Curriculum Materials Review

520-225-6282 | 1010 E. Tenth St., Tucson, AZ 85719 | Map (google.com)

Supplemental Materials Review for Multicultural Curriculum

Author/Publisher: Various
We are excited to update our collection of Multicultural literature. These titles are intended to be checked out by teachers to supplement their instruction. The literature has been selected to enhance the core curriculum resources to provide a diverse selection of novels and books for students. The selections are for K-12 literature with grade levels identified for texts.
These supplemental materials will be on display at the Lee Instructional Resource Center, 2025 E. Winsett Street, Tucson, AZ 85719.

Site location: Multicultural Library
Date: February 19, 2025, through March 21, 2025
When: 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
*Full list of materials is available on location for your viewing convenience*

Please submit your review in our Curriculum Review Form.

For questions, contact Deanna McLemore.

Multicultural Curriculum Department Books for Review and Governing Board Approval Elementary
Themes	Title	Author	Date	ISBN	Grade	Genre	Synopsis
Family Stories, Cultural Traditions, and Everyday Life	Aloha everything	Kaylin Melia George	2024	978-1-636551128	K-2	Contemporary fic (Incorporate Hawaiian language)	A young girl discovers the warmth of aloha through love, friendship, and cultural connections in Hawaii.
	A Letter for Bob	Kim Rogers; Jonathan Nelson	2023	978-0063044555	K-2	Contemporary fic	A young girl expresses gratitude for her family's old truck and the memories and adventures it holds.
	Ohana means family	llima Loomis	2020	978-0823443260	K-2	Contemporary fic	The land, weather, and wise hands highlight the interconnectedness of family, nature, and humanity.
	Being home	Traci Sorell	2024	978-1984816030	K-2	Contemporary fic	A young Cherokee girl bids farewell to city life, documenting the changing landscape through drawings as her family moves to their ancestral land.
	Keepunumuk: Weeachumun's thanksgiving story	Danielle Greendeer; Anthony Perry; Alexis Bunten; Garry Meeches Sr.	2022	978-1623542900	G3-5	Historical fic based on true events (Incorporate Wopanaak words)	Native American perspective of Thanksgiving through the story of Weeachumum.
	Be a good ancestor	Leona Prince	2022	978-1459831407	G3-5	Fic	Indigenous wisdom emphasizes environmental stewardship, kindness, and the impact of actions on future generations.
	My city speaks	Darren Lebeuf	2021	978-1525304149	K-2	Contemporary fic	A young girl, who is visually impaired, finds much to celebrate as she explores the city she loves.
	Nana Akua goes to school	Tricia Elam Walker	2020	978-0525581130	K-2	Contemporary fic	On Grandparents Day, Zura’s Nana Akua shares a quilt with Ghanaian symbols, crossing cultural borders by explaining her family's traditions to the class.
	The walk	Winsome Bingham	2023	978-1419747724	K-2	Contemporary fic	A grandmother takes her granddaughter out on the walk to vote with their community.
	Sankofa: A culinary story of resilience and belonging	Eric Adjepong	2023	978-0593385944	G3-5	Historical/contemporary nonfic	Inspired by chef Eric Adjepong's childhood, a young boy embarks on a culinary journey 400 years into the past to reconnect with his African roots and find his place in America.
	Alma and how she got her name	Juana Martinez-Neal	2018	978-0763693558	K-2	Contemporary fic	When Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela asks her father why she has so many names, she hears the story of her name and learns about her grandparents
	I Am American/Soy Mexicana Soy Me.	Martha Alanis	2020	978-1734450408	K-2	Contemporary fic (Spanish/English bilingual)	Martina's life changes unexpectedly when her dad announces a move to Mexico, leaving her uncertain about fitting in and learning to read in Spanish.
	Let's sleep. let's dream	Carisa Musialik	2022	979-8817272093	K-2	Contemporary fic	Alejandro resists bedtime but, with a little love from his mom and brother, he might change his mind.
	A Dormir, A Sonar	Carisa Musialik	2022	979-8837870750	K-2	Contemporary fic (Incorporate Hawaiian language)	Everyone understands the reluctance to sleep at bedtime, and with some love from his mom and brother, Alejandro might just change his mind.
	100% Me: 100% Yo	Duane Carlos Crawford	2020	978-1734450439	K-2	Contemporary fic (Spanish/English bilingual)	The story is of a little Afro-Latino boy's journey into self-acceptance and self-love.
	Where wonder grows	Xelena Gonzalez	2022	978-1-947627468	K-2	Contemporary fic	Intergenerational story exploring our connections to nature, family, and traditions.
	My papi has a motorcycle	Isabel Quintero	2019	978-0525553410	K-2	Contemporary fic (Incorporate Spanish)	As Daisy Ramona rides with her papi on his motorcycle, she recognizes her familiar neighborhood while noticing the rapid changes in her community.
	Sofia and Vivi: A Big Sister	Nury Castillo Crawford	2019	978-0999397886	G3-5	Contemporary fic (Spanish/English bilingual)	New to the USA, Sofia, her sister Vivi, and baby brother discover many differences, but their strong family love remains unchanged.
	Marisol	Nury Castillo Crawford	2020	978-1734450415	G3-5	Contemporary fic	Marisol is a young girls and, like many preteens, has a lot of responsibilities that she doesn't think she deserves.
	Marisol (spanish)	Nury Castillo Crawford	2020	978-1734450446	G3-5	Contemporary fic	Marisol is a young girls and, like many preteens, has a lot of responsibilities that she doesn't think she deserves.
	Nana, Nenek & Nina Liza Ferneyhough	Liza Ferneyhough	2022	978-0593353943	K-2	Contemporary fic	Nina lives in San Francisco with her parents, and she loves visiting her two grandmas in Malaysia and UK.
	Luli and the language of tea	Andrea Wang	2022	978-0823446148	K-2	Contemporary fic	In preschool, immigrant children discover a surprising language connection and cultural bond when Luli brings a pot of tea to class.
	Watercress	Andrea Wong	2021	978-0823446247	K-2	Autobiography	In Ohio, a family forages wild watercress, and the girl learns to appreciate it after her mother shares a bittersweet story from their Chinese heritage.
	My name is long as a river	Suma Subramaniam	2024	978-0593522936	K-2	Contemporary fic	An Indian girl discovers the power of her name as she travels along the river she was named after.
	Where three oceans meet	Rajani LaRocca	2021	978-1419741296	G3-5	Contemporary fic	Sejal travels from Bangalore to southern India with her immigrant mother and Indian grandmother, experiencing language and cultural connections along the way.
	Say My Name	Joanna Ho	2023	978-0063205338	G3-5	Poetry	Celebrates the beauty and sounds of each name alongside their culture of origin.
	Homeland: my father dreams of Palestine	Hannah Moushabeck	2023	978-1797202051	G3-5	Autobiography	At bedtime, three sisters snuggle as their father shares stories of their homeland, Palestine, inspiring dreams of its sights and smells.
	In my mosque	M.O. Yuksel	2021	978-0062978707	K-2	Contemporary nonfic	Readers are introduced to Islam, Muslims, and mosques worldwide, celebrating them as community centers of worship and friendship, with the welcoming "as-salaamu alaykum," plus back matter for further information.
	Goodnight Ganesha	Madia Salomon	2021	978-0593203613	K-2	Contemporary fic	Celebrate the nighttime rituals (Hinduism) of two young children visiting their grandparents in India.
	Anansi and the Colorful Kente Cloth	Jerry G. White	2021	978-1734450477	K-2	Folktale (Incorporate Ghanaian words)	Told by the Griots (storytellers), the Anansi spider tales are believed to have originated from the Ashanti people in Ghana.
	Confucius: Great Teacher of China	Demi	2023	978-1620141939	G3-5	Biography	Biography of a man whose philosophy shaped the course of Chinese history: the great teacher Confucius.
