Multicultural Books About Hope and Resilience
Guest post from Cardinal Rule Press, Read Your World’s 2024 Silver Sponsor.
Looking for exciting children’s stories filled with important themes for your bookshelf? This list of multicultural books for kids is just for you. These five books cover topics that celebrate the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. But they also emphasize appreciating the diversity of our communities and multiculturalism. In reading these five books, readers experience the riveting adventures of a boy and his pet camel; watch a little girl find creative ways to contribute to her community; learn about a dedicated sister who values kindness and more.
Raja’s Pet Camel: The Magic of Hope by Anita Amin
Meet Raja! Raja, meet…a camel? Raja is a young boy who one day finds a camel on his way home. He decides to make the camel his pet, and names her Kamal. But Kamal is a mischievous, date-loving camel who loves causing trouble. With his father determined to sell Kamal at the next fair, will Raja be able to save his new best friend? Raja’s Pet Camel explores themes of friendship, family, and hope.
The Garden of Hope by Isabel Otter
After losing her mother, little Maya finds new ways to be hopeful. Maya takes it upon herself to tend to her family’s neglected garden, and in the process, is able to work through all the new emotions she’s been feeling. The garden teaches Maya and readers that like flowers’ seeds nestled deep in the soil, time and care is needed for people to grow and recover too. Read The Garden of Hope to learn about themes of grief, hope, and resilience.
The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Faizah is so excited for picture day that she almost can’t contain herself. She’s thrilled to be able to wear the special red hair ribbons that have been passed down by the women in her family. It’s finally her turn! But Faizah realizes that she won’t be matching with her sister and is determined to find a solution to this dilemma. Read more of Faizah’s story, where she and her classmates learn about resilience, forge stronger relationships, and appreciate diversity.
Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz Marshall
Ixchel desperately wants to participate in the family weaving tradition, but finds that her mother doesn’t have time to help her learn. One day, Ixchel spots too many colored plastic bags floating around the village, and a brilliant idea strikes her. Ixchel gathers the bags and begins weaving them in her own way. Rainbow Weaver tells the tale of a girl determined to participate in her family’s tradition.
The Light Within You by Namita Moolani Mehra
Diya is so excited to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Diya’s been hopeful that she can spend Diwali with her grandmother who still lives in India, over 7,000 miles away from her. Diya finally arrives in India and is able to experience Diwali with grandma, but what will she do when she has to go home again? This story showcases a little girl’s journey of hope and resilience.
These five books are great reads that celebrate multiculturalism and the diversity of our world. Add them to your bookshelves today!
Caroline MacLellan is a senior at Michigan State University studying Professional and Public Writing and Japanese. In her free time, she loves watching Korean dramas, creative writing, and reading fantasy books.
