16 Children's Books with Diverse Characters

Auggie was born with a severe facial deformity that leaves him looking a lot different than the other kids, and Wonder chronicles his first experience attending school.

Kelly R:  Each book in Jason Reynolds' Track series focuses on one of four kids from very different backgrounds who compete on the same middle school track team: Ghost, Patina, Sunny and Lu. These were among my son's favorite books in 5th or 6th grade.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  I Funny by James Patterson is a sweet and funny story starring middle school comedian Jamie Grimm, who just so happens to be in a wheelchair. Nothing stops Jamie including going after his dream of being the world's greatest comedian. This is a series followed by I Even Funnier and I Totally Funniest. Your middler-schooler will love them all!

Shila:  This fantasy chapter book series stars 7th-grader Tristan Strong, in a cinematic world filled with diverse characters, African American folk heroes, African gods, and mythological creatures. Written by Kwame Mbalia, Tristan is often presented with wild plots and a flurry of epic challenges in order to save his life and others. These older elementary-middle school chapter books are not only captivating but inspiring too.

Alexandra F.:  10-year-old protagonist Mia lives with her family in a motel, where she works at the front desk and helps other guests - including immigrants who are living there in hiding. She also dreams of being a writer, even though her parents think she should stick with math. Author Kelly Yang tells a story reminiscent of her own childhood growing up in California after having immigrated from China with her family, and weaves a captivating tale that introduces an immigrant experience in a way that is relatable for children.

Alexandra F.:  A warm, accessible and heartfelt story about a 12-year-old boy who is transgender, and the challenges he faces when a classmate threatens to reveal his secret.

Shila:  Set in Houston, Texas, Sophie Washington is an enthusiastic and down-to-earth 10-year old girl that is featured as the main character in these illustrated, chapter books by Tonya Duncan Ellis. Sophie goes on to show off her talents in school spelling bees, tests friendships, learn the importance of telling the truth, and even how to safely navigate a natural disaster warning with her family when a hurricane hits. These easy-to-read books touch upon more modern-day tween aspects like getting cell phones and playing video games, making them especially relatable to young readers too.

Shila:  Zoe in Wonderland, by Brenda Woods, tells an imaginative story starring another day-dreaming girl in the woods within a world of whimsical adventures. Readers can relate to Zoe's sibling qualms, middle school pressures, and ultimately, discovering one's true self.

Alexandra F.:  A sweet and funny story for middle graders about 11-year-old Liv, who is transgender and launches Operation: Pants Project to change a school rule that would require him to wear a skirt, when he would prefer to wear pants.

Shila:  Authored by Elizabeth Eulberg, young friends Shelby Holmes and John Watson take on a variety of gumshoe detective adventures in this modern-day chapter book series modeled after the original Detective Sherlock Holmes. The pair of sleuths live in Harlem, New York, and work hand-in-hand to solve perplexing and engaging mysteries around NYC.

Kelly R:  This story about a girl who makes the best out of tough situations was a favorite of my 4th grade girl, and she's excited to continue the series.

Shila:  This Caldecott Honor-winning picture book by Dav Pilkey depicts the life of a young boy hand-delivering the morning paper to his community. Though it may be difficult to rise and shine before the sun does, there is a satisfaction that comes with hard work too.

Shila:  Nikki & Deja books by Karen English feature two best friends navigating an everyday 3rd-grade world. These lovely girls take on friendship challenges, birthday parties, school projects, substitute teachers, and more coming-of-age stories. These are enlightening children's books with diversity; readers experience the point of view set in the girls' urban neighborhood.

Shila:  President of the Whole Fifth Grade and President of the Whole Sixth Grade books, by Sherri Winston, features a determined go-getter named Brianna Justice who embarks on the race for student class president. From there, she naturally encounters a few challenges found within the political dynamics and social circles of middle school. Showing grace and humor, Brianna is a likeable character that captivates readers to cheer her on!