	The story of Ukraine : an anthem of glory and freedom	Olena Kharchenko, Michael Sampson	2022	978-1612546087	G3-5	Informational (Ukrainian and English bilingual)	This bilingual picture book celebrates Ukraine through its national anthem, showcasing its people and culture with folklore-style illustrations that highlight their willingness to defend their country.
	Milloo's Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women's Education	Reem Faruqi	2023	978-0063056619	G3-5	Biography	Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, provided education to girls across Pakistan when girls weren't encouraged to go to school.
Strength through Relationships	I talk like a river	Jordan Scott	2020	978-0823445592	K-2	Contemporary fic	A boy's experiencs and feelings related to his speech disability while highlighting his connection to nature and his cultural identity.
	Forever cousins	Laurel Goodluck	2022	978-1623542924	K-2	Contemporary fic	Two Native American cousins navigate the changes in their friendship whe one moves to the city.
	Circle of love	Monique Gray Smith	2024	978-0063078703	G3-5	Contemporary fic	At the Intertribal Community Center, Molly and her family engage in dancing, gardening, and learning, celebrating gender and family diversity along with Indigenous identities.
	When the stars came home	Brittany Luby	2023	978-0316592499	G3-5	Contemporary fic	The significance of the stars in her culture and the importance of community, family, and connection to the land.
	Kindred spirits : shilombish ittibachvffa	Leslie Stall Widener	2024	978-1623543969	G3-5	Contemporary nonfic	This nonfiction picture book tells the heartwarming true story of how groups of people living on separate continents supported each other.
	The talk	Alicia D. Williams	2022	978-1534495296	K-2	Contemporary fic	Told through Jay's eyes, this story explores Black and Brown families' challenging conversations about staying safe in a racist world as their children grow older and more vulnerable.
	Born ready: the true story of a boy named Penelope	Jodie Patterson	2021	978-0593123638	K-2	Contemporary nonfic	Penelope, who identifies as a boy despite his name, expresses that gender isn't a big deal in his Twi culture, and when he shares his truth, he finds support from his community.
	The Arabic Quilt	Aya Khalil	2020	978-0884487548	K-2	Contemporary fic	Kanzi's family has moved from Egypt to America, and on her first day in a new school, what she wants more than anything is to fit in.
	The day Saida arrived	Susana Gómez Redondo	2020	978-1733121255	K-2	Contemporary fic (Incorporate Arabic)	The friendship between a little girl and her new classmate from Morocco deepens as they learn each other’s language.
	The legend of Gravity: A tall basketball tale	Charly Palmer	2022	978-0374313289	G3-5	Contemporary fic	This modern tall tale celebrates talent and teamwork as Gravity, the new kid known for defying gravity in streetball, rallies his team to win during the championships.
	The year we learned to fly	Jacqueline Woodson	2022	978-0399545535	G3-5	Contemporary fic	A brother and sister heed their grandmother's advice to honor their history and help others in their new community learn to fly.
	The day you begin	Jacqueline Woodson	2018	978-0399246531	G3-5	Contemporary fic	Empower children who feel different from others.
	Areli is a dreamer	Areli Morales	2021	978-1984893994	K-2	Contemporary nonfic	Areli's experiences as an undocumented immigrant living in the United States, emphasizing her cultural background rooted in Mexican heritage.
	Spanish is the language of my family	Michael Genhart	2023	978-0823450046	G3-5	Contemporary fic (Incorporate Spanish)	As Abuelita helps Manolo prepare for a spelling bee, her stories of Spanish being prohibited inspire pride in his language.
	Just Ask!: Be different, be brave, be you	Sonia Sotomayor	2019	978-0525514121	G3-5	Contemporary fic	Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have.
	No mas Senora Mimi	Meg Medina	2024	978-1536239294	G3-5	Contemproary fic (Spanish/English bilingual)	The relationship between a girl named Ana and her caregiver señora Mimí, when Mimí is no longer required to babysit.
	100 Chapatis,	Derek Mascarenhas & Shantala Robinson	2023	978-1771475631	K-2	Contemporary fic	A boy makes 100 chapatis with his grandfather while anxiously waiting for news of his new sibling's arrival.
	I Have a Secret / Tengo un Secreto	Maritere Rodriguez Bellas	2024	978-1734450422	K-2	Contemporary fic (Spanish/English bilingual)	Worried that sharing his last name will reveal his secret, a boy happily starts school where only his first name is needed.
	Drawn together	Minh Lê	2018	978-1484767603	K-2	Contemporary fic	A young boy & his Thai-speaking grandfather cross linguistic, cultural & generational borders through drawing action figures & sharing their imaginations.
	Amah Faraway	Margaret Chiu Greanias	2022	978-1547607211	K-2	Contemporary fic (Incorporate Taiwanese)	Nervous about visiting her Amah in Taiwan, Kylie gains confidence by seeing the country through her grandmother's eyes.
	When Lola visits	Michelle Sterling	2021	978-0062972859	K-2	Contemporary fic	It's summer, evident by Lola's visit and her gentle songs in Tagalog and Ilocano filling the house.
	Maribel's year	Michelle Sterling	2023	978-0063114357	G3-5	Contemporary fic based on true event	In a new country and school, Maribel navigates friendships, but one thing remains certain: she won't forget her Papa, even from 8,000 miles away in the Philippines.
	Where butterflies fill the sky: a story of immigration, family and finding home	Zahra Marwan	2022	978-1547606511	G3-5	Contemporary fic based on true event	Zahra, surrounded by the desert and butterflies, is heartbroken when her family must leave their beautiful home, unsure if she'll ever belong again or what will happen to those left behind.
	I am you: a book about Ubuntu	Zinelda McDonald	2022	978-1542035668	K-2	Contemporary fic	The complex African concept of ubuntu (shared humanity, compassion, and oneness) accessible for young readers.
	Dancing hands: A story of friendship in Filipino sign language	Joanna Que	2023	978-1797213323	K-2	Contemporary fic (Filipino Sign Language)	Celebrate the beauty of communication and connection through the story of two friends who bond over dancing and Filipino Sign Language.
	Sitting Shiva	Erin Silver	2022	978-1459827721	K-2	Contemporary fic	A little girl grieves the loss of her mother, but she can’t grieve alone.
	The big bad wolf in my house	Valerie Fontaine	2021	978-1773065014	G3-5	Contemporary fic	Using the "big bad wolf" as a metaphor for an abusive family member, the story explores the emotional impact of an unsafe home through the young protagonist's perspective, highlighting their journey toward safety and healing.
	Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott	Joyce Scott	2021	978-0525648116	G3-5	Biography	Judith Scott, born with Down syndrome and deaf, became a renowned artist after her sister Joyce enrolled her in an art class, leading to her work being displayed in museums worldwide.
Forced and Chosen Journeys	Coming home: A Hopi resistance story	Mavasta Honyouti	2024	978-1646144570	K-2	Historical fic based on true events (Incorporate Hopi language)	The story of his grandfather’s experience at a residential boarding school and how he returned home to pass their woodcarving traditions down to future generations.
	My powerful hair	Carole Lindstom	2023	978-1419759437	K-2	Historical/contemporary fic based on true event	A young Native American girl embraces her cultural heritage and identity by growing her hair long, reclaiming a significant family tradition.
	She persisted: Maria Tallchief	Christina Day	2021	978-0593115817	G3-5	Biography	Despite being told to change her Osage name to sound more Russian, Maria worked hard and became America's first prima ballerina, proudly embracing her identity.
	Ablaze with color: A story of painter Alma Thomas	Jeanne Walker Harvey	2022	978-0063021891	K-2	Biography	The story of Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York City and to have her work chosen for the White House collection.
	Traveling shoes : the story of Willye White, US Olympian and long jump champion	Alice Faye Duncan	2023	978-1635925807	G3-5	Biography	Willye White's inspiring journey as the first female athlete in five Olympic Games showcases her triumph over childhood hardships and discrimination as she became a world-class athlete and civil rights advocate.
