<\/span><\/h4>\n
by Danna Smith<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51Z887vaQzL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Thai Nguyen<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41yTDBz79pL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Rachel Werner<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51Xr+rBtrjL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Liana Finck<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41f8lNPtD+L._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Katherine Jumbe<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51iw4G6J9QL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Monica Mikai<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51EMhAoAF8L._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Amanda Gorman<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/510e+Mq2MmL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Kwame Mbalia<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51gRjFr2K4L._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nElementary School<\/span><\/h4>\n
by R & K Bethencourt<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51QoRB004xL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Angela Dominguez<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51p1RN993KL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Olivia Abtahi<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41O8oy8bRSL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by A. & K. Page<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41mTdIeecjL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Artika R. Tyner<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41jqqK01-0L._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Zed Zha<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/515uLOqaN8L._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Keenan Jones<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51I88rxv6QL._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMiddle School<\/span><\/h4>\n
by Lisa Yee<\/em><\/p>\n![\"NEW](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51aNIytHZFL._SL160_.jpg\")
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by Jemar Tisby<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
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