Diverse Reading Recommendations for our Youngest Readers

Are you looking for diverse books to read with your pre-schoolers?
Take a look at these selections. They’re perfect for story time or bedtime!


Hair Love
By Matthew Cherry

When Daddy steps in to style Zuri’s hair for an extra-special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he loves Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her and her hair happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair — and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

Book | eBook

Hey Black Child
By Useni Eugene Perkins

Six-time Coretta Scott King Award-winner and four-time Caldecott Honor-recipient Bryan Collier brings Useni Eugene Perkins’s classic, inspirational poem to life. This book celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.

Book | eBook

Parker Looks Up
By Parker Curry
and Jessica Curry

Don’t miss this moving picture book that tells the story of a young girl and her family whose visit to see Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery becomes an extraordinary moment.

Book | eBook

The King of Kindergarten
By Derrick Barnes

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone — and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm.

Book | eBook | eAudio

I Believe I Can
By Grace Byers

I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves, from actress and activist Grace Byers. The book teaches, “My presence matters in this world. I know I can do anything, if only I believe I can.”

Book | eAudio


Bedtime Bonnet
By Nancy Redd

Book | eBook

Don’t Touch My Hair
By Sharee Miller

Book | eBook

Going Down Home with Daddy
By Kelly Starling Lyons

Book | eAudio
I Am Enough
By Grace Byers

Book | eAudio

I Walk with Vanessa
By Kerascoët

Book | eBook

In Plain Sight
By Richard Jackson

Book | eBook

Last Stop on Market Street
By Matt De La Peña

Book | eBook
Saturday
By Oge Mora

Book | eBook
Sulwe
By Lupita Nyong’o

Book | eBook
Thank You, Omu
By Oge Mora

Book | eBook

Looking for more diverse books? Check out the Pratt’s collection of Diverse Reading Recommendations for our Youngest Readers.