	The 1619 project: born on the water	Nikole Hannah-Jones	2021	978-0593307359	G3-5	Historical nonfic/contemporary fic	A young girl seeks Grandma's counsel and learns about her ancestors, the consequences of slavery, and the history of Black resistance in the United States.
	An American story	Kwame Alexander	2023	978-0316473125	G3-5	Historical nonfic/contemporary fic	A picture book in verse that threads together past and present to explore the legacy of slavery during a classroom lesson.
	Bright star	Yuyi Morales	2021	978-0823443284	K-2	Contemporary fic (Incorporate Spanish)	Yuyi Morales combines powerful language and rich imagery to tell the story of a fawn navigating a dangerous yet beautiful landscape, urged by a gentle voice to confront her fears and overcome obstacles.
	Still dreaming	Claudia Guadalupe	2022	978-0892394340	G3-5	Historical fic based on true events (Spanish/English bilingual)	A boy and his family leave their beloved home to avoid being separated by the government. (Mexican repatriation)
	Hear my voice: The testimonies of children detained at the southern border of the US	Warren Binford	2021	978-1523513482	G3-5	Contemporary nonfic (Spanish/English bilingual)	A devastating first-person account of children’s experiences in detention at the southern U.S. border.
	Finding Papa	Angela Pham Krans	2023	978-0063060968	K-2	Contemporary fic based on true event	Young Mai and her mother’s perilous journey from Vietnam to America to find Papa—who left ahead of them to start a better life for their family.
	Love in the library	Maggie Tokuda-Hall	2022	978-1536204308	G3-5	Historical fic based on true events	Set in an incarceration camp where the United States cruelly detained Japanese Americans during WWII and based on true events, this moving love story finds hope in heartbreak.
	Alicia and the Hurricane	Leslea Newman	2022	978-0892394555	K-2	Contemporary fic based on true event (Spanish/English bilingual)	Alicia is afraid for the tiny coquis, little frogs that sing her to sleep, when a hurricane hits.
	A Long Journey to Safety	Diep Nguyen	2019	978-0999397862	G3-5	Historical fic based on true events (Vietnamese/English bilingual)	This is a story of Vietnamese people who left their homeland in search of a safer land, one with more opportunities for survival and growth.
	Caged	Kao Kalia Yang	2024	978-1984816368	G3-5	Contemporary fic based on true event	A young Hmong child in a Thai refugee camp feels that she lives in a cage but uses her imagination to travel beyond the borders of the walls—as a child of hope, not despair.
	The moon from Dehradun: A story of partition	Shirin Shamsi	2022		G3-5	Historical fic based on true events	Azra’s family is drastically forced to leave their quiet home in India, jump into a packed train and cross Pakistan´s recently drawn borders during the Partition of British India.
Taking Action	Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior	Carole Lindstrom	2023	978-1250795274	K-2	Contemporary fic based on true event	Indigenous women have long cared for the land and water. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities in danger.
	We are still here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know	Traci Sorell	2011	978-1623541927	G3-5	Contemporary nonfic	Key historical and contemporary issues affecting Native American communities, using a classroom presentation format on topics such as assimilation are presented.
	Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series	Traci Sorell; Arigon Starr	2023	978-0593406472	G3-5	Historical nonfic	Native American baseball players' contributions to the sport and their shared dream of winning a World Series.
	Wilma's way home: The life of Wilma Mankiller		2019	978-1484747186	G3-5	Biography	Wilma Mankiller was the first woman elected to be Chief of Cherokee Nation.
	Ida B. Wells marches for the vote	Dinah Johnson	2024	978-0316322478	K-2	Biography	Biography about Ida B. Wells and her life as a suffragist, with a focus on the Women's March of 1913.
	Hidden figures: The true story of four black women and the space race	Margot Lee Shetterly	2018	978-0062742469	G3-5	Biography	Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, all skilled in math, contributed to some of NASA's greatest successes.
	Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement	Angela Joy	2022	978-1250220950	G3-5	Biography	Emmett Till channeled grief over her son's death into a call to action for the civil rights movement.
	Stacey Abrams and the fight to vote	Traci N. Todd	2022	978-0063139770	G3-5	Biography	Iconic African American social justice champions narrate the life of Stacey Abrams & her fight for voters’ rights.
	Sofia Valdez, future prez	Andrea Beaty	2019	978-1419737046	K-2	Contemporary fic	When her Abuelo hurts his ankle at the landfill, Sofia decides to take on City Hall & maybe even become president.
	The little blue bridge	Brenda Maier	2021	978-1338538014	K-2	Contemporary folklore	This modern twist on a classic tale blends folklore, feminism, STEM, and a Latinx cast into a delightful read-aloud that celebrates creativity and community.
	The flying girl : how Aida de Acosta learned to soar	Margarita Engle	2018	978-1481445023	K-2	Biography	Aída de Acosta became the first woman to fly a mechanized aircraft in 1903 when she piloted an airship.
	Barrio rising : the protest that built Chicano Park	Dolores Maria Aguila	2024	978-0593462072	K-2	Historical fic	Mexican-American community members unite to protest a police station on parkland, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub with colorful murals celebrating their heritage.
	Until someone listens : a story about borders, family, and one girl's mission	Estela Juarez	2022	978-1250832122	G3-5	Autobiography	This is the true story of Estela Juarez, a young American girl who writes letters to her local newspaper, Congress, and the president, pleading for help to reunite her family after her mother’s deportation.
	Queen of Leaves : the story of botanist Ynes Mexia	Stephen Briseno	2023	978-1959244011	G3-5	Biography	Ynes Mexia overcomes a lonely childhood to become a self-taught botanist and adventurer.
	Just wild enough : Mireya Mayor, primatologist	Marta Magellan	2022	978-0807540855	G3-5	Biography	Despite being told she didn’t look like a scientist, Mireya forges a career as a primatologist and wildlife reporter.
	Phenomenal AOC: the roots and rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez	Anika Aldamuy Denise	2022	978-0063113749	G3-5	Biography	In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became America's youngest congresswoman, rising as an unstoppable force in politics.
	Mario and the hole in the sky: how a chemist saved our planet	Elizabeth Rusch	2019	978-1580895811	G3-5	Biography	Mexican American Mario Molina is a modern-day hero who helped solve the ozone crisis of the 1980s.
	Best believe : the Tres Hermanas, a sisterhood for the common good	NoNieqa Ramos	2024	978-1728460444	G3-5	Biography	Three sisters who immigrated from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and became leaders in their Bronx community.
	Swimming toward a dream : Yusra Mardini's incredible journey from refugee to Olympic swimmer	Reem Faruqi	2023	978-1645679837	K-2	Biography	Yusra's harrowing true story recounts her journey from war-torn Syria across the Aegean Sea to safety, where she pursued her dream of competing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
	A life made by hand : the story of Ruth Asawa	Andrea D'Aquino	2019	978-1616898366	K-2	Biography	Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) was an influential and award-winning Japanese American sculptor and devoted activist who advocated tirelessly for arts education.
	The great banned-books bake sale	Aya Khalil	2023	978-0884489672	G3-5	Contemporary fic	Kanzi, an immigrant from Egypt, discovers that books about immigrant youth and children of color have been banned and organizes a bake sale to fund the purchase of diverse books.
	Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom	Teresa Robeson	2019	978-1454932208	G3-5	Biography	Born in China 100 years ago when most girls did not attend school, Wu Chien Shiung's supportive parents nurtured her passion for science, allowing her to overcome sexism and racism to become the "Queen of Physics," as dubbed by Newsweek magazine.
	Playing at the border: A story of Yo-Yo Ma	Joanna Ho	2021	978-0062994547	G3-5	Biography	The story of Yo-Yo Ma highlights his efforts to challenge conventions and unite communities by staying true to himself, exemplified by his performance at the US-Mexico border at the Rio Grande on April 13, 2019.
