Children’s books have the power to inspire, educate, and empower young readers by introducing them to stories of courage, resilience, and discovery. In this collection of book reviews for Read Your World 2025, we explore stories that celebrate perseverance, cultural identity, scientific curiosity, and the strength found in community.
Let’s see what are the latest releases of multicultural children’s books…
Disclosure: I received the following books to review as a gift as a Book Review participate for Read Your World. Each book title includes affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read Your World Book Reviews
This year for Read Your World I’m excited to share with you an amazing roundup of several powerful children’s books that explore courage, resilience and knowledge. This diverse collection of children’s book review highlight stories that share with our children examples of empathy, understanding, and strength. Each would make a great addition to your children’s bookcase!
Join our free weekly Virtual Book Club for Kids.
Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People
Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People by Kamalani Hurley (Author), Harinani Orme (Illustrator)
“Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People” is a captivating and educational children’s book that shares with us the history of Hawaii’s smallest island. It begins with Kahoʻolawe’s volcanic origins, progresses through its early habitation by Polynesian voyagers, and addresses the ecological challenges posed by invasive species. The book poignantly covers the island’s use as a military target during World War II and the subsequent decades, highlighting the environmental degradation that followed these actions. Central to the story is the resilience of Native Hawaiians and activists who tirelessly worked to reclaim and restore the island, embodying the spirit of aloha ʻāina, or deep love for the land.
The illustrations are both dramatic and compelling, effectively conveying the island’s journey from devastation to recovery. This book is not only a visual delight but also a valuable educational resource, suitable for classroom discussions on history, environmental science, and cultural studies. It’s a testament to hope, resilience, and the enduring bond between people and their homeland.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Publisher: Millbrook Press ™ , an Imprint of Lerner Publishing Group
Immune Heroes: Protectors of the Wound
Immune Heroes: Protectors of the Wound by Dr. Namita Gandhi (Author), Tamika Bramwell (Illustrator)
This is an engaging children’s book that introduces young readers to the body’s immune system through a captivating narrative. The story follows siblings Mayu and Nimi as they enjoy a bike ride, during which Mayu falls and scrapes his knee. Nimi reassures him, explaining that the pain signifies the beginning of the healing process. The narrative then delves into the microscopic world within Mayu’s body, where characters like Captain T, the Helper T cell, and other immune cells collaborate to combat invading bacteria and heal the wound. Dr. Gandhi, an immunologist, effectively simplifies complex biological processes, making them accessible and engaging for children.
Bramwell’s vibrant illustrations complement the story, bringing the “immune heroes” to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining. This book is a valuable resource for parents and educators aiming to teach children about the human body’s defenses in an enjoyable manner.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Publisher: Nimitry Books, LLC
Moonlight Memories
Moonlight Memories by Amanda Davis (Author), Michelle Jing Chan (Illustrator)
This heartfelt children’s book sensitively addresses the theme of grief and healing. The story follows Piper, a young girl mourning the loss of her mother. When her father gifts her a telescope, Piper embarks on nightly explorations of the sky, where she discovers constellations that evoke cherished memories of her mother. Inspired, she begins sketching these moments, gradually filling her space with drawings celebrating their bond. Through this creative process, Piper finds solace and a way to keep her mother’s memory alive.
The narrative’s lyrical prose is complemented by Chan’s evocative illustrations, which together create a touching portrayal of loss, remembrance, and the healing power of art. This book serves as a gentle tool for parents and caregivers to initiate conversations about grief with young readers, offering a pathway to process complex emotions through creativity and reflection.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Publisher: WorthyKids
We Sing From the Heart
We Sing From the Heart: How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court by Mia Wenjen (Author), Victor Bizar Gómez (Illustrator)
This powerful children’s picture book narrates the true story of The Slants, an all-Asian American rock band led by Simon Tam. The band sought to reclaim a derogatory term by adopting it as their name, aiming to transform it into a symbol of pride and empowerment. However, their attempt to trademark “The Slants” was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the grounds that it was racially disparaging. This decision led to an eight-year legal battle that culminated in a landmark 2017 Supreme Court ruling in favor of the band, affirming their right to free speech. Wenjen’s narrative is both forceful and emotional, effectively conveying the band’s dedication to combating racism and advocating for equality.
