Books with Characters of Color

While people of color are still underrepresented in books for kids and teens, we've found lots of great reads with diverse main and supporting characters in all sorts of genres, including mystery, fantasy, romance, adventure, sci-fi, graphic novels, historical fiction, novels in verse -- you name it! In fact, we've gathered well over 100 books to recommend for readers of all ages. These fantastic books promote diversity and inclusion and teach readers about different cultures. And on top of that, they offer tons of positive roles models, especially for kids of color. For more great reads, check out our Books About Racism and Social Justice and Latino Books.

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Bright Brown Baby Poster Image
BOOK

Bright Brown Baby

age 2+

Fun, bright celebration of Brown babies and their beauty.

Corduroy Poster Image
BOOK

Corduroy

age 2+

Sweet, heartwarming picture-book classic.

By: Don Freeman (1968)
The Snowy Day Poster Image
BOOK

The Snowy Day

age 2+

Classic captures a kid's delight in freshly fallen snow.

By: Ezra Jack Keats (1962)
Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music Poster Image
BOOK

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music

age 3+

Gorgeous, magical story of a girl with music in her heart.

By: Margarita Engle (2015)
Last Stop on Market Street Poster Image
BOOK

Last Stop on Market Street

age 3+

Tender story of Nana showing grandson city beauty via bus.

By: Matt de la Peña (2015)
We all play book cover
BOOK

We All Play

age 3+

Kids feel kinship with animals in playful, artful book.

By: Julie Flett (2021)
We Are Water Protectors Poster Image
BOOK

We Are Water Protectors

age 3+

Powerful words, vibrant images inspire care for the earth.

By: Carole Lindstrom (2020)
When's My Birthday? Poster Image
BOOK

When's My Birthday?

age 3+

Jubilant book conveys giddy anticipation of a birthday.

By: Julie Fogliano (2017)
Whistle for Willie Poster Image
BOOK

Whistle for Willie

age 3+

In charming classic, a boy learns to whistle for his pup.

By: Ezra Jack Keats (1964)
The Airport Book Poster Image
BOOK

The Airport Book

age 4+

Fun account of family's travel day tells all about airports.

By: Lisa Brown (2016)
Ambitious Girl Poster Image
BOOK

Ambitious Girl

age 4+

Motivating words and pictures reinforce drive, big goals.

By: Meena Harris (2021)
The Adventures of Qai Qai Book Cover
BOOK

The Adventures of Qai Qai

age 4+

Confidence and friendship are center stage in adorable book.

By: Serena Williams (2022)
Beautifully Me Poster Image
BOOK

Beautifully Me

age 4+

Family remembers what beauty really is in kind, joyful tale.

By: Nabela Noor (2021)
Daddy and Me and the Rhyme to Be
BOOK

Daddy and Me and the Rhyme to Be

age 4+

Rhyme and wordplay make an upbeat, colorful family read.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners Poster Image
BOOK

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

age 4+

Lovely picture book celebrates family identity, heritage.

By: Joanna Ho (2021)
Girl Dad Book Cover
BOOK

Girl Dad

age 3+

Celebration of fathers and daughters challenges stereotypes.

By: Sean Williams (2022)
Hello, Star Poster Image
BOOK

Hello, Star

age 4+

Beautifully illustrated, empathetic story about space.

I Am Enough Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Enough

age 4+

Girl celebrates herself in poetic picture book.

By: Grace Byers (2019)
In Plain Sight Poster Image
BOOK

In Plain Sight

age 4+

Playful, loving relationship shines in sweet grandpa tale.

By: Richard Jackson (2017)
Kamala and Maya's Big Idea Poster Image
BOOK

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

age 4+

Sisters organize to build a playground in charming tale.

By: Meena Harris (2020)