	The language of angels : a story about the reinvention of Hebrew	Richard Michelson	2017	978-1580896368	K-2	Historica nonfic	Based on a true story, in 1880s Jerusalem Ben-Zion and his father work to revitalize Hebrew as an everyday language.
	One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University	M.O. Yuksel	2021	978-0063032910	K-2	Biography	Fatima al-Fihri's love for learning drove her to establish a school that has served global students and scholars for over a thousand years.
	Emmanuel's dream: The true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah	Laurie Ann Thompson	2015	978-0449817445	K-2	Biography	Emmanuel's journey across Ghana highlights his efforts to raise awareness about disabilities while overcoming physical challenges, emphasizing the country's cultural and social context.
	King Sejong invents an alphabet	Carol Kim	2021	978-0807541616	G3-5	Biography (Incorporate Korean language)	In 15th-century Korea, distressed by the complexity of Chinese characters that limited literacy to the wealthy, King Sejong secretly worked for years to create a new Korean alphabet for all.
	Lion lights: My invention that made peace with lions	Richard Tuere	2022	978-0884488859	G3-5	Contemporary nonfic	A young Maasai boy invented a ssytem of blinking lights that protexts farm animals from predators.
	Fighting for Yes! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann	Maryann Cocca-Leffler,	2022	978-1419755606	G3-5	Biography	Celebrate the life and work of disability rights activist and icon Judith Heumann, highlighting one of her landmark achievements—leading the historic 504 Sit-in in 1977.
	Sharuko: Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello	Monica Brown; Elisa Chavarri	2020	978-0892394234	G3-5	Biography (Spanish/English bilingual)	Growing up in the late 1800s, Julio Tello, an Indigenous boy, spent time exploring the caves and burial grounds in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes

Multicultural Curriculum Department Books for Review and Governing Board Approval Middle
Themes	Title	Author	Date	ISBN	GD	Genre	Synopsis
What Makes Us Who We Are	Native Mascots, Myths and Misrepresentation: Battling Indigenous Stereotypes	Cayla Bellanger DeGroat	2024	979-8765625552	G 6-8	Contemporary nonfic	The MC department sees the book as a tool to educate students on harmful Native American stereotypes.
	Ancestor Approved: Intertribal stories for kids	Cynthia Leitich Smith	2021	978-0062869944	G 6-8	Anthology and folktales	This intertribal tale collection celebrates Indigenous traditions, wisdom, and diversity, highlighting shared experiences, cultural interconnectedness, and storytelling’s role in preserving heritage and fostering understanding.
	The woman in the woods and other North American stories	Kate Ashwin	2022	978-1945820977	G 6-8	Folktales graphic novel	This collection explores Indigenous myths, legends, and experiences, highlighting connections among people, nature, and heritage.
	Bright stars: Great artists who died too young	Kate Bryan	2021	978-0711251731	G 6-8	Biography	Influencial artists who made a laasting impact before their early deaths.
	Star child: A biographical constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler	Ibi Zoboi	2023	978-0399187384	G 6-8	Biography poem/prose	the young life of the visionary storyteller Octavia E. Butler in poems and prose.
	Just Jerry : how drawing shaped my life	Jerry Pinkney	2023	978-0316383851	G 6-8	Memoir	Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney shares his childhood journey and the development of his artistic talent.
	Hands	Torrey Maldonado	2023	978-0593323793	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Twelve-year-old Trevor takes up boxing to protect his family, though he’d rather pursue drawing.
	They call me guero: A border kid's poems	David Bowles	2018	978-0593462553	G 6-8	Poetry	Twelve-year-old Güero, a bilingual Mexican American, starts 7th grade with a teacher who makes poetry cool.
	Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir	Pedro Martin	2023	978-0593462287	G 6-8	Memoir	A Mexican American boy’s family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico.
	The other half of happy	Rebecca Balcarcel	2019	978-1452169989	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Quijana’s Guatemalan cousins arrive, and her dad feels ashamed of her limited knowledge of their heritage.
	Ultraviolet	Aida Salazar	2024	978-1338775655	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Thirteen-year-old Elio navigates first love, heartbreak, friendship, and masculinity while challenging a culture of toxicity.
	Barakah Beats	Maleeha Siddiqui	2021	978-1338702064	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Twelve-year-old Nimra Sharif has spent her whole life in Islamic school, but now it's time to go to "real school."
	Finally seen	Kelly Yang	2023	978-1665947930	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Lina struggles to adjust after emigrating from China, feeling invisible compared to her assimilated younger sister.
	The door is open : stories of celebration and community by 11 Desi voices	Veera Hiranandani and more	2024	978-0316450638	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	This warm-hearted novel explores fear, triumph, and celebration through interconnected South Asian American community stories.
	Samira surfs	Rukhsanna Guidroz	2021	978-1984816191	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel	Eleven-year-old Rohingya refugee Samira finds strength and sisterhood in a girls' surf club in Bangladesh.
	Ida in the middle	Nora Lester Murad	2022	978-1623716868	G 6-8		Ida, a young Palestinian girl, navigates identity and resilience in a novel depicting her authentic experience.
Strength through Relationships	A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems	Gary D. Schmidt	2024	978-0358683421	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	A young superhero discovers that even minor powers bring challenges, teaching responsibility and wise use of abilities.
	Heroes of the water monster	Brian Young	2024	978-0062990433	G 6-8	Contemporary fic Navajo myth	Young Indigenous boy Ayo embarks on a journey to save his friends, discovering culture, courage, and friendship.
	Healer of the water monster	Brian Young	2021	978-0062990402	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Inspired by Navajo culture, this novel follows a boy’s summer shaped by his uncle’s addiction and a sacred encounter.
	Two tribes	Emily Bowen Cohen	2023	978-0062983596	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Two girls from different cultures navigate friendship, identity, and the challenges within their communities.
	We still belong	Christine Day	2023	978-0063064560	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Young Native girl Kimi embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with heritage, family, and community.
	I can make this promise	Christine Day	2019	978-0062871992	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Twelve-year-old Edie discovers letters and photos revealing truths about her Native mother’s adoption, reshaping her identity.
	The sea in winter	Christine Day	2021	978-0062872043	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Injured ballerina Maisie reluctantly embarks on a midwinter road trip to her mother’s Makah community.
	Remember us	Jacqueline Woodson	2023	978-0399545467	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	During a transformative Brooklyn summer, twelve-year-old Sage navigates identity, friendship, loss, and new beginnings alongside Freddy.
	School trip (series #2)	Jerry Craft	2023	978-0062885548	G 6-8	Contemporary fic graphic novel	Eighth grader Drew Ellis recognizes that he isn't afforded the same opportunities, no matter how hard he works.
	Before the ever after	Jacqueline Woodson	2022	978-0399545436	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	A boy struggles with his father’s fading legacy and memory loss while navigating family and life changes.
	The Probability of Everything	Sarah Everett	2024	978-0063256552	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Eleven-year-old Kemi Carter sees life through probability, believing she beat the odds with her incredible family.
	The playbook : 52 rules to aim, shoot, and score in this game called life	Kwame Alexander	2017	978-0544570979	G 6-8	Contemporary nonfic poetry	Kwame Alexander shares poetry, life lessons, and inspiring quotes from athletes and leaders in this motivational book.
	Look both ways : a tale told in ten blocks	Jason Reynolds	2019	978-1481438285	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	A collection of ten short stories that all take place in the same day about kids walking home from school.
	Not an easy win	Chrystal D. Giles	2023	978-0593175248	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	welve-year-old Lawrence struggles after his Pop leaves, but discovering chess helps turn his life around.
	Aniana del Mar jumps in	Jasminne Mendez	2023	978-0593531815	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel	Aniana del Mar loves swimming, but she and Papi hide her practices from Mami’s painful past.
	Mani Semilla finds her quetzal voice	Anna Lapera	2024	978-1646143719	G 6-8	Contemproary fic	Before a trip to Guatemala, Mani discovers letters that spark questions about her family’s past and departure.
	The circuit	Andrew Rostan	2024	978-0358348214	G 6-8	Memoir graphic novel	Jiménez’s adult memoir highlighting his childhood immigrating from Mexico to California
	Tumble	C Celia Perez	2022	978-0593325179	G 6-8	Contemproary fic	Before accepting her stepfather’s adoption, twelve-year-old Adela reconnects with her estranged luchador father and wrestling family.
	Merci Suarez changes gears	Meg Medina	2018	978-0763690496	G 6-8	Contemproary fic	Merci Suárez navigates sixth grade, balancing scholarship challenges, family responsibilities, and fitting in at her private school.
	You are here : connecting flight	Ellen Oh	2023	978-0063239081	G 6-8	Contemproary fic	This book examines Asian American passengers at an airport, highlighting microaggressions they experience while navigating toward their gates.
	Red, White, and Whole	Rajani LaRocca	2023	978-0063047426	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel	An Indian American girl whose life is turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia.
	Wishing upon the same stars	Jacquetta Nammar Feldman	2022	978-0063034389	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	The Israeli-Palestinian conflict shapes this middle-grade novel as Arab American Yasmeen Khoury faces moving from Detroit to Texas.
	A first time for everything	Dan Santat	2023	978-1626724150	G 6-8	Contemporary nonfic graphic novel	Bullied and feeling invisible, Dan has low expectations for his class trip to Europe—until everything changes.
	When you trap a tiger	Tae Keller	2020	978-1524715700	G 6-8	Contemporary fantasy with Korean folktale	When Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move in with her sick grandmother, Lily traps a tiger and makes a deal with him to heal Halmoni.
	Stargazing	Jen Wang	2019	978-1250183873	G 6-8	Contemporary fic graphic novel	Perfectionist Christine and free-spirited Moon form an unlikely friendship, tested by jealousy, social pressures, and illness.
	Blood Brothers	Rob Sanders	2022	978-1478869276	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel based on true event	This heartbreaking verse novel, based on a true story, follows three hemophiliac brothers with HIV in 1987.
	The Kaya girl	Mamle Wolo	2022	978-0316703932	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Wolo invites readers into a Ghanaian marketplace where two girls overcome language and class barriers.
	The lost year: A survival story of the Ukrainian famine	Katherine Marsh	2023	978-1250313607	G 6-8	Contemporary/historical fic based on true event	A 13-year-old uncovers his great-grandmother’s past, linking the 2020s pandemic to 1930s Ukraine’s Holodomor.
Forced and Chosen Journeys	Borders	Thomas King	2022	978-0316593069	G 6-8	Contemporary fic graphic novel	A Native mother and son face identity and belonging struggles when denied U.S. entry at the border.
	Lei and the Fire Goddess	Malia Maunakea	2024	978-0593522035	G 6-8	Contemporary Fantasy/Myth	Lei embarks on a daring journey to confront the Fire Goddess and protect her island.
	Eagle drums	Nasugraq Rainey Hopson	2023	978-1250750655	G 6-8	Myth	A young hunter climbs a deadly mountain for obsidian and faces the powerful eagle god, Savik.
	Indian no more	Willing Charlene McManis	2019	978-1620148396	G 6-8	Historical fic	Regina struggles to maintain her Indian identity after her Umpqua tribe’s termination forces relocation to L.A.
	Stone River crossing	Tim TIngle	2019	978-1620148235	G 6-8	Historical fic	Martha Tom, a Choctaw girl, befriends Lil Mo, an enslaved boy, after crossing the Bok Chitto River.
	Finding Langston	Lesa Cline-Ransome	2020	978-0823439607	G 6-8	Historical fic	In 1946, after his mother’s death, Langston moves away, leaving behind family, friends, and cherished memories.
	Land of the Cranes	Aida Salazar	2020	978-1338343809	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel	A young Mexican girl clings to hope and love while enduring life in a family detention center.
	Across so many seas	Ruth Behar	2024	978-0593323403	G 6-8	Historical fic	Spanning five centuries, this novel follows four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many forced to flee their homeland and start anew.
	Sing it like Celia	Monica Mancillas	2024	978-0593659304	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Mexican American singer Celia learns to find her voice with the help of her role model and icon, Celia Cruz.
	Cece Rios and the desert of souls	Kaela Rivera	2021	978-0062947550	G 6-8	Fantasy	When a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back
	Unsettled	Reem Faruqi	2021	978-0063044708	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel	A girl who moves from Karachi, Pakistan, to Peachtree City, Georgia, and must find her footing in a new world.
	Lupe Wong won't dance	Barba Donna Higuera	2020	978-1646140039	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Lupe Wong knows she’s going to play in the majors someday, but for now, she just has to get straight As so she can meet baseball player Fu Li Hernandez.
	Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration	Elizabeth Partridge	2022	978-1452165103	G 6-8	Historical nonfic	Powerful images of the Japanese American incarceration captured by three photographers.
	Prairie lotus	Linda Sue Park	2020	978-1328781505	G 6-8	Historical fic based on true event	In 1880s Dakota Territory, half-Chinese Hanna and her father face racism while building their home.
	A place to belong	Cynthia Kadohata	2019	978-1481446648	G 6-8	Historical fic	Twelve-year-old Hanako's family, after internment, renounces citizenship and moves to Hiroshima, devastated by war.
	The first state of being	Entrada Erin Kelly	2024	978-0063337312	G 6-8	Contemporary fantasy	Trapped in 1999, time traveler Ridge befriends lonely Michael, altering both their lives forever.
	Safiyyah's war	Hiba Noor Khan	2023	978-0063351868	G 6-8	Historical fic based on true event	As war engulfs Paris, Safiyyah bravely navigates danger to aid the Resistance and save her father.
	The Eagle Huntress	Aisholpan Nurgaiv	2020	978-0316522618	G 6-8		A thirteen-year-old Kazakh girl named Aisholpan Nurgaiv tells the story of her journey to become the first female eagle huntress in Mongolia.
	The blackbird girls	Anne Blankman	2021	978-1984837356	G 6-8	Historical fic	Two fifth-grade adversaries become best friends while enduring Chernobyl’s aftermath, abuse, anti-Semitism, and Soviet oppression.
	In the tunnel	Julie Lee	2023	978-0823450398	G 6-8	Historical fic	During the Korean War, Myung-gi embarks on a perilous journey to find his father and survive.
	When stars are scattered	Victoria Jamieson	2020	978-0525553915	G 6-8	Contemporary nonfic graphic novel	Omar must choose between attending school or caring for his nonverbal brother in a refugee camp.
	Your heart my sky	Margarita Engle	2021	978-1534464964	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel based on true event	During the 1991 Havana Pan-Am Games, young lovers plan their escape from hunger and oppression.
	Drawn across borders: True stories of human migration	George Butler	2021	978-1536217759	G 6-8	Contemporary nonfic	George Butler's portraits depict migrants and refugees, highlighting the complex reasons people leave their homes.
Taking Action	Indigenous ingenuity: A celebration of traditional North American knowledge	Deidre Havrelock	2023	978-0316413336	G 6-8	Biography	Discover Indigenous North Americans' innovations in transportation, engineering, hunting, astronomy, medicine, architecture, and agriculture.
	Little by little: You can change the world	Sonya Ballantyne	2024	978-1774920985	G 6-8	Contemporary fic graphic novel	The power of small actions in making a positive impact on their communities and the world.
	Mascot	Charles Waters	2023	978-1623543808	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel	the story of a middle school student confronting the complex issues of racism, identity, and community after his school’s mascot is challenged for being offensive.
	Crazy Horse and Custer : born enemies	S. D. Nelson	2021	978-1419731938	G 6-8	Biography	With vivid images, this dual biography explores two enemies whose conflict profoundly shaped American history.