Gómez’s dynamic, collagelike illustrations, rendered in a muted, retro color palette, complement the storytelling by capturing the drama and passion of the band’s journey. This book not only educates young readers about a significant legal battle but also inspires them to stand up against injustice and embrace their unique identities.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
- Guitar Crafts for Kids
- Preview the Book and Listen to the Video
- We Sing From the Heart Video for TedX Video
Publisher: Red Comet Press
Together Is Better
Together Is Better by Diane Costa (Author), Grace Tan (Illustrator)
A heartwarming children’s book that celebrates the strength and vitality of communities bonding through shared activities. This book helps explain concepts of diversity, kindness, and friendship. The simple yet impactful storytelling, complemented by colorful illustrations, makes it engaging for young readers.
Available in English-only and many bilingual editions, it includes teacher resources and English audio, making it a valuable addition to both home and classroom libraries. It also features a QR code for lesson plans and activities for teachers who use the book in their classroom.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Publisher: Language Lizard
Leo’s Dog
Leo’s Dog by Ellen Skowronski (Author), Maria Russo (Illustrator)
A heartwarming children’s book that tells the story of Leo, a young boy adjusting to life in a new country. Struggling with learning a new language and missing the dog he left behind, Leo finds solace when he visits an animal shelter. There, he discovers that reading to the rescue dogs not only helps them feel loved but also aids him in practicing his English and building confidence.
The beautifully illustrated narrative highlights themes of empathy, resilience, and the mutual benefits of kindness. This book is part of the Language Lizard Living in Harmony collection, which aims to explain concepts of diversity, kindness, and friendship. Available in both English-only and various bilingual editions, it includes teacher resources and English audio, making it a valuable addition to home and classroom libraries.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Publisher: Language Lizard
Leo’s Dogs and Together Is Better is available in the following bilingual editions:
Dari, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian, with more languages coming soon.
Gazill Hill
Gazill Hill by Claudette Shatto (Author), Nejla Shojaie (Illustrator)
A heartwarming children’s book about Riley overcoming her fear of riding a bike down Gazill Hill. With encouragement from her family and friends, she learns resilience, courage, and the power of positive self-talk. It also introduces the term “positive risk”, which is such an important concept for young children to understand and explore.
Featuring biracial characters and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) themes, the book promotes a growth mindset and perseverance. Engaging illustrations and interactive activities make it a great resource for parents and educators. A charming story about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding inner strength.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Publisher: Manifest the Business
** You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter.**
Read Your World 2025 (1/30/25) is in its 13th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our mission and history.
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors:
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
- 🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
- 🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight and Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages
- 🏅 Gold Sponsors: Third State Books
- 🏅 Silver Sponsors: The Quarto Group, Red Comet Press and Lerner Books
- 🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Scholastic Books
- 🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Lee and Low and Star Bright Books
- 🏅 Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education
- 🏅 Ruby Corporate Sponsor: MagicBlox
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: Stephanie M. Wildman, Martha Seif Simpson, Anna Jennings, Gwen Jackson, Afsaneh Moradian, Joaquín Camp, Rahana Dariah, Ziggy Hanaor, Josh Funk, Nancy Tupper Ling, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Gea Meijering, Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Story Time, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Cynthia Levinson, Diana Huang, Rochelle Melander, Lisa Chong, Lisa Stringfellow, Brunella Costaglioga, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Rachel C. Katz, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Shifa Safadi, Lisa Rogers, Sylvia Liu, Eva Clarke, Crystal Murakami, Teddi Ahrens
Read Your World is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations!
Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day
- RYW2025 Poster
- Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
- Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
- Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
- Gallery of Our Free Posters
- FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program
Read Your World Giveaway and Virtual Party
📌 Register for the Read Your World Virtual Party: https://readyourworld.org/virtualparty
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well!
*** US and Global participants are welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 30, 2025, at our virtual party!
You may also enjoy these book focused activities for kids…
