Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. PreK-1 Fiction Cocca-Leffler, Maryann Janine Albert Whitman, 2015. Janine is a little girl whose autism and individuality draw negative attention from a bully until a group of students rally to support Janine. De La Peña, Matt Last Stop on Market Street G.P. Putnam's Sons Books, 2015. This book is an intergenerational masterpiece about a boy and his Grandma, questioning economic and social inequalities as they travel across their city to a soup kitchen. Francis, Lee DeCora Kunu's Basket: A Story from Indian Island Tilbury House, 2015. This is a contemporary tale of a boy who is learning the Penobscot cultural tradition of basket-weaving from his Grandpa. Hall, Michael Red: A Crayon's Story Greenwillow Books, 2015. This is the story of a blue crayon, mistakenly wrapped in a red wrapper at the factory, causing much frustration and misunderstanding as it endeavors to become its true self. Khan, Hena Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors Chronicle Books, 2015. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is a rhyming introduction to the traditions and colors of Islam and contemporary Muslim culture. Medina, Meg Mango, Abuela and Me / Mango, Abuela y yo Candlewick, 2015. Young Mia struggles to communicate with her Spanish-speaking Grandma. This book is available in English or Spanish. O'Brien, Anne Sibley I'm New Here Charlesbridge, 2015. Students from Guatemala, Korea and Somalia are new to the United States and begin kindergarten together, facing and overcoming challenges in their new country. Schiffer, Miriam Stella Brings the Family Chronicle Books, 2015. Stella has two Dads and is unsure of who to bring to the Mother's Day celebration at school. Sehgal, Kabir The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk Beach Lane, 2016. The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk chronicles an exciting ride on a three-wheeled taxi in India and can be sung the tune of The Wheels on the Bus.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. PreK-1 Fiction Continued Thong, Roseanne Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes Amicus Illustrated, 2015. Latino cultural elements are celebrated in this rhyming concept book, infusing Spanish words in context, to teach shapes and encourage discussion about the detailed illustrations. Underwood, Deborah Interstellar Cinderella Chronicle Books, 2015. This contemporary fairy tale is an outer space adaptation of the classic Cinderella story. In this version, Cinderella dreams of becoming a space mechanic who fixes rockets. Walsh, Melanie Isaac and his Amazing Asperger Superpowers Candlewick, 2016. In this book, Isaac explains to readers how his amazing super-brain works and why he has specific reactions to stimuli and relationships.

