Books are Gifts You Can Open Again and Again

This post includes Amazon affiliate links.

Garrison Keillor once said, “A book is a gift you can open again and again.” If you are still looking for a few last minute Christmas gifts for the little ones in your life, why not choose a book. Books also make great presents for Kwanzaa or just new reads for the new year. We’re happy to share 25 of our favorite diverse books released in 2019.

A Boy Like You by Frank Murphy – Celebrating boys of all hues and breaking gender stereotypes, this book should be read by all.

A is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book by Anna Forgerson Hindley – I dare you not to smile at the beautiful illustrations in this board book. Each letter represents a character trait and comes along with questions that make great conversation starters.

Around the Table that Grandad Built by Melanie Heuiser Hill – Following the cadence of This is the House Jack Built, young readers will love the repetitive phrases in this book. Multicultural family and friends gather for a meal, with all contributing to the feast in their own way.

Baby Loves The Five Senses: Hearing! by Ruth Spiro – We can’t get enough of the Baby Loves series! Spiro teaches even the youngest learners about how we hear. I love that a child with a cochlear implant and another reading Braille were mentioned in the end.

Because by Mo Willems – This is the perfect book for budding musicians! Because follows the life of a young girl whose love for music was sparked at an orchestra.

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows – Between the lyrical text and the stunning illustrations, your little ballerina will be inspired by the journey of Janet Collins in the world of ballet.

Cece Loves Science and Adventure by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes – Cece and her friends encounter a bit of trouble while on an camping adventure. Thanks to science, Cece helps them get back to their campsite safely.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard – This book celebrates fry bread and how it signifies much more than a meal to indigenous families. A recipe is also included at the end.

Georgia’s Terrific, Colorific Experiment by Zoe Persico – Georgia’s entire family loves art, but she’s a scientist at heart. Read this one to find out what happens when art and science collide!

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry – A father tries his best to help his daughter achieve a beautiful hairstyle before mommy gets back in town. What’s not to love about this book and its accompanying short film?

Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel – Taking away the stigma associated with the phrase hands up, McDaniel celebrates every positive associated with raising hands in a young child’s life.

Hey Jasmine! Let’s Go to the Park by Amber Nichole – This book was on repeat in our home all summer. Jasmine has cerebral palsy and is befriended by a curious young girl at the park. It’s a great read to help foster empathy for differently abled children from their peers.

Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields – This is a great read for biracial children who don’t quite feel they fit in and any child who has ever questioned the color of their skin.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison – Harrison is back again with yet another masterpiece. Young and old will appreciate the biographies and accompanying illustrations of Black men who have made an impact on the world as we know it.

Long Ago on a Silent Night by Julie Berry – This lyrical story parallels the birth of Christ with the joy new parents feel as their children are born. Hands down, this has been our favorite book this holiday season.

Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin – Tameika wants to play the lead role in her school’s production of Snow White. The other children make her feel as if she is too chubby, too tall, and too brown. Tameika demonstrates resilience as she realizes that she is just right for Snow White.

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry – Based on the real life moment that went viral of Parker looking up at First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait, this book is an inspiration to all.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise – If your looking for a fascinating biography, Planting Stories will most surely please. Pura Belpre was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City.

Saturday by Oge Mora – If you live for Saturdays like we do, you will enjoy this book. A mother and daughter duo look forward to their Saturday excursions, but everything keeps going wrong. They are reminded in the end that it is most important just to be together.

Say Something! by Peter Reynolds – Each child has a unique voice and point of view that the world needs to hear. No matter how big or small, you can say something through your actions or voice.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o – If your little one needs a reminder that true beauty comes from within, Sulwe is the perfect book to gift.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes – Even though we’re in the middle of the school year, the cuteness factor alone makes this the perfect book for the kindergartner (or rising kindergartner) in your life.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad – I’m always looking for ways to teach Maya about other cultures and religions. We both learned a lot reading The Proudest Blue, written by Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad.

The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford – Celebrating the greats of hip-hop, this book is perfect for your little music lovers.

When I Pray for You by Matthew Paul Turner – This is another sentimental read. For those who pray, you will see yourself mirrored in all the ways you have prayed for your little ones as they grow older.

Are any of your favorites on this list? We’d love to hear about what you’ve enjoyed reading in 2019. We wish you and yours a happy holiday season, a prosperous New Year, and more great books to read!