	Evicted! : the struggle for the right to vote	Faye Alice Duncan	2022	978-1684379798	G 6-8	Historical nonfic	This book explores Tennessee's 1950s Tent City Movement and the fight for voting rights.
	Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter	Veronica Chambers	2021	978-0358573418	G 6-8	Contemporary/historical nonfic	Explore Black Lives Matter through striking photographs, in-depth reporting, stunning visual timelines and graphics, and compelling quotes.
	Becoming Muhammad Ali	James Patterson	2022	978-0316498166	G 6-8	Biographical verse novel	Before fame, Cassius Clay faced struggles, racism, and school challenges before discovering boxing in his youth.
	Flood City	Daniel Jose Older	2021	978-1338111125	G 6-8	Science fic	Water shortages and conservation
	Miles Morales: Shock waves	Justin A-Reynolds	2021	978-1338648041	G 6-8	Contemporary fic graphic novel	Miles Morales balances school and heroism while organizing a fundraiser for Puerto Rico after an earthquake.
	Turtles of the midnight moon	Jose Maria Fitzgerald	2023	978-0593488713	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Eco-mystery about two girls trying to stop sea turtle poaching in their coastal Honduran village.
	A Seed in the Sun	Aida Salazar	2022	978-0593406601	G 6-8	Historical fic verse noval based on true event	A farm-working girl with big dreams meets activist Dolores Huerta and joins the 1965 protest for workers’ rights
	Singing with elephants	Margarita Engle	2022	978-0593206690	G 6-8	Contemporary fic verse novel	Eleven-year-old Cuban-born Oriol struggles to belong while helping her parents care for injured animals.
	Spare parts : four undocumented teenagers, one ugly robot, and the battle for the American dream	Joshua Davis & Reyna Grande (adapter)	2023	978-0374388614	G 6-8	Nonfic	Four undocumented Mexican secondary students living in Phoenix, AZ win a national robotics competition despite having few resources.
	We're in this together : a young readers edition of We are not here to be bystanders	Linda Sarsour	2022	978-1534439290	G 6-8	Memoir	This memoir traces Palestinian American Sarsour’s journey to activism, organizing historic U.S. protests for justice.
	I'm from here too	Kashmira Sheth	2024	978-1682636060	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	Anoop's patka draws unwanted attention, sparking reflection on faith, identity, belonging, family, and rising Sikh attacks.
	Finally seen	Kelly Yang	2023	978-1665947930	G 6-8	Contemporary fic	When a parent challenges a book, Lina bravely speaks up, defending its impact on her.
	Mamie Takes a Stand: The true story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American girl's fight for school rights	Marie Chan	2024	978-0736987325	G 6-8	Historical nonfic	Eight-year-old Mamie Tape's fight for education challenges San Francisco's exclusion of Chinese American students.
	Solimar : the sword of the Monarchs	Pam Muñoz Ryan	2022	978-1484728352	G 6-8		Ryan brings to life a captivating story set in Mexico where a Princess with Spanish & Indigenous heritage must fight for her people.
	One life	Sarah Durand	2021	978-0593203415	G 6-8	Biography	This memoir of a soccer star and queer activist inspires young readers to stand up for their beliefs.
	Rolling warrior : the incredible, sometimes awkward, true story of a rebel girl on wheels who helped spark a revolution	Judith Heumann	2021	978-0807003596	G 6-8	Memoir	A memoir of Jewish disability rights activist Judish Heumann, who led the longest sit-in protest in US history.
	Grasping mysteries : girls who loved math	Jeannine Atkins	2021	978-1534460683	G 6-8	Biography verse novel	This book highlights seven groundbreaking women in math and science who made remarkable contributions.
	The Djinn's apple	Djamila Morani	2024	978-1911107859	G 6-8	Historical fic	Set in the Abbasid period, Nardeen escapes an attack on her home and seeks justice.
	Finish the fight: the brave and revolutionary women who fought for the right to vote	Veronica Chambers	2020	978-0358408307	G 6-8	Biography/Memoir poems	Untold stories of diverse heroines who fought for the 19th Amendment, shaping women's and voting rights.
	Rima’s Rebellion: Courage in a Time of Tyranny	Margarita Engle	2023	978-1534486935	G 6-8	Historical fic verse novel based on true event	A girl falling in love for the first time while finding the courage to protest for women’s right to vote in 1920s Cuba.

Multicultural Curriculum Department Books for Review and Governing Board Approval Middle
Themes	Title	Author	Date	ISBN	Grade	Genre	Synopsis
What Makes Us Who We Are	The firekeeper's daughter	Angeline Boulley	2021	978-1250766564	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Daunis, a biracial, unenrolled tribal member, grapples with identity, family, and Indigenous experiences.
	The heartbeat of Wounded Knee : life in Native America	David Treuer	2022	978-0593327579	G 9-12	Nonfic	David Treuer blends personal stories, history, and modern issues to offer a nuanced view of Native America.
	Braiding sweetgrass for young adults : indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants	Robin Wall Kimmerer	2022	978-1728458991	G 9-12	Nonfic	An Indigenous lesson on how listening to plants can foster ecological awareness and cultivate deep gratitude.
	Creeboy	Teresa Wouters	2022	978-1459416789	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Josh, 16, grapples with family loyalty as his brother takes over their father’s gang while his mother rejects that life.
	Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask	Anton Treuer	2021	978-1646140459	G 9-12	Nonfic	An essential Q&A book for young readers, exploring Indigenous culture, history, and identity.
	Killing the Wittigo: Indigenous culture-based approaches to waking up, taking action, and doing the work of healing : a book for young adults	Suzanne Methot	2023	978-1770417243	G 9-12	Nonfic	This book addresses colonization's impact on Indigenous youth, promoting healing and mindfulness.
	The power of style: how fashion and beauty are being used to reclaim cultures	Christian Allaire	2021	978-1773214900	G 9-12	Nonfic	Christian Allaire explores how fashion and beauty reclaim culture, identity, and social justice.
	Where you see yourself	Claire Forrest	2023	978-1338813838	G 9-12		Effie, a high school senior, struggles with identity, love, and the consequences of her choices.
	Black enough: stories of being young & Black in America	Various	2019	978-0062698728	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	A collection of coming-of-age short stories that reflect on the African American teenage experience in America.
	Slay	Brittney Morris	2019	978-1534445420	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Seventeen-year-old Keira, an honors student, creates and plays Slay, a game celebrating Black culture, until her worlds collide.
	The moonlit vine	Elizabeth Santiago	2023	978-1643795805	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	14-year-old Taina learns she's descended from Taino women and seeks to bring peace and justice to her family and community.
	Living beyond borders : growing up Mexican in America	Margarita Longoria	2021	978-0593204979	G 9-12	Nonfic (short stories, comics, essays, poems)	An anthology of short stories, essays, poetry, and comics about the Mexican American experience.
	From here	Luma Mufleh	2023	978-0593354452	G 9-12	Nonfic	Zainab, a refugee, navigates displacement and seeks belonging in a new country while discovering her resilience.
	I'd rather burn than bloom	Shannon C.F.	2023	978-1250845665	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	A Filipina-American teen who tries to figure out who she really is in the wake of her mother's death.
	Patron saints of nothing	Randy Ribay	2019	978-0525554912	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Jay travels to the Philippines to uncover the truth behind his cousin Jun’s death, discovering family secrets and his identity.
	A queer history of the United States for young people	Michael Bronski	2019	978-0807056127	G 9-12	Nonfic	A broad history of LGBTQI+ people in the United States over the past 400 years including many biographical narratives.
	Furia	Yamile Saied Mendez	2020	978-1616209919	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Camila lives under her mother's strict expectations, her brother's shadow, and her father's abuse, but dreams of earning a soccer scholarship.