Poetry Archer, Micha Daniel Finds a Poem Nancy Paulsen Books, 2016. Daniel explores a local Poetry in the Park program, and writes his first poem, inspired by the beauty around him. Blanco, Richard One Today: The Inaugural Poem for President Barack Obama Little, Brown, 2015. This Inaugural poem celebrates the diversity of America as readers follow two children through their day, using rich vibrant vocabulary, evoking emotion and discussion. Ehrhardt, Karen This Jazz Man HMH Books for Young Readers, 2015. Nine jazz legends are introduced in this lyrical concept book and can be read to the tune of This Old Man. Frank, John Lend a Hand Lee and Low, 2014. This is a book of poems about acts of kindness in a diverse community, honoring sacrifice and respect for others. Kalluk, Celina Sweetest Kulu Inhabit Media, 2014. Traditional Inuit beliefs are gracefully folded into this tale recounting the day a baby was born, surrounded by love and the beauty of the natural world.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. PreK-1 Informational Text Andrews, Troy Trombone Shorty Abrams, 2015. Trombone Shorty is a picture book autobiography of Troy Andrews, noting important cultural history of New Orleans and the influence music had on Trombone Shorty’s life. Churnin, Nancy The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game Albert Whitman, 2016. Baseball player William Hoy requested that an umpire use hand signals to denote strikes, balls and outs, improving the game for everyone. Esbaum, Jill Little Kids First Big Book of Who National Geographic Society, 2015. This stunning National Geographic book of photographs and artifacts introduces young readers to a diverse array of famous women and men through short biographic profiles. Fields, Terri One Good Deed Kar-Ben Publishing, 2015. A young boy inspires a chain of good deeds in his multicultural community. Gainer, Cindy I'm Like You, You're Like Me: A Book About Understanding and Appreciating Each Other / Yo soy como tú, tú eres como yo: Un libro para entendernos y apreciarnos (English and Spanish Edition) Free Spirit, 2016. This bilingual tale helps readers appreciate and affirm differences in hair texture, family composition and body size, including a note to assist parents with discussions about diversity. Loewen, Nancy Homes of the World Capstone Press, 2016. Photographs and rhyming text introduce readers to a variety of types of homes from all over the world. Paul, Miranda Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle Roaring Brook Press, 2015. A biracial brother sister duo visit the forest throughout the seasons to see water change from rain to snow to fog to mist and more.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. PreK-1 Informational Text Continued Rhodes-Pitts, Sharifa Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a Young Artist in Harlem Museum of Modern Art, 2015. A busy city is the backdrop of inspiration for famous African American painter Jacob Lawrence. This book includes scenes from his famous Migration murals. Rotner, Shelley Families Holiday House, 2015. All types of families are celebrated in this new book, including family members in wheelchairs, wearing headscarves, adoptive family members, single parent families, families with one child and more. Stone, Tanya The House that Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams Holt, 2015. The story of Jane Addams and how her commitment to serving the needs of the poor transformed communities and people's lives.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 2-4 Fiction Bandy, Michael S. Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box Candlewick, 2015. After a law is passed allowing African-Americans to vote, a Grandfather takes his grandson Michael to witness him casting his ballot to vote for the first time. Grandpa encounters illegal literacy tests at the polling place. Buitrago, Jairo Two White Rabbits Groundwork Books, 2015. This book is a visual and emotional journey of an immigrant crossing the Mexican border into the United States. The pictures are beautiful and the text is written so that readers draw their own conclusions about story events. Campoy, Isabel F. Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. This book is filled with color as you imagine a community coming together to fill the walls with art. Community members are invited to transform a neighborhood into a cultural symbol of unity. Diggs, Taye Mixed Me! Feiwel and Friends, 2015. Mixed-Up Mike is proud to be of mixed race. When asked questions, Mike enthusiastically shows that he is proud to be of mixed-race. Martin, Ann Rain Reign Feiwel and Friends, 2014. Rose has Asperger's Syndrome. Despite having a difficult home life, Rose has a positive attitude and entertains herself with collecting homophones. Meyer, Susan Lynn New Shoes Holiday House, 2015. Emotions run high as an African American Girl finds out she can't try on shoes because of the color of her skin. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. The author allows you to feel the disappointment as a little girl tells the story from her perspective. Rabinowitz, Alan A Boy and a Jaguar Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. Alan Rabinowitz struggled with stuttering throughout his childhood, except when he spoke to animals. Rabinowitz grows up to become a famous wildlife conservationist. Rudolph, Shaina; Royer, Danielle All My Stripes A Story of Children with Autism Imagination Press, 2015. In this book, a mother and son discuss autism and the son’s special qualities.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 2-4 Fiction Continued Torres, Jennifer Finding the Music: En pos de la música (Bilingual edition) Lee and Low Books, 2015. Reyna accidentally breaks Abuelito's vihuela, a small guitar-like instrument. In her quest to find someone who can repair the guitar, she discovers a wealth of information about her grandfather and collects mementos along the way. Winter, Jonah Lillian's Right To Vote Schwartz, 2015. Told from a 100 year old woman who makes her way to the Alabama Court house to vote, this book is a brilliant account of the struggle of African-Americans from slavery to the present day.

Poetry Engle, Margarita Drum Dream Girl Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. When father and society reject a little girl's dream of playing the drums in a band, she overcomes gender stereotypes and creates the first “all girl” band in Cuba in the 1930's. Pinkney, Andrea Davis The Red Pencil Little, Brown Books, 2015. The Red Pencil is a novel in verse. Janjaweed attackers pillage Amira's village in the Sudan forcing Amira to make the journey to a refugee camp. Thong, Roseanne Greenfield Dia De Los Muertos Albert Whitman & Company, 2015. This book is a beautifully illustrated story of Dia De Los Muertos, a Mexican cultural celebration, honoring family and friends who have passed away. Van Heeke, Susan Under the Freedom Tree Charlesbridge, 2014. This volume of historical poetry describes an event that took place between 1861-1863 in Hampton, Virginia. Three slaves escape a Confederate Camp, crossing a river to a Union-held Fort. There they are labeled “'Contraband of war”, until they obtain their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 2-4 Informational Text Barton, Christ John Roy Lynch Eerdman's Books, 2015. This is the story of John Roy Lynch through slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, as he journeyed from being a slave to obtaining a political position as a Congressman at the age of 25. Danticat, Edwidge Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. From an immigration detention center, Saya's mother sends her Haitian bedtime stories on cassette to comfort her daughter. Gandhi, Arun Grandfather Gandhi Atheneum Books, 2014. Arun Gandhi shares an unforgettable moment told from a grandson's point of view ,about his fond memories of Grandfather Gandhi who taught him patience, love, and forgiveness. Langston-George, Rebecca For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story Capstone Press, 2015. Malala grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent, advocating for equal education in Pakistan. Macy, Sue Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber Simon and Schuster, 2016. Miss Mary Reporting is a picture book biography of female sportswriter and reporter Mary Garber, who against all odds, covered sports journalism from the 1940's through 2002. Paul, Miranda One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia Millbrook Press, 2015. Isatou Ceesay convenes her neighbors to help her recycle plastic bags into coin purses to transform her community.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 2-4 Informational Text Continued

