Sadly, there is not a huge treasure trove of classic children's books with diverse characters. But fortunately, with the We Need Diverse Books movement, the number of quality chapter books featuring diverse protagonists from all walks of life is increasing. While there is still much progress to be made, it is becoming easier to find wonderful children's books featuring people of color and children with diverse abilities. With this list I've tried to match a contemporary book with a classic book. So if you've read and loved a particular classic children's book, I think you'll love the corresponding choices I've picked out for you.
Keep in mind, as with all my "If you like this book, you'll love these..." lists, it is not my intention to exactly match theme, character, setting, etc. Some of the book matches were more challenging than others. As always, I'd love to hear your book match choices! (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links.)
If you like Frindle, by Andrew Clements...
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan. This funny and touching story of Ravi, an Indian immigrant adjusting to middle school and Joe, a boy who recently lost his best friend due to a move, is told in alternating voices. The two boys become friends when they unite again a school bully and one seriously crazy week full of laugh out loud humor ensues.
If you like Are You There God, It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume...
It Ain't So Awful Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas. I adored this book, just as I adored Blume's book in my youth. In 1970s California a young Iranian immigrant figures out how to be American without rejecting her heritage. While this funny and moving novel may not include pleas to God on the part of the protagonist, I knew immediately that fans of Judy Blume will connect to Zomorod Yousefzadeh's (who now wants to be called "Cindy") attempts to fit in with her peers.
If you like The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler...
Eddie Red, Undercover: Mystery on Museum Mile (series) by Marcia Wells. When sixth grader Edmund Xavier Lonnrot (Code name: Eddie Red) gets in the way of a fleeing witness, he is enlisted by the NYPD to help solve an art heist. Eddie happens to have a photographic memory and terrific art skills. My older son enjoyed this book and I liked the way Eddie's relationships with his parents, his OCD-diagnosed best friend and the somewhat grumpy police detective played out, giving the improbable situation a very realistic feel.
If you like The Moffats by Eleanor Estes...
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy. We've now read and listened to the audiobook of Levy's hilarious tale. A family of 2 dads and 4 adopted sons (all together they span several ethnicities and religions) lead a rather disordered life, but it is full of love. The storyline follows the school year, with each of the boys navigating a particular difficulty, like starring in the school play, dealing with tedious homework and non-imaginary friends. Like the Moffats, the Fletchers are a large and loving family who get into amusing scrapes but unlike the Moffats, their identities reflect a more diverse society.
MORE: Books with diverse and loving families
If you like Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery...
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis is the funny and poignant story of Deza Malone and her family as they struggle during the Great Depression. Deza is a likable, smart protagonist who observes the ironies, joys and hardships around her. Her scamp of a brother, Jimmie has a gorgeous singing voice and could become a star if he could just stay out of trouble. Her father survives a boating accident, not fully intact, and when he moves away to find employment the rest of the family must go in search of him. Curtis paints a vivid portrait of the 1930s filled with interesting characters.
MORE: If you like Anne of Green Gables, you'll love these books
If you like The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis...
Breadcrumbs is a beautiful retelling of “The Snow Queen”. There are a lot of literary references in the book and it is exquisitely written. Hazel and Jack are friends, but one day when Jack gets a piece of glass in his eye he is whisked away by a strange, evil woman to a land of snow. Hazel sets out on a journey to find her friend and return home.
MORE: If you like The Chronicles of Narnia, you'll also like these magical chapter books.
If you like The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright...
Skating with the Statue of Liberty by Susan Lynn Meyer. The is the sequel to Black Radishes, in which Gustave and his family leave France after the Nazi invasion, but it reads as a stand-alone novel. Now with his family in New York, Gustave must adjust to American culture. While this book addresses much more serious themes than The Saturdays, such as anti-semitism and racism, I chose it because it is about children experiencing their independence in New York City.
If you like Charlotte's Web by E.B. White...
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones is a wonderful contemporary mix of magic and realism. When Sophie Brown's father loses his job, the family move from Los Angeles to her great-uncle's farm. This is an epistolary novel; Sophie writes letters to her Abuelita about her new life. While Sophie is adjusting to living on a farm, being one of the only "brown people" in the community and the frugality of her parents, she discovers a few chickens that have unusual characteristics. Her new mission becomes learning how to care and protect her new supernatural flock.
If you like Mr. Popper's Penguins...
Tua and the Elephant, by R. P. Harris, was a much loved read aloud in our home. Tua is a Thai girl who forms a bond with an elephant. When she sees the elephant being mistreated by its owners, she rescues it and takes it home to her aunt's house. Pursued by the two bumbling mahouts (the term for elephant owners and trainers) Tua and her new charge make their way to an elephant sanctuary where they both find a new life. My sons enjoyed this book and I liked how it gave them a peek into a completely different world.
Note: I often recommend Mr. Popper's Penguins as a first read aloud chapter book for kids ages 4 and up. If you are looking for a recommendation for a similar age group, I suggest Lulu and the Ducks in the Park.