Strength through Relationships	Elatsoe	Darcie Little Badger	2020	978-1646140053	G 9-12	Fantasy	In a world shaped by magic and monsters, Elatsoe navigates mystery, magic, and everyday life.
	The Summer of Bitter and Sweet	Jen Ferguson	2022	978-0063086166	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Lou works at her family’s ice-cream shack with her ex and former best friend, King, forcing her to confront her past.
	Looking for smoke	A.K. Cobell	2024	978-0063318670	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Four teens on the Blackfeet Reservation become suspects after a classmate is murdered during Indian Days celebrations.
	Those pink mountain nights	Jenny Ferguson	2023	978-0063086210	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Three teens spend a weekend at Pink Mountain Pizza, confronting their hurts and realizing how much they need each other to stay strong.
	Where wolves don't die	Anton Treuer	2024	978-1646143818	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	A taut thriller and tender coming-of-age story about an Ojibwe boy learning self-love through his family’s support.
	Keeping it real	Paula Chase	2021	978-0062965691	G 9-12	Contemporary graphic novel	Marigold joins a fashion program at her family's business but struggles with fitting in and tension with a fellow trainee.
	Miles morales: spider-man	Jason Reynolds	2018	978-1484788509	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Miles Morales questions his abilities and identity as Spider-Man after a school suspension.
	The voting booth	Brandy Colbert	2020	978-1368053297	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Marva and Duke face activism, friendship, and personal challenges while fighting voter suppression in a high-stakes election.
	My Name is Jason. Mine too: Our story, Our way	Jason Reynolds/Jason Griffin	2022	978-1534478237	G 9-12	Graphic autobiography	Two Jasons—one Black, one white—pursue their dreams in New York, navigating their artistic journeys as poet and artist.
	Ain't burned all the bright	Jason Reynolds/Jason Griffin	2022	978-1534439467	G 9-12	Contemporary fic graphic novel	A smash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black.
	We deserve monuments	Jas Hammonds	2022	978-1250816559	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Avery moves to her mother’s southern hometown, uncovering family secrets and racial trauma.
	How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe	Raquel Vasquez Gilliland	2021	978-1534448667	G 9-12	Comtemporary fic	A Mexican American teen embarks on a road trip, discovering love and life-changing truths along the way.
	High spirits	Camille Gomera-Tavarez	2022	978-1646141296	G 9-12	Comtemporary fic	Kathy, a Dominican-American teen, navigates identity, relationships, and grief in a multicultural world.
	Where I belong	Marcia Argueta Mickelson	2021	978-1541597976	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Milagros "Millie" Vargas, a Guatemalan American senior, juggles school, family, and her mom's job as a housekeeper in Corpus Christi, Texas.
	Brownstone	Samuel Teer	2024	978-0358394754	G 9-12	Contemporary fic graphic novel	Almudena reconnects with her estranged Guatemalan father as they spend time together in his brownstone, working to rebuild their relationship.
	Canto contigo	Jonny Villa Garza	2024	978-1250875754	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Rafie joins a new high school, where his old flame leads the mariachi band, and he must compete for the lead singer role.
	Guava and grudges	Alexis Castellanos	2024	978-1547613717	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Cuban American teen Ana Maria finds herself falling for Miguel, the son of her family’s rival baking business.
	Hearts of fire and snow	David Bowles	2024	978-1547610044	G 9-12	Contemporary fantasy Aztec tale	Blanca and Greg discover they've been lovers in every lifetime, in a reimagining of the Aztec tale of Popoca and Itzac.
	With love, Echo Park	Taylor Laura Namey	2024	978-1665915366	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Cuban teens Clary and Emilio clash over Echo Park’s future as Clary’s family florist shop, one of the last Cuban businesses, faces a threat.
	Abuela, don't forget me	Rex Ogle	2022	978-1324019954	G 9-12	Autobiography verse novel	In this heartfelt collection, Ogle preserves the gratitude and affection he has for his abuela, whose memories are affected by dementia.
	Everything Sad Is Untrue	Daniel Nayeri	2020	978-1646140008	G 9-12	Autobio	A young Iranian refugee shares his family’s escape from Iran, blending personal history with Persian folklore as he navigates life in the US.
	An impossible thing to say	Arya Shahi	2023	978-0063248359	G 9-12	Contemporary verse novel	An Iranian-American teen uses poetry and rap to connect with his grandfather and navigate post-9/11 prejudice.
	In Limbo	Deb JJ Lee	2023	978-1250252654	G 9-12	Memoir graphic novel	A Korean-American girl faces mental health struggles, friendship changes, and academic challenges while split between New Jersey and Seoul.
	This light between us : a novel of World War II	Xia Andrew Fukuda	2021	978-1250192394	G 9-12	Historical fic	In 1935, Alex Maki and his pen pal, Charlie Levy, form a lifelong friendship that survives WWII and the challenges of internment and occupation.
	Lunar New Year love story	Luen Gene Yang	2024	978-1626728103	G 9-12	Contemporary fic graphic novel	Val, believing she's cursed in love, starts to reconsider after meeting two lion dancers, wondering if true love is possible for her.
	Frankly in love	David Yoon	2019	978-1984812209	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	High school senior Frank Li defies his parents to pursue a girl, only to question love and his identity as his plans fall apart.
	The life and crimes of Hoodie Rosen	Issac Blum	2022	978-0593525821	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Hoodie’s entire Orthodox Jewish community relocates to a small, non-Jewish town that becomes unsafe for Jews.
	Dancing at the pity party : a dead mom graphic memoir	Tyler Felder	2020	978-0525553021	G 9-12	Memoir graphic novel	This graphic memoir takes readers on the journey of Felder’s mother’s initial cancer diagnosis to life as a motherless young adult.
	Louder than hunger	John Schu	2024	978-1536229097	G 9-12		The author's experience - destructive voices inside, managing and articulating pain, and embracing self-acceptance, support, and love.
	All that it ever meant	Blessing Musariri	2023	978-1324030959	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Family, grief, ghosts, and a mystery: this clever and compelling young adult novel heralds a masterful new voice from Zimbabwe.
	Trigger	C.G.Moore	2024	978-1915071538	G 9-12	Contemporary nonfic (fictionalized) verse novel	Jay wakes up beaten, realizing he was raped and may have been betrayed by his ex-boyfriend. With Rain's support, he seeks justice.
Forced and Chosen Journeys	Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of the American Indian Boarding Schools	Dan Sasuweh Jones	2024	978-1338889475	G 9-12	Histofical nonfic	This book examines the painful history of American Indian boarding schools and their lasting impact on children forced to abandon their culture for assimilation.
	Rez Ball	Byron Graves	2023	978-0063160378	G 9-12	Contemporary fic graphic novel	A Native American reservation high school basketball team battles personal struggles and strives for success on and off the court.
	Man made monsters	Andrea L. Rogers	2024	978-1646141791	G 9-12	Historical/Comtemporary/Futuristic fic	A horror collection blending classic monsters with the real terrors of colonialism, domestic violence, and displacement.
	Apple: Skin to the Core	Eric Gansworth	2020	978-1646140138	G 9-12	Memoir verse novel	An Onondaga-Tuscarora family grapples with boarding school legacies, internal struggles, and a young artist's fight to find balance.
	This place : 150 years retold	Tara Audibert	2019	978-1553797586	G 9-12	Science fic	This Place retells 150 years through Indigenous creators' eyes, offering emotional stories of survival, wonder, and time travel since Contact.
	The door of no return (#1)	Kwame Alexander	2022	978-0316441865	G 9-12	Historical fic verse novel	An Asante boy who is captured and taken from his village during the 19th century.
	Black star (#2)	Kwame Alexander	2024	978-0316442596	G 9-12	Hisotical fic verse novel	In The Door of No Return's sequel, 12-year-old Charley, a talented pitcher in segregated Lee's Mill, dreams of pro baseball despite the challenges of being a Black girl in the Great Migration South.