Smith, Charles R. 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World Roaring Book Press, 2015. The extraordinary African-American's featured in this book are highlighted for the impact they have had on history in education, sports, war, politics, breaking records, television, selfless acts of courage, and the Civil Rights movement. Familiar and new names and faces are featured. Thompson, Laurie Ann Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah Schwartz & Wade Books, 2015. This book is an inspirational story about a young boy with one leg who seeks to prove his worth in a society that discriminates against people with disabilities. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore Carolrhoda Books,2015. Nelson writes about Lewis Michaux Jr. and the famous African Bookstore in Harlem, which opened in the 1930s in Harlem, New York. The Bookstore became a place where all kinds of people came to read, talk, and buy books about African American history. Weatherford, Carole Boston Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America Albert Whitman, 2015. This book is the true story of Gordon Parks, a famous African American photographer whose work captured visual representations of racism and segregation in America in the 1960’s.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 5-6

Fiction

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker The War That Saved My Life Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. This is the heartbreaking and heartwarming story of a girl who endures a crippling clubfoot. Ada and her brother are evacuated to the country from London during World War II; Ada finds acceptance, love, and ultimately a new life. Chmakova, Svetlana Awkward Yen Press, 2015. Penelope Torres deals with being the new kid in a very diverse middle school.This is a great graphic novel about friendship. Frazier, Sundee Cleo Edison Oliver: Playground Millionaire Arthur A. Levine Books, 2016. Fifth grader Cleo, changes her initials to spell CEO as she embraces her passion for entrepreneurship while balancing her friendships and dealing with her feelings about being adopted. Gemeinhart, Dan The Honest Truth Scholastic, 2015. In this realistic novel that incorporates haiku, twelve-year-old Mark runs away with his dog to climb a mountain before he dies of cancer. His friend Jessie, as well as others who meet him, must decide whether to reveal his plan. Gino, Alex George Scholastic,2015. George is convinced that her identity as a girl will become apparent to her mom and others when she steals the role of Charlotte in the school play with the help of her best friend, Kelly. Marshall, Joseph In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse Amulet Books, 2015. Jimmy McClean accompanies his grandfather on a journey to embrace his Lakota heritage while learning about important sites in the life of Lakota leader Tasunke Witco, Crazy Horse. Resau, Laura The Lightning Queen Scholastic, 2015. Inspired by true stories of rural Mexico,this is a story of a cross-cultural, generation-spanning and life-changing friendship between Esma, a Rom girl, and Teo, a Mixtec Indian boy.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 5-6 Fiction Continued Robertson, Robbie Hiawatha and the Peacemaker Harry N. Abrams, 2015. The Hiawatha story, as told by musical artist Robbie Robertson, who is of Mohawk and Cayuga heritage, describes how Hiawatha was chosen by the Peacemaker, a spiritual leader, to unite the warring nations of the Iroquois people. Robinson, Sharon The Hero Two Doors Down Scholastic, 2016. Inspired by true events and written by Robinson's daughter, this is the story of a young Steve Satlow and Jackie Robinson after Jackie's family moves into a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn in 1948. Senzai, N. H. Saving Kabul Corner Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2014. Ariana joins forces with her family and friends to uncover a mystery that unfolds when a new Afghani grocery store opens next to her family's own store.

