How is 2023 almost over? Since it’s close to December, it means it’s time to share my favorite diverse and anti-bias children’s books that were published in 2023. First, let me say that there were so many amazing social justice and anti-bias children’s books that came out this year that I haven’t yet had a chance to read. For now, here are my favorite kids’ books of the year.
This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. The publishers of the following books provided me free copies in exchange for my honest review: How Do You Spell Unfair? and I Am Kavi. All opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Best anti-bias books of 2023: fiction picture books
An American Story by Kwame Alexander. Illustrated by Dare Coulter.
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With thoughtful, poetic questions and gripping acrylic and clay sculpture illustrations, An American Story addresses the pain, anger, and frustration a group of present-day children and their teacher experience as they grapple with the legacy of slavery. As Ms. Simmons tries to convey the terror, loss, and despair that enslaved people experienced, while also paying tribute to their strength and pride, she becomes uncertain if she can continue the story that she began.
While this book is challenging, it’s the most moving story I’ve encountered for grappling with the pain that arises from learning about enslavement. (Recommended for ages 9+. Black author.)
Related post: How should we talk with children about enslavement?
A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond. Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove.
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Unlike many stories about autistic children, this one is told from the pespective of the child, giving us insight into how he experiences the world. The main character is nonverbal, and describes how voices can affect him. While Mama’s voice is like water, and Daddy’s voice like air, other voices can be harsh and overwhelming.
As Mama and child spend a day together out and about, avoiding crowds, Mama uses a tablet to communicate with everyone, just like her child does, from a rude parent to the restaurant cashier. Everything about the day is at the pace that makes him feel happy and seen. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Black autistic author.)
Related post: 20 children’s books about disability and neurodivergence
Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate.
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Milly loves spending time with her grandfather each summer. He lives in a village by the sea, so it’s only natural that they are building a ship. When the grandchild discovers a Pride flag, she doesn’t know what it is but thinks it will make the perfect sail.
After Granddad tells all about the many different Pride festivals he and Gramps (who is no longer alive) used to attend, Milly wants to go to this year’s festival. Grandpa insists that he’s too old for the busy city, so Milly suggests that create a Pride celebration in his village. As the community pitches in with many different ways to make the day a joyful success, Milly makes new friends and learns about the history of Pride. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Non-binary author.)
Related post: 17 LGBTQ affirming picture books
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George. Illustrated by Mae Waite.
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In this gorgeously illustrated fairytale rooted in Native Hawaiian culture, a special baby named Ano is born. Through lyrical text, young readers follow her journey to discover the deepest meanings of aloha. As she learns the sacred art of hula, she is surrounded by “generations of lore that the hula kept strong.”
Ano can perceive the wondrous formation of the land itself, and comes to understanding the history of her journeying ancestors who arrived in Hawaii by boat. The sweeping narrative and vivid world of Aloha Everything are sure to delight adventure-loving children, while also providing an important introduction to Native Hawaiian culture. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Native Hawaiian author.)
Say My Name by Joanna Ho. Illustrated by Khoa Le.
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Names are powerful, personal, familial, and communal all at the same time. In this gorgeously illustrated book, six children with Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajao, Mexican, and Ghanian heritage share the moving stories about the significance of their names and their cultural roots while urging readers to “say my name” because “anything less is not me.”
Read aloud tip: Be sure to consult the pronunciation guide and spend some time practicing the names in the book before reading the book to children. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Chinese and Taiwanese-American author.)
Related post: How to talk to kids about microaggressions
Remember by Joy Harjo. Illustrated by Michaela Goade.
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Harjo’s moving poem reminds young readers of all they are connected to: day and night, the mothers who formed them, “the earth whose skin you are,” and the universe itself. Goade’s stunning and dreamy illustrations are meant to be pored over, again and again. I hope that not only children, but adults too, absorb the book’s message that there is no separation from us and other living beings.
Whenever I compile my best books of the year list, I choose one as a particular favorite. Remember is my “best best” choice for this year! (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Mvskoke author.)
The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil. Illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan.
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In this timely sequel to The Arabic Quilt, Kanzi cannot wait for the class’s next visit to the library. But when the group arrives, the shelf that prominently displayed diverse books is empty. After the librarian reveals that the school district has banned so many of the books the children love, the students are at first in shock.
But gradually Kanzi and her classmates come up with an idea to push back against the ban and reclaim the books that have meant so much to them. (Recommended for ages 6 – 10. Egyptian-American author.)
Related post: How you can fight book bans
Best anti-bias books of 2023: non-fiction picture books
How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrated by Frank Morrison.
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When MacNolia Cox won the Akron, OH spelling bee in 1936, Akron’s African-American community was soon speaking of her with the same pride that had in Joe Louis and Jesse Owens. MacNolia spent hours a day preparing for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, memorizing over 100,000 words!
But the trip to Washington, DC and the competition itself, were filled with experiences of racist discrimination. Boston Weatherford skillfully focuses on MacNolia’s incredible skill and focus, showing what triumph looks like even when injustice prevents MacNolia from being the official winner. (Recommended for ages 6 – 10. Black author.)
Come and Join Us! 18 Holidays Celebrated All Year Long by Liz Kleinrock. Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat.
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Come and Join Us! is a much-needed antidote to school holiday celebrations that center Christmas. Each page spread includes boldly colored, intricate illustrations and detailed text that describe how each child celebrates their culture or religion’s most important day.
One of my favorite features of the book is the question written at the bottom of each page spread. Questions such as “are your celebrations colorful?” bridge the previous and next holiday, and help readers think about connection points with their own special days. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. Korean-American author.)
Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King by Alice Faye Duncan. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie.
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With her trademark approach to social justice history, Duncan combines in-depth prose and lyrical poetry to provide young readers a detailed account of Coretta Scott King’s life, both before and after she met Martin Luther King, Jr. A childhood of watching her father take bold risks despite racist attacks on his home and business surely shaped Coretta’s courageous approach to life.
She was not content to be a typical preacher’s wife, nor was she willing to leave their family home at times that the Kings were targeted by violence. Long before Martin was ready to risk speaking publicly against the Vietnam War, Coretta was urging him to do so. This thorough and heartfelt tribute to Coretta Scott King is a must-have for your history shelf. (Recommended for ages 7 – 12. Black author.)
Best anti-bias books of 2023: fiction chapter books
I Am Kavi by Thushanthi Ponweera.
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This novel-in-verse takes readers back to the late 1990s, as the Sri Lankan civil war has taken Kavi’s father from her. A gifted student, she is rewarded with a scholarship to a prestigious school far away from her mother, who she loves dearly but is also deeply angry with for remarrying.
At her new school in the city, Kavi doesn’t want to stand out as a poor, rural girl. So she begins to reinvent herself, until Kavi reaches a point where she’s forgotten her original purpose in attending the school. While Kavi’s world may be unfamiliar to American readers, her struggles to feel wanted translate across time and place. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Sri Lankan author.)
Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee.
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This wacky story that’s both emotionally and culturally rich was a big hit with my tween.
A freak pie accident introduces young Winston Chu to the strange Mr. Pang and his shop filled with “whimsies.” Mr. Pang promises to reward Winston for chasing away burglars with a free item of his choice, but somehow all he ends up with is an old broom and dustpan.
Once he takes his crummy prize home, it quickly becomes clear that these are no ordinary cleaning tools. Soon things start disappearing, including precious momentos Winston’s father left behind before he died in Iraq. Winston and his tight crew of friends will have to take on Mr. Pang, all while keeping things a secret from Winston’s mom, who would never believe the truth about what’s happening. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Chinese-American author.)
Speculation by Nisi Shawl.
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Set in Michigan during the author’s 1960’s childhood, Speculation combines magic, family history, and the long-term consequences of enslavement that were passed down through generations. Because her mother is in the hospital, Winna and Tupelo (her annoying little sister) must spend the late spring and summer with her grandparents in their small town. When Tupelo breaks Winna’s glasses, her grandfather lends her a pair that belonged to her great aunt Estelle.
Winna discovers that these are no ordinary glasses, and that they allow her to communicate with Estelle. Soon she’s been placed in charge of an urgent mission to find their long-lost relative Key, who was stolen as a baby. If she doesn’t, Great Grandmother Winona’s curse won’t be lifted from the family. But how on earth is Winna supposed to find someone who’s been missing for almost one hundred years? (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Black non-binary author.)
Best anti-bias books of 2023: graphic novels
School Trip by Jerry Craft.
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My kiddo has been waiting a long time for this third book in the New Kid graphic novel series, and it did not disappoint.
It’s Jordan’s last year at Riverdale Academy before he starts art school, where he’ll once again be the new kid. He’s both excited and nervous about their class trip to Paris, which includes both his buddies Drew and Liam and his irritating classmates Andy and Alexandra. All of the familiar challenges of navigating an upper-crust world from his middle class background are back for Jordan, but the new twists of being in a country where he doesn’t speak the language. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Black author.)
Related post: Twelve diverse and inclusive graphic novels for ages 8 – 12
Curlfriends: New In Town by Sharee Miller.
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Starting at a new school is nothing new for Charlie, whose family moved often when her Dad was active military. Now that they’ve settled in a new place and Dad has a civilian job, Charlie is determined to reinvent herself with contacts, new fashions, and a more grown-up hair style.
When nothing goes to plan on the first day, Charlie discovers a group of supportive new friends. (I love this change-of-pace from the many books that make middle school seem like a frightening nightmare!) Charlie still has to overcome plenty of challenges, including getting used to her Dad (who doesn’t quite “get her” like her Mom does) being around all the time. (Recommended for ages 8- 12. Black author.)
Best anti-bias books of 2023: non-fiction chapter books
Colonization and the Wampanoag Story by Linda Coombs.
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This book has led to so many rich discussions with my 11-year-old during our history lessons. It addresses the terrible impact of colonization on Indigenous nations of the what is today called New England, with questions and sources that promote critical thinking. What my son has enjoyed most are the interspersed chapters about the daily life of Little Bird, a Wampanoag girl, during the pre-colonial time when “life was our own.” These chapters allow the book to skillfully hold the tension of telling hard truths about history without centering the trauma of Indigenous nations. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Wampanoag author.)