If you like Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh...
Murder Is Bad Manners (A Wells & Wong Mystery) by Robin Stevens is a British import. In a 1930s British boarding school, the extrovert English rose Daisy Wells and the introvert Hazel Wong, who has recently transferred from Hong Kong, are on the hunt for a mystery to solve. When they come across the body of their science teacher, they are determined to smoke out the murderer. The relationship between the two girl detectives is delightful and real. This book has a classic murder mystery feel to it, with plenty of surprises for both the characters and the reader. Jolly good fun.
If you like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum...
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. This is possibly my favorite contemporary chapter book ever and I consider it a modern classic. Minli's family lives in poverty and Minli sets out on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon and change her family's destiny. Along the way she is accompanied by the Jade Dragon and her journey is filled with twist and turns of fate. Lin deftly weaves together Minli's quest, her father's stories and wonderful illustrations to create a memorable tale. Don't forget the two companion books, Starry River of the Sky and When the Sea Turns to Silver.
If you like Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder...
The Birchbark House (series) by Louise Erdrich. This series about a family in the Ojibwa tribe is a a good choice if, like me, you find the racism in Little House a bit hard to take. This first book takes place on an island in Lake Superior in 1847 where 7-year-old Omakayas, "Little Frog" and her Ojibwa family live. Little Frog is the sole survivor of a smallpox epidemic and is adopted into a new community. Erdrich describes the daily life and experiences of the Ojibwa as well as the sorrows they endure as a result of the White Man. Excellent, and a must read for kids.
MORE: Books to read after (or instead of) Little House on the Prairie
If you like Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol...
Clubhouse Mysteries by Sharon Draper. A diverse group of four boys call themselves the “Black Dinosaurs”, build a clubhouse, decode secret messages and solve mysteries. This is a solid series that kids will love. There’s a bit of humor, appealing characters and, of course, some mystery.
If you like Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary ...
Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee. Bobby Ellis-Chan struggles the fact that he is not interested in football even though his dad is a retired professional. “The Freezer”, as his dad is known, is now a stay-at-home dad and while the siblings have their usual back-and-forths, it is a functional, loving family. Bobby’s family is bi-racial and his friends come from different ethnic backgrounds but it is not a focus of the book at all. In fact, I couldn’t help thinking it reflected my own sons’ diverse classrooms. This is a funny, charming book with non-stock characters.
If you like Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary...
Lola Levine is Not Mean (series) by Monica Brown, illustrated by Angela Dominguez. I really like the Lola Levine series, and this is the first book in the series. Half-Jewish, half-Peruvian Lola loves to play soccer but is distressed when she accidentally hurts a classmate and the other kids start to call her "Mean Lola Levine." Lola figures out a plan to change everyone's mind and show them that she is really a nice person and good friend.
MORE: Books for kids who like Beverly Cleary
If you like Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson...
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus. I started reading this book but it was snatched from my hands by my son who gives it a big thumbs up. It is an adventure story, inspired by historical events. In 1841, 14 year old Manjiro and 3 other men are stranded on an island off Japan during a fishing trip. Eventually they are rescued by an American whaling vessel but instead of returning to Japan, Manjiro travels with the Captain, attends school in America - dealing with the prejudice that comes with being an outsider - and heads to California during the gold rush. At the time, Japan was cut off from the world, and no one was allowed back into the country after leaving, but Manjiro risks his life to return.
A few more book lists to love:
KT says
I love this! Thank you!!
Erica says
Happy reading!
Stacey Jo Hunter says
Perhaps you would enjoy seeking out the books by Lois Lenski, published in the 1940s and 1950s, which are stories of children from quite diverse walks of life. Most well-read teachers and parents are familiar with her Strawberry Girl, but that just scratches the surface of the treasure trove available.
Erica says
Thank you for the recommendations.
Arline says
Thank you for this! I'm a charlotte Mason homeschooler, and it often seems like the older books are inherently better. That isn't true at all! The US has approximately 400+ years where POC weren't allowed to read and WRITE, so our generation has to expand our love of good literature--new and old! ?
Arline says
Also, perhaps changing the word "diverse" to "modern" may be helpful. It won't frighten off the majority culture and it fits better juxtaposed with "classic." ??♀️ #thoughtsfromawhitelady
Erica says
I hear your point. However, if a white person is frightened by the word "diverse", their issues are much bigger than my one blog post can address.
Arline says
I agree, but you may be surprised. :-/
Erica says
I totally agree! Many, many contemporary children's books are wonderful and conversely, many classics are snoozers. 🙂
Aly in Va. says
Great list & way to promote books with main characters from under represented groups
Lindsay O'Connor says
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been reading lots of classics to my daughter but am increasingly disturbed by the mistreatment and absebce of POC. I’ve been looking king for alternatives! Excited to check these out!
Lindsay O'Connor says
*absence