Poetry Derby, Sally Jump Back Paul: The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar Candlewick,2015. Through 25 poems, reader's journey through the life of Paul Laurence Dunbar and the ways his life is reflected in his poetry. Hopkins, Lee Bennett Amazing Places Lee and Low, 2015. Amazing Places is a selection of poems that celebrate diverse places in the United States including San Francisco's Chinatown, Denali National Park and the Oneida National Museum. Orgill, Roxane Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph Candlewick Press, 2016. In 1958, Esquire magazine set out to capture as many jazz musicians in one photograph as possible. This book of poetry commemorates that day of exuberance, joy, jazz and poetry in Harlem. Tate, Don Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton Peachtree Publishers, 2015. This book is the story of a slave, turned first-published African-American poet, George Moses Horton, told through poems and historical narrative in this picture book biography. Taylor, Charlotte Phillis Wheatley: Colonial African-American Poet Enslow Publishing, 2016. This book introduces readers to the life and work of prolific poet Phillis Wheatley.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 5-6 Informational Text Benson, Kathleen Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews Clarion Books, 2015. This is the story of one of the most influential painters of all times, chronicling his difficult childhood growing up as the son of sharecroppers, through his art education in Chicago and notoriety across the United States. Glasser, Judith Learning to Be Kind and Understand Differences: Empathy Skills for Kids with AD/HD Magination Press, 2015. Students with diverse learning needs are encouraged to use the passages, prompts and exercises to help them reflect on their own social interaction and perspectives of others. Herrera, Juan Felipe Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes Carolrhoda Books, 2014. Herrera has crafted a showcase of twenty famous Latino men and women through timelines, text, illustrations, quotes and biographical profiles. Nelson, S. D. Sitting Bull Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015. Sitting Bull is a beautifully illustrated biography told in the first person. The author is a member of the Sioux Nation in the Dakotas. Philip, Aaron with Tonya Bolden This Kid Can Fly: It's About Ability (Not Disability) Balzer + Bray, 2016. Readers will enjoy this hope-inspiring, positive memoir from a fourteen-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who was born in Antigua, but moved to New York City for medical care. Poole, Hilary W. Autism Spectrum Disorders Mason Crest,2016. This is an informational text about autism spectrum disorders, including symptoms and the challenges faced by people with ASD, an accessible and understandable book.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 5-6 Informational Text Continued

Powell, Patricia Hruby Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker Chronicle Books, 2014. Josephine is a picture book biography written in verse, enchanting readers with stories of Josephine Baker's dynamic style, vocal talent and inner strength. Tate, Nikki Take Shelter: At Home Around the World Orca Books, 2014. Take Shelter is a global tour of different types of homes including underground homes, Space Station homes, homes on the water and yurts. Throp, Claire Malala Yousafzai Heinemann-Raintree, 2016. This book is a short biography of brave, yet humble, Malala Yousafzai, famous champion of girls' and boys' rights to education throughout the world. Tonatiuh, Duncan Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015. Funny Bones is an illustrated biography of Mexican printer and artist Jose Guadalupe Posada, best known as the creator of calaveras, meaningful symbols of the Day of the Dead celebrations.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 7-8 Fiction Alexander, Kwame Booked HMH Books, 2016. Soccer, words (Nick's father has written a dictionary) and a fabulous librarian coalesce in this novel in verse as Nick deals with bullies, his parents' separation, and an unexpected surgery. Bowles, David The Smoking Mirror IFWG Publishing, 2015. The Garza twins, Carol and Johnny, are shapeshifters who must rescue their mother from the Aztec underworld. Crowder, Melanie Audacity Philomel, 2015. This novel in verse tells the story of Clara, a Jewish Russian immigrant who is an organizer in the sweatshop industry in New York, despite her family's disapproval. de los Santos, Marisa Connect the Stars HarperCollins, 2015. Audrey, who can detect even the smallest lie to a debilitating degree, and Aaron, who has an astounding memory, meet at a wilderness camp where they encounter other equally quirky kids and must work together to save each other and themselves. Hale, Shannon Dangerous Bloomsbury, 2015. A diverse cast of characters, led by Maisie Danger Brown, must save the world from aliens in this action-packed science fiction adventure. Hilton, Marilyn Full Cicada Moon Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. In 1969, Mimi, who is Japanese and African-American and in seventh grade, moves from California to Vermont where her father is a college professor. Her classmates struggle with Mimi's race and identity. Lai, Thanhha Listen, Slowly HarperCollins, 2015. Mai unwillingly escorts her grandmother to Vietnam for the summer where details have been uncovered about her grandfather who went missing during the Vietnam War. Mai's acclimation to Vietnam is both hilarious and touching. Selznick, Brian The Marvels Scholastic, 2015. A true work of art, Selznick takes the reader on a journey through pictures and words of one theatrical family of the past and present.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 7-8

Fiction Continued

Smith, Ronald L. Hoodoo Clarion Books, 2015. Hoodoo Thatcher must find his "hoodoo" (folk magick) to overcome the stranger who threatens his family. Wiviott, Meg Paper Hearts Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2015. Based on a true story, this novel in verse is set at Auschwitz. Though the birthday card paper heart is an act of rebellion that could cost them their lives, Zlatka and Fania maintain their kindness and hope for the future. Zeiss, Joyce Burns Out of the Dragon's Mouth Flux, 2015. Mai is forced to leave Vietnam after the fall of Saigon with her young uncle. They arrive at a refugee camp on a Malaysian island where they must endure many horrific challenges before Mai's journey to the United States is eventually sponsored.