	With the fire on high	Elizabeth Acevedo	2019	978-0062662835	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Teen mother Emoni Santiago struggles with the challenges of finishing high school and her dream of working as a chef.
	Breathe and count back from ten	Natalia Sylvester	2023	978-0358536864	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Peruvian-American teen Verónica, with hip dysplasia, auditions as a mermaid, navigating first love and body image.
	Worm: A Cuban American Odyssey	Edel Rodriguez	2023	978-1250753977	G 9-12	Memoir verse novel	Artist Edel Rodriguez reflects on his Cuban childhood and the Mariel boatlift, told through his illustrations.
	Hurdles in the dark	K Elvira Gonzalez	2024	978-1250847850	G 9-12	Autobiography	The life of Elvira Gonzalez, a Mexican American track star who grew up amid the drug war in South Texas and became one of the top U.S. athletes.
	Only this beautiful moment	Abdi Nazemian	2024	978-0063039377	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Three generations of Iranian men grapple with family secrets, identity, and cultural legacy across time and countries.
	The picture bride	Lee Geum-yi	2022	978-1250808660	G 9-12	Historical fic based on true event	Early 20th-century Korean immigration and arranged marriages in Hawaii, exploring cultural identity, hardship, and the immigrant experience.
	We Are Not Free	Traci Chee	2022	978-0358131434	G 9-12	Historical fic based on true event	1940s: Japanese Americans face discrimination and incarceration, focusing on youth losing their lives.
	The best we could do	Thi Bui	2017	978-1419718779	G 9-12	Autobiography	Thi Bui describes her family's experiences as they immigrate to the United States from their war-torn home in Vietnam.
	Grenade	Alan Gratz	2020	978-1432877477	G 9-12	Historical fic	During the Battle of Okinawa, 14-year-old Hideki is drafted and given grenades. His search for family intersects with Marine Ray, forcing a life-changing choice.
	Himawari house	Harmony Becker	2021	978-1250235565	G 9-12	Contemporary fic graphic novel	Three foreign exchange students and the pleasures, and difficulties, of adjusting to living in Japan.
	Torch	Lyn Miller-Lachmann	2022	978-1728415680	G 9-12	Historical fic based on true event	In 1969 Czechoslovakia, a teen's fatal protest sparks a brutal government investigation into his friends.
	The Guava Tree	Andrew Diaz Winkelmann	2022	979-8985865349	G 9-12	Historical Fiction	In 1967 Cuba, the Diaz family is forced to leave. Ines's childhood keepsakes trigger memories that form the novel's heart.
	Okinawa	Susumy HIga	2023	978-1683961185	G 9-12	Historical fic graphic novel based on true event	Okinawan spirituality, US military occupation, and the senselessness of war collide.
	We are not from here	Jenny Torres Sanchez	2021	978-1984812261	G 9-12	Contemporay fic	Three Guatemalan teens face a perilous journey to the US, seeking a better life.
	Saints of the household	Ari Tison	2023	978-0374389499	G 9-12	Fiction	Bribri American brothers Max and Jay survive an abusive home by sticking to a strict routine and staying under the radar.
	83 days in Mariupol : a war diary	Don Brown	2023	978-0063311565	G 9-12	Contemporary nonfic graphic novel	A graphic novel documenting Mariupol's 2022 defiance against Russian attacks.
	Ukraine remember also me	George Butler	2024	978-1536240436	G 9-12	Historical/Contemporary nonfic	Personal testimonies and accounts from the war in Ukraine, providing a powerful perspective on the impact of conflict.
	Freedom swimmer	Wai Chim	2021	978-1338656138	G 9-12	Historical fic based on true event	During China's Cultural Revolution, orphan Ming and his friend Li plan a daring swim to Hong Kong for freedom.
Taking Action	Warrior girl unearthed	Angeline Boulley	2023	978-1250766588	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Ojibwe teen Daunis navigates identity, family, and community while uncovering heritage secrets and addressing preservation.
	Soldiers unknown	Chag Lowry	2019	978-1942279280	G 9-12	Historical fic based on true event	Follows three Yurok cousins in 1918, called to serve in World War I despite their people’s history of mistreatment by the nation.
	Indigenous cultures today: Protecting Native families and practicing cultural traditions	Cayla Bellanger DeGroat	2025	979-8765629147	G 9-12	Nonfic	Explores how advocates preserve Native families and traditions—languages, religions, ceremonies, and values—in modern Indigenous communities.
	Forever is now	Mariama J. Lockington	2023	978-0374388881	G 9-12	Contemporary fic verse novel	Sadie navigates anxiety, trauma, and activism, grappling with racial injustice and police violence while finding her voice.
	Monumental: Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana	Brian K. Mitchell	2021	978-0917860836	G 9-12	Biography graphic novel	From slavery to Louisiana's first Black lieutenant governor, Oscar James Dunn championed suffrage, civil rights, and integrated schools.
	Victory. Stand: Raising my fist for justice	Dawud Anyabwile	2022	978-1324003908	G 9-12	Biography graphic novel	1968 Olympics: Smith and Carlos's protest against racial injustice sparked ostracism, threats, and hardship.
	When you look like us	Pamela N. Harris	2021	978-0062945891	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Jay searches for his missing sister, Nicole, confronting misperceptions, privilege, and the fight for justice.
	A song below water	Bethany C. Morrow	2020	978-1250315328	G 9-12	Fantasy fic	African mermaid/siren stories with commentary on current-day antiblackness.
	A chorus rises	Bethany C. Morrow	2021	978-1250316035	G 9-12	Fantasy fic	Morrow's second book blends Black siren myths with harsh modern realities for Black people.
	Burn down, rise up	Vincent Tirado	2022	978-1728246000	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Mysterious disappearances, an urban legend, and friends determined to save their city.
	Death's country	R.M. Romero	2024	978-1682636916	G 9-12		In Miami, Brazilian teen Andres makes a deal with Death and must travel to the underworld to save his girlfriend.
	The making of Yolanda la bruja	Lorraine Avila	2023	978-1646142439	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Bronx high school student Yolanda Alvarez navigates friendship, romance, and her family's bruja tradition.
	Fugitive dreams: Chronicles of occupation and resistance	Ramsey Hanhan	2022	978-1953236715	G 9-12	Fictionalized memoir	In post-9/11 America, a Palestinian man confronts human rights abuses and becomes an activist for his daughter's future.
	The silence that binds us	Joanna Ho	2022	978-0063059344	G 9-12	Contemporary fic	Accused of pressuring May, her parents tell her to lay low. Instead, May challenges racist stereotypes through her writing.
	The sum of us : how racism hurts everyone	Heather McGhee	2023	978-0593562628	G 9-12	Nonfic	This book is a call to action for a new understanding of how racism impacts all people through economic policy & more.
	Disability visibility : 17 first-person stories for today	Alice Wong	2020	978-0593381670	G 9-12	Contemporary nonfic	17 first-person narratives challenge disability stereotypes and amplify marginalized voic
	Banned book club	Hyun Sook Kim	2020	978-1945820427	G 9-12	Historical fic based on true event graphic novel	1983 South Korea: Under a repressive regime, freshman Kim Hyun Sook finds solace in books amidst censorship and political turm
	All rise: resistance and rebellionin South Africa 1910-1948: A graphic history	Richard Conyngham	2022	978-1946395634	G 9-12	Historical nonfic	Six court cases illuminate the fight for equality in pre-apartheid South Africa, showcasing marginalized lives through illustrations and documents.
	A land with a people: Palestinians and Jews confront zionism	Esther Farmer	2021	978-1583679296	G 9-12	Nonfic	Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics between Palestinians and Jews regarding Zionism.
	Amazona	Canizales	2022	978-1728401706	G 9-12	Fic graphic novel	A YA graphic novel depicting the forced displacement of Indigenous Colombians, exploring human rights and environmental justice through striking art.

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