A beginning book list to encourage cultural understanding.
Some of these books are most appropriate for children over 6. These are marked with a *
Tight Times Barbara Shook Hazen a story about how a family copes with a loss of job and little money.
The Royal Bee Frances Park and Ginger Park The story of a young Korean boy who pursues education in spite of poverty.
I Love Saturdays and Domingos Alma Flor Ada A child spans two cultures of his parents with joy and understanding.
Fly Away Home Eve Bunting A homeless Father and son live in an airport. He works as a janitor but cannot afford an apartment. They manage in spite of the challenges.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun Maria Dismondy Having the courage to be who you are.
I Like Being Me: Poems for Children about feeling special, appreciating others and getting along.
Cheyenne Again Eve Bunting * A Cheyenne boy is sent to a boarding school and struggles to retain his culture.
Be Good to Eddie Lee Virginia Fleming Children learn to appreciate a neighborhood boy who has Down syndrome
One Green Apple Eve Bunting A young Muslim immigrant discovers her new school and friends.
Ian's Walk Laurie Lears A sister goes on a walk with her autistic brother and learns how wonderful he is
The Lotus Seed Tatsuro Kiuchi * Sherry Garland A story about how a family kept the culture of Vietnam alive through political changes, war and immigration to the United States.
Wangari's Trees of Peace Jeanette Winter A true story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai who works to preserve trees and reforest Kenya
Jose Born to Dance Susanna Reich A true story of Jose Limon, who was born to dance and went on to become known around the world.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind William Kamkwamba The true story of how this fourteen year old boy built windmills from scraps to bring electricity and running water to his village in Malawi.
The Librarian of Basra Jeanette Winter A true story of a librarian in Iraq who saved the books from the fires and bombing of war.
The Other Side Jacqueline Woods Children on opposite sides of a fence of segregation find friendship and hope.
The Boy on the Porch * Sharon Creech A couple takes in an abandoned child and form a family in spite of challenges.
Give your children the gift of real heroes that have contributed to our society with intelligence, courage and dedication:
Keep the Lights Burning Abbie Peter and Connie Roop A true story of a courageous girl who keeps the lighthouse working in the face of a terrible storm while her father is away.
Childhood of Famous Americans Series Dozens of titles about the childhood of scientists, artists writers, presidents and people who changed the world. A few examples: Harriet Tubman, Albert Einstein, Dr. Seuss, Helen Keller, John Glenn, Jim Henson.
Rookie Biographies Series Biographies for young children under 5. Titles such as Barack Obama, Cesar Chavez, Amelia Earhart, Pocohantas, and many, many more.
These are just a few of the available books. Also check out the earlier posts on how to build a home library and a book list to begin with.
