Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Titles for Elementary Education

By Tina Parmar | May 21 2026 | EducationElementary Education

Celebrated on May 21st, The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development emphasizes the importance of different voices, cultures, and traditions. From picture books to middle grade, our curated list of books about diversity help students see beyond their own experiences while feeling seen themselves.

See here for more books on global cultures & inclusivity.

 

With You In Spirit
With You In Spirit
Lenny Wen, Jenny Liao
9780593806975
A little girl and her family come together to honor her late grandfather on Qing Ming or Tomb-Sweeping Day in this heartwarming story about celebrating ancestors.
$18.99 US
Feb 24, 2026
Hardcover
40 Pages
Knopf Books for Young Readers
World
View on Edelweiss
The Biker Girls
The Biker Girls
Shehzil Malik, Shehzil Malik
9780593324912
Pakistani artist and activist Shehzil Malik’s empowering picture book celebrates girls carving out the right to ride bikes, in a society where it’s traditionally been only allowed for boys.
$18.99 US
Sep 09, 2025
Hardcover
32 Pages
Nancy Paulsen Books
World
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Popo the Xolo
Popo the Xolo
Abraham Matias, Paloma Angelina Lopez
9781623544577
An emotionally resonant, visually stirring picture book illustrated by Pura Belpré Award–winning Abraham Matias, exploring life, death, and celebrating loved ones for children navigating grief. Inspired by the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo dogs play by guiding those who have passed on in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.
$17.99 US
Aug 19, 2025
Hardcover
40 Pages
Charlesbridge
World
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The Night Market
The Night Market
Seina Wedlick, Briana Mukodiri Uchendu
9780593563687
Journey with a young girl as she explores the mesmerizing wonders of a Nigerian night market, where each stall is an adventure waiting to be discovered! Filled with vibrant illustrations, this captivating picture book invites young readers into a world of magic, mystery, and the joy of finding treasures in unexpected places.
$18.99 US
Sep 10, 2024
Hardcover
40 Pages
Random House Studio
World
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Born Naughty
Born Naughty
Tony Johnston, Jin Wang, Anisi Baigude
9780593563618
Share in the joyful, adventure-filled shenanigans of a child growing up in a small mud hut in Inner Mongolia in this charming, illustrated memoir for young middle grade readers.
$17.99 US
May 07, 2024
Hardcover
112 Pages
Anne Schwartz Books
World
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A Garden in My Hands
A Garden in My Hands
Sandhya Prabhat, Meera Sriram
9780593427101
This touching picture book celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories.
$18.99 US
Apr 18, 2023
Hardcover
40 Pages
Knopf Books for Young Readers
World
View on Edelweiss
How to Find What You're Not Looking For
How to Find What You're Not Looking For
Veera Hiranandani
9780525555056
New historical fiction from a Newbery Honor–winning author about how middle schooler Ariel Goldberg's life changes when her big sister elopes following the 1967 Loving v. Virginia decision, and she's forced to grapple with both her family's prejudice and the antisemitism she experiences, as she defines her own beliefs.
$9.99 US
Sep 13, 2022
Paperback
384 Pages
Kokila
US, Canada, Open Mkt
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All Are Neighbors (An All Are Welcome Book)
All Are Neighbors (An All Are Welcome Book)
Alexandra Penfold, Suzanne Kaufman
9780593429983
When a new family moves in, the whole neighborhood comes together to celebrate their diverse community in this uplifting new book from the bestselling creators of All Are Welcome!
$18.99 US
Aug 23, 2022
Hardcover
44 Pages
Knopf Books for Young Readers
US, Canada, Open Mkt
View on Edelweiss
When Life Gives You Mangos
When Life Gives You Mangos
Kereen Getten
9780593173992
Imagination and adventure run wild in this critically acclaimed middle grade debut--now in paperback!
$8.99 US
Feb 01, 2022
Paperback
208 Pages
Yearling
US, Canada, Open Mkt
View on Edelweiss
What I Am
What I Am
Divya Srinivasan
9780593204016
The creator of Little Owl's Night explores and celebrates the complexities of what makes us who we are in this comforting and thoughtful picture book.
$18.99 US
Aug 03, 2021
Hardcover
40 Pages
Viking Books for Young Readers
World
View on Edelweiss
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