The #ownvoices hashtag was created by author Corinne Duyvis to spotlight books about characters with marginalized identities created by authors who share the same marginalized identity (or identities). The character and creator may share a common disability, sexuality, gender identity, race, immigration status, or other identity. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of representation, as well as provide a starting point for readers seeking stories written from an “own voices” perspective.
Change Sings by Amanda Gorman
Anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. African American author Amanda Gorman is a presidential inaugural poet and activist.
Available formats: Book, Audiobook (Overdrive Media on Demand), eBook (Overdrive Media on Demand)
Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi
Neela loves cooking with her amma and writing down the recipes in her notebook. It makes her feel closer to her paati who lives far away in India. On Saturdays, Neela and Amma go to the green market and today they are buying tomatoes to make Paati’s famous sauce. But first, Neela needs to learn about all the different kinds of tomatoes they can pick from. And as Neela and Amma cook together, they find a way for Paati to share in both the love and the flavors of the day. Padma Lakshmi is a Indian American author and television host.
Available formats: Book
Powwow Day by Traci Sorell
River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River’s journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community. Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors. Author Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrator Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.
Available formats: Book, eBook (Hoopla)
With Lots of Love by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Rocio has grown up in Central America, but now she and her family are moving to the United States. Rocio does her best to adjust to a new way of living, but there are many things she misses from her old life—Abuela’s cooking, Abuela’s pinata creations, Abuela’s warm hugs, and of course, Abuela herself most of all. But Abuela finds a way to send Rocio something special just in time for her birthday—a gift wrapped with lots of love—and that fills Rocio to the brim. Author Jenny Torress Sanches shares her background with the main character.
Available formats: Book
If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It by Lil Miss Hot Mess
If you’re a drag queen and you know it, let it show by winking, shaking your bum, laughing real big, twirling around, and more! Join a cast of fabulous drag queens as you sing along to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It” in this playful celebration of expressing your brightest and boldest self. A perfect companion to The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish written by a board member of Drag Queen Story Hour.
Available formats: Book
Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan
Pakistani American author Hena Khan shares her wishes for her children: “Inshallah you find wonder in birds as they fly. Inshallah you are loved, like the moon loves the sky.” With vibrant illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran, this charming picture book is a heartfelt and universal celebration of a parent’s unconditional love.
Available formats: Book, eBook (Hoopla)
Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho
A young boy comes to recognize his own power and ability to change the future. When a friend at school creates a hurtful drawing, the boy turns to his family for comfort. He realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before—in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within. This extraordinary picture book redefines what it means to be truly you. A beautiful picture book by Asian American author Joanna Ho.
Available formats: Book, Audiobook (Overdrive Media on Demand)
I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner
As she waits for the arrival of her new baby, a mother-to-be gathers gifts to create a sacred bundle. A white feather, cedar and sage, a stone from the river . . . each addition to the bundle will offer the new baby strength and connection to tradition, family, and community. As they grow together, mother and baby will each have gifts to offer each other. Tasha Spillett-Sumner (Inninewak (Cree