Poetry Engle, Margarita Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings - A Memoir Atheneum, 2015. This memoir describes the richness of growing up in two cultures, as well as the challenges that occur when the two cultures divide during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Nelson, Marilyn American Ace Dial Books, 2016. When his Italian grandmother dies, Connor's dad receives a letter telling him that the man he thought was his father, was not. Connor investigates and, with the help of a librarian, discovers that his grandfather was most likely a Tuskegee Airman. Nelson, Marilyn My Seneca Village Namelos, 2015. Nelson's poems are narrated by the residents of Seneca Village. While the residents are fictional, they are based on census records and written accounts from the real Seneca Village, a multiethnic and multiracial working class community founded in Manhattan in 1825 and abolished to make way for Central Park in 1857. Weatherford, Carole Boston Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement Candlewick Press, 2015. A series of poems outlines Hamer’s life, beginning with her birth in Mississippi as the youngest of twenty children, through her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and her election campaigns.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 7-8 Informational Text Brown, Don Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. This graphic novel visually and realistically portrays the grim events surrounding Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath in New Orleans. Burgan, Michael The Untold Story of the Black Regiment: Fighting in the Revolutionary War Compass Point Books, 2015. In straightforward language, this book discusses the experiences of African American soldiers who fought during the Revolutionary War, many of whom are not included in texts on the topic. Cruz, Barbara The Fight for Latino Civil Rights Enslow Publishing, 2016. This text covers many events and issues in Latino history in the United States, including biographical information on key people. Doeden, Matt Darkness Everywhere: The Assassination of Mohandas Gandhi Twenty-First Century Books, 2014. This is the story of the events leading to Gandhi's assassination, including biographical information and historical information on India. Huey, Lois Miner Forgotten Bones: Uncovering a Slave Cemetery Millbrook Press, This book follows archaeologists as they unearth and examine a slave burial site.

2016.

Levinson, Cynthia Watch Out for Flying Kids: How Two Circuses, Two Countries and Nine Kids Confront Conflict and Build Community Peachtree, 2015. This is the story of two youth circuses, one comprised of inner-city and suburban kids from St. Louis, and one composed of both Arab and Jewish kids in Israel. The book describes the cultural differences (and similarities) noted when the two circuses meet, and also highlights the stories within each circus.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 7-8 Informational Text Continued

Lin, Yoming S. Defeating Depression Rosen Publishing, 2016. In a nonjudgmental way, this book outlines the possible causes and symptoms of depression and provides resources for support, sharing the message that challenges are not insurmountable. Nicholson, Hope Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection AH Comics, 2015. Moonshot is a unique juxtaposition of art and story that celebrates indigenous folklore, by indigenous authors and artists. Pinkney, Andrea Davis Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip through the Motown Sound Roaring Brook Press, 2015. Chronicling Motown's start with founder Berry Gordy, Jr., this story rolls through Motown's trials and triumphs, documenting the start and rise to fame of multiple performers, including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and The Jackson 5, as well as the choreographers, songwriters, and other artists who made Motown great. Ross, Michael Elsohn She Takes a Stand: 16 Fearless Activists Who Have Changed the World Chicago Review Press, 2015. This book offers very accessible biographical sketches of a diverse group of international women activists. The women are presented as though the author knew them personally.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 9-12 Fiction Alpert, Mark The Six Sourcebooks Fire, 2015. Living with muscular dystrophy, Adam joins a group that uses their minds to battle a robot that wants to destroy humanity. Anderson, Laurie Halse The Impossible Knife of Memory Viking, 2014. The traumatic memory of war threatens a father as he returns home with his daughter and tries to live a normal life. Jackson, Naomi The Star Side of Bird Hill Penguin, 2016. Set in 1989, two young sisters must leave Brooklyn for Barbados due to their mother's inability to care for them. There they are exposed to Caribbean culture while they stay with their grandmother Hyacinth, a mid-wife and spiritualist. Lee, Stacey Under a Painted Sky G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2015. A multi-ethnic romance and adventure story set in the wild west of 1849. A Chinese American and former slave, both girls, pass for boys and travel west from Missouri. Marquardt, Marie Dream Things True: A Novel St. Martin's Griffin, 2015. A wealthy Georgian boy falls for a Mexican girl. The two are doing fine until ICE shows up and Alma has to reveal her secret of being an immigrant to her boyfriend. McGovern, Cammie A Step Toward Falling HarperTeen, 2015. A dramatic incident is at the center of this book where two very different young people come to terms with their own perception of disability. Told in alternating points of view. Oates, Joyce Carol The Sacrifice: The Novel Ecco, 2015. The story told by Oates brings together issues of gender, class and culture in a dramatic and disturbing way. Park, Patricia Re Jane Viking/Pamela Dorman Books, 2015. The main character is a young Korean American woman, coming of age in Queens, New York, offering a profound examination of what it means to belong to two distinct cultures.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 9-12 Fiction Continued Reynolds, Jason All American Boys Dlouhy/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016. An episode of police brutality and its aftermath are told alternately by the victim and a witness in this moving book. Shusterman, Neal Challenger Deep HarperTeen, 2015. Inspired by his own son's experience with schizophrenia, the novel takes the reader on a journey into the world of mental illness. The book includes original illustrations by the author's son.

