My Fate According To The Butterfly by Gail D. Villanueva

Written by Gail D. Villanueva, Published by Scholastic Press, 2019. (Realistic Fiction, 9-12)

I loved so many things about this title. Not only does it have a Filipina as a protagonist in a contemporary setting in the Philippines, but Villanueva wasn’t afraid to embrace the diversity within families and tackle tough issues such as addiction and tough political climates with an overarching message of love and forgiveness.

BACKGROUND

Filipina Sabrina, nicknamed Sab, only wishes that her entire family could get together for her birthday. However her mom’s work, and sister and dad’s broken relationship make it unlikely. When a bad omen in the form of a black butterfly appears, Sab decides to challenge fate. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

A complex and hopeful read that touches on diverse family structure, (mom and dad are separated, mom has a boyfriend, dad has a boyfriend); addiction and healing; and hope.

PAIR WITH

Everlasting Nora by Marie Miranda Cruz

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Illustrated by Luisa Uribe, Published by The Innovation Press, 2020. (Picture Book, 5-10)

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My oldest son’s name is Tano (TAH-noh), it’s Japanese. My husband and I thought that it was a good representation of his Japanese heritage, unique, and still relatively easy to pronounce…..EASY right? Turns out that everyone either calls him TAN-oh or Connor (I don’t know why!) He just finished first grade and is already adept at correcting peers and teachers on his name. This particular title brings a fresh new take on the issue, and is filled with eye-popping illustrations!

BACKGROUND

A Black girl laments to her mother that no one at school can say her name, Kora-Jalimuso (KO-rah-DJAA-lee MOO-so). Her mother tells her that if they cannot say her name, she can teach them to sing it. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is great for opening a discussion about tolerance, empathy, and self-acceptance. A glossary of names with pronunciation guides is included.

PAIR WITH

Always Anjali by by Sheetal Patel

Where Are You From? by Jamie Kim

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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The Book Itch by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, Published by Carolrhoda Books, 2015. (Picture Book, 7-10)

Book itch

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is an award winning author of Black experiences, history, and stories. If you are looking to diversify your shelves, I would definitely look up her work which spans from picture books to young adults. She’s also just a lovely person. I was fortunate enough to share an Uber with her during a library conference and was particularly touched by her kindness and generosity. All of her work is stellar.

BACKGROUND

A young boy watches as his father builds the National Memorial African Bookstore. Not only were people able to get a hold of books, but it was an important gathering place for people like Muhammad Ali, Malcom X, and others to share and push for change. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a twenty minute read aloud that can be used to advocate for a love of reading, activism, and Black history.

PAIR WITH

Let’er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Melina Mangal

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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Apple Pie 4th Of July by Janet Wong

Written by Janet Wong, Illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, 2006. (Picture Book, 4-8)

applepie4july

Hands down this is one of my favorites to read for July 4th. Growing up I didn’t see much representation in any media, books, tv, movies, and magazines. Since all those outlets painted a picture of what an “American” family looked like, I sometimes thought that the food and customs of my family was not “normal” or “American”. This is the same struggle that this girl faces.

BACKGROUND

A Chinese American girl struggles with her parents. She tries to tell them that people wouldn’t want to eat their Chinese food at their store for July 4th, they’re all going to be eating apple pie! #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is a great for modeling empathy, tolerance, self-acceptance, nationality, and of course the 4th of July!

PAIR WITH

I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvindar Naberhaus

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore