Summer is the season of reading. (For my family that’s partly because summer in the South means extreme heat and humidity, a perfect recipe for staying indoors.) This seems like the perfect time to curate a list of diverse kids’ books about summer holidays and celebrations. Whether you’re looking for books about Juneteenth, Independence Day, LGBTQ Pride, Caribbean Heritage Month, or Labor Day, I’ve got you covered with great anti-bias books. Plus, I’ll cover some other summer holidays you might not have thought of.
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Books about summer holidays: Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Maya Lin, Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey. Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk.
Maya Lin grew up in a house where she was encouraged to think “with her hands as well as her mind.” When Maya was still in college, she entered a contest to design a memorial for soldiers who died during the Vietnam War. She envisioned a cut in the earth that would eventually heal to a polished edge, with names engraved from top to bottom. Her design was hung in an airport hanger along with countless others. Many famous architects and artists had also entered the contest, but names were not included with the designs.
After Maya’s name was announced at the winner, people realized that she was a young woman still in school. Some people began to mock her design. Maya refused to change her design, knowing that it was important that everyone who visited be able to touch and see the names of the loved ones they had lost. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. White author.)
A Day for Rememberin’: Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
I only learned a few years ago that Memorial Day was begun by formerly-enslaved Black communities honoring Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. This fictional account closely follows the real life details of the first “Decoration Day” in Charleston, South Carolina.
When his father allows Eli to miss a day of school to help him in his work, Eli knows that whatever is happening is a big deal. Alongside many men who survived both slavery and fighting in the Civil War, Eli helps make a fitting resting place for Union soldiers who died in a Confederate prison.
The next day as the entire community fills the streets, Eli isn’t sure “a flower is left unpicked in Charleston” as they honor those who fought for freedom from slavery. (Recommended for ages 6 – 10. Black author.)
Children’s Books for Caribbean Heritage Month (June)
Caribbean American Heritage Month is celebrated in June.
Climb On! by Baptiste Paul.
Adult readers will likely let out a few sympathetic giggles as a daughter convinces her reluctant father that today is the perfect day to climb all the way to the tippy top of a mountain peak. (He was planning to watch fútbol.) She’s packed everything they need, including courage for two.
As they encounter buzzing insects, narrow ladders, and other obstacles, the child is undaunted while Dad is ready and willing to turn back. She repeatedly reminds him to mouté, climb on! Will the pair reach the peak of the Pitons before Dad’s strength gives out? (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. St. Lucian-American author.)
My Day with the Panye by Tami Charles. Illustrated by Sara Palacios.
When Fallon’s Manman (mother) was a girl, her own Manman told her “little by little, the bird builds its nest.” Manman wants Fallon to understand that not everything can be learned quickly, but Fallon wants so badly to be able to carry the panye on her head the graceful way that Manman does.
As they walk to the market, Manman teaches Fallon the many things that carrying the panye means, while they take in the bustling sights and sounds of Port-au-Prince. When Manman is finally ready to let her try carrying the panye, will Fallon be up to the task? This book is both a beautiful celebration of Haitian culture and of mother-daughter relationships. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Black author.)
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise. Illustrated by Paola Escobar.
Who are libraries for? Today, most of us who quickly say “everyone!” But in 1921, when Puerto Rican immigrant Pura Belpré applied for a job at the New York City public library, many Spanish-speaking families did not think the library would welcome them.
As a bilingual assistant, Belpré was eager to share the Puerto Rican folktales her grandmother told her as a child. She filled children with delight as she recounted the tales during library story hours. This creative librarian even began making her own puppets to make the stories even more captivating. Yet when she looked on the shelves of the massive library, there were not any children’s books in Spanish.
She wrote her own children’s book, so that she could keep planting story seeds. Soon she was traveling far beyond the library and even across the country, to tell the stories that were so precious to her. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Puerto Rican author.)
Related post: 20 engaging children’s books starring Latine characters
Books for Summer Celebrations: LGBTQ Pride Month (June)
Pride is one of the most joyful summer holidays, and it also commemorates important LGBTQ history.
Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate.
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.)
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope by Jodie Patterson and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
In the My Reflection Matters Village, I got to hear Jodie Patterson tell her family’s moving story of how Penelope helped them realize that he was a boy. This joy-filled children’s book tells the same story, and Penelope’s determined spirit shines through.
Penelope’s family is big and busy, and he can’t seem to make them stop and listen, so that he can tell them: I’m a boy! So he makes his presence known with actions to make them see, hear, and feel him. (Those actions are often unpleasant.) When he finally tells Mama that he’s a boy, she reassures him that it’s fine to “feel like a boy.”
But no, Mama isn’t understanding! Penelope tells her “I don’t feel like a boy, I AM a boy.” Once she finally understands, Mama is ready to help Penelope show his joyful true self to all of the world. (#ownvoices, recommended for ages 3 – 8)
Related Post: 15 LGBTQ affirming picture books for kids
Be Amazing: A History of Pride by Desmond is Amazing and Dylan Glynn
Desmond is Amazing is a 12 year old drag kid who founded the first drag house for children. In this colorful children’s book, Desmond shares his own story as well as the stories of LGBTQ rights pioneers Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Along the way, he gives advice (like how to deal with haters and answers questions (like whether performing drag means someone is trans.) (#ownvoices, recommended for ages 5 – 9)
Related Post: 7 inspiring young activists for social justice
Books about Summer Holidays: Dragon Boat Festival (June 14)
One is a Drummer: A Book of Numbers by Roseanne Thong and Grace Lin
This strikingly illustrated rhyming book introduces young children to many aspects of Chinese culture while also practicing numbers. The number one features a fast-paced dragon boat race, and the notes at the end of the book tell children more about dragon boats, and how the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan. (#ownvoices, recommended for ages 2 – 6)
Books for Summer Celebrations: Autistic Pride Day (June 18)
Autistic Pride Day is a day organized by autistic people to celebrate their neurodiversity and differences.
A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond. Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove.
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 autism that shatter stereotypes
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla and Ken Min
It’s not easy finding books about autistic children by autistic authors, so I was delighted to discover that not only does Sally Pla have an autistic son; she’s also autistic herself.
Sammy is having a terrible day, complete with getting in trouble at school and having to walk home in the rain. But his Mom doesn’t seem to notice, only letting him know that Benji is in his box (which means he’s also had a bad day and shouldn’t be disturbed.)
The box is only big enough for Benji, but Sammy wishes he had one for moments like this. Or that Mom would do something special to help him feel better, like she often does for Benji after challenging occupational therapy sessions. But when one more thing pushes Sammy over the edge into tears, it’s Benji who notices and comes to the rescue. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. White, autistic author.)
Books about Summer Holidays: Juneteenth (June 19)
Opal Lee and What It Means To Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan. Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo.
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free weaves together tragedy and triumph, injustice and resistance, through alternating stories of the first Juneteenth and the story of Opal Lee, the woman who fought to make the day a national holiday.
The story opens during a joyful present-day Juneteenth celebration, as Opal Lee gathers the children to tell them the story of the first Juneteenth. They learn how “slavery was a thief” – of learning, of justice, and joy. Even when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, enslavers in Texas continued to force enslaved people to work. When U.S. troops finally arrive to enforce emancipation, Opal Lee in her striking purple dress is shown watching her ancestors celebrate as tears of joy are wiped away.
When her young listeners want to know how Opal Lee celebrated Juneteenth as a child, they learn how segregation and an angry white mob burning her family’s home led to her determination to always work for freedom. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. Black author.)
A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor.
Through gorgeously-detailed quilted illustrations that communicate joy and liberation, Kim Taylor tells the story of the first Juneteenth from a child’s perspective. Huldah is a 10-year-old whose birthday falls on the same day that the Juneteenth proclamation is made. After hearing the announcement from the federal official, the entire community begins making jubilee flags. Women stitch, children gather flagpoles, which men carve into beautiful designs.
Huldah wants to make her own special contribution to the celebration, which she goes to great lengths to capture. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Black author.)
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
When Mazie feels discouraged because her every request is met with a no, Dad lets her know that there will be a special celebration tomorrow. They’ll be celebrating the day that her great-great-great-grandpa Mose found freedom after being told no over and over. As Dad shares the stories of Grandpa Mose and their more recent ancestors, he invites Mazie to join in their tradition of celebrating and remembering. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Black author.)
Books about Summer Holidays: Solstice (June 20)
The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer and Linda Black
This in-depth nonfiction book is one of four that Pfeffer has written about the seasons. As both animals and people notice the changing of the seasons, we also learn about how summer solstice has been observed by different cultures throughout history in Europe and North America. The endnotes include a number of activities and crafts for celebrating summer solstice with children. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)
Shanna and the Goddess: A Summer Solstice Story by Arie Farnam and Julie Freel
When Mama breaks her leg, Shanna and her younger brother Rye are determined to take care of the chores. Most important to Shanna is the new garden that Mama has just planted, full of not only fruits and vegetables, but also the herbs that Mama uses to make medicines.
Despite some missteps on both the children’s parts, and a hailstorm that threatens the garden, each finds a way to do what needs to be done. As a Pagan family, the upcoming summer solstice is an important holiday, but they won’t be able to go to the festival this year. Can they pull off a surprise solstice celebration for Mama at home? (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Pagan author.)
Books about Summer Holidays: U.S. Independence Day (July 4)
We Came to America by Faith Ringgold
It’s hard to find children’s books that truthfully acknowledge the many different ways people arrived in America, while also drawing attention to the fact that Indigenous people have been here for thousands of years before America existed. The simple text and moving illustration of We Came to America do both of those things.
Readers learn that “some of us were already here. Some of us were brought in chains, losing our freedom and our names.” Families of many ethnicities are shown coming to America to leave behind injustice, fear, and pain. Yet they also bring their “joyful songs, our stories wise and true.” (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Black author.)
Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong and Margaret Chodos-Irvine
A young Chinese-American girl is frustrated with her parents. First, their store is open today, the fourth of July, just like it is every day of the year except Christmas. That means she can’t join the celebrations. Second, her parents are still making the takeout Chinese food they always offer customers. Don’t they understand that Americans won’t want to eat Chinese food on the fourth?
Despite her father’s reminder that the fireworks people are celebrating with were invented in China, she’s sure her immigrant parents don’t understand this holiday or “all American things.” But when the shop door creaks open at 5 pm, she just might discover her parents were on to something after all. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Chinese-American author.)
My Red, White, and Blue by Alana Tyson. Illustrated by London Ladd.
This book is both a patriotic celebration of what the United States flag means in its best sense, and an acknowledgement of the complicated relationship many African Americans have with the flag.
A young Black boy sees all the ways the flag represents him, his family, and his diverse community. His grandfather also wants to communicate to him why Old Glory’s promise has rung hollow for some. He offers examples of enslavement and the civil rights movement, and seemlessly ties this to the Black Lives Matter movement. Grandpa salutes the courage of a kneeling Colin Kaepernick, while also emphasizing to his grandson that it’s his choice how he chooses to use his voice in relationship to the flag. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. Black author.)
Related post: 21 powerful books about race and racism for kids and teens
A book about family reunions
Family Reunion by Chad and Dad Richardson and Ashleigh Corrin
Nothing says joyful summer celebration more than a Black family reunion! However, the child at the center of the story isn’t expecting the reunion to be fun (at least not as fun as video games.) He even has to imagine a force field around himself as all the relatives he doesn’t remember want to hug him.
Once Pop Pop finds him, things start to improve. Soon, the boy is soaking in all the fun (and food) that only a family reunion can provide. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Black author.).
Books for summer celebrations: Powwows
So I’m cheating a bit on this one since powwows are held all year round. Many are held in the summer though, and I couldn’t wait to share these fantastic books by Indigenous authors about powwows.
Powwow Day by Traci Sorell. Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight.
This sensitive book sheds light on the healing power of powwow dancing. When River wakes up, she’s at first excited that it’s powwow day for her tribe. But then she remembers that she can no longer dance like she did before her serious illness.
Her mother and sister remind her that people will want to see her, even if River can’t dance. She still wants to try to dance during the Grand Entry, but becomes discouraged when she can’t feel the heartbeat of the drum. As an elder leads a prayer for healing for all who need it, and the various dances begin, River comes to an important realization about what this particular powwow means to hear. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Cherokee author.)
Josie Dances by Denise Lajimodiere and Angela Erdrich
This book is so beautiful, in both its message and its art, that it brought tears to my eyes. Josie is an Ojibwe girl who’s eager to dance for the first time in her nation’s powwow. Even though the powwow is next summer, there are many preparations to be made (and most of these must be done by the women in her family.)
Mama has promised to sew her dress and fancy shawl. Aunty will bead her cape, and Kookum (her grandmother) will bead her moccasins and leggings. Grandma Greatwalker, a tribal elder, pledges to dream her spirit name. But as the months go by, none of them are finished with their work. As people start to arrive for the powwow, Josie becomes anxious, wondering if she will have to wait another year to dance. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Ojibwe author.)
Related Post: Twenty #ownvoices picture books about Native Americans and First Nations peoples
Books for Summer Holidays: Labor Day (September 6)
Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight by Duncan Tonatiuh
I worked for many years as a community organizer supporting the labor movement. I’m also a huge Duncan Tonatiuh fan. So, it’s no surprise that I love this book! The book was created in an accordion fold format, similar to an ancient Mixtec codex. It has the feel of a short graphic novel, with a relatable, conversational tone.
Juan, a Mixtec man born in a small Mexican village, points out that “you don’t know our names but you’ve seen us…We may not have documents, but we all have a story and we all have a name.” Juan scrapes by for many years working at a restaurant, where the owner tells him he’s “doing him a favor” by hiring him since he’s undocumented.
But when his Chinese co-worker Li takes him out for happy hour after work, she helps him understand just how unfair their working situation is. When Juan’s wife announces a baby is on the way, he realizes that something has to change, and agrees to go with Li to a workers’ center to learn about how they can organize. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Mexican-American author.)
Related Post: Best children’s books to read for Labor Day
Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children by Jonah Winter. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter.
Real life hero of the U.S. labor movement Mother Jones comes alive in this first person narrative that captures how unflappable, bold, and persistent she was. Of all the terrible things she saw workers experience, none made her angrier than the exploitation of children in textile mills.
While Mother Jones tried a number of tactics, she eventually called on families to allow their children to march with her all the way to the President’s summer home, a distance of more than 100 miles. Though President Roosevelt refused to see them, Mother Jones emphasizes that the campaign was not a failure. This realistic look at the incredible effort it takes to strike down injustice still manages to inspire and encourage young readers. (Recommended for ages 6 – 10. White author.)
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