Poetry Brown, Skila Caminar Candlewick Press, 2014. This novel in verse depicts Carlos’ struggle to defend his village during the Guatemalan Civil War. Charleyboy, Lisa Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices Annick Press, 2014. This anthology of poems complements rich photos to share the diverse journeys of 43 First Nation young poets. Coval, Kevin, editor The Breakbeat Poets: New American Poetry in the Age of Hip-Hop Haymarket Books, 2015. The 78 poets featured in this anthology, who were all born between 1961 and 1999, combine hip-hop and slam poetry to speak to teens. Nelson, Marilyn How I Discovered Poetry Dial Books, 2014. Poet Marilyn Nelson shares the influences of the racial and political climate of the 1950’s on her life from age four to fourteen. Winder, Tanaya Words Like Love West End Press, 2015. Winder's poems explore the broad theme of love, including love of family, one's culture, the environment, and romantic love.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 9-12 Informational Text Abirached, Zeina I Remember Beirut Graphic Universe, 2014. The very simple style of this graphic novel draws the reader into the world of a young Lebanese girl, growing up in wartime, her sacrifices and strife. Bausum, Ann Stonewall: Breaking Out in a Fight for Gay Rights Viking, 2015. Stonewall describes rioting against oppression at the Stonewall club and the events that led to the first gay pride parade on Christopher Street in New York City and challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ community, leading up to marriage equality. Cisneros, Sandra A House of My Own: Stories from My Life Knopf, 2015. Cisneros' memoir is a collection of her writings, some previously published, unified around the theme of home and finding one's place in the world. Coates, Ta-Nehisi Between the World and Me Spiegel & Grau, 2016. This essay is written from father to son, incorporating the influence of great African-American writers like Baldwin and Wright on the writer’s life. Krakauer, Jon Missoula: Rape and Justice in a College Town Doubleday, 2015. This is a riveting book about the prevalence of campus rapes in the town of Missoula Montana, community attitudes and injustices suffered by victims in contemporary America. Lowery, Lynda Blackmon Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom Dial Books, 2015. This moving memoir by Lynda Blackmon Lowery is a first-hand account of a teenager’s experiences marching and participating in pivotal moments in our nation’s history, including Bloody Sunday and the Voting Rights Act. Samanci, Ozge Dare to Disappoint: Growing Up in Turkey Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2015. This graphic memoir tells the story of a girl growing up during the political upheaval in Turkey in the 1980s. Ozge’s struggle to get into school and career path decisions will resonate with teens.

Diversity Book List 2016-2017 Gr. 9-12 Informational Text continued

Sheinkin, Steve The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights Roaring Brook Press, 2014. This American history narrative recounts a terrible explosion during World War II, drawing attention to the fact that African Americans had few military opportunities, other than dangerous jobs, including loading bombs and ammunition onto battleships. Treuer, Anton Atlas of Indian Nations National Geographic, 2014. Maps, photos, illustrations, text and primary sources create this beautifully illustrated volume sharing the culture, beliefs, historical events, language and lifestyle of a variety of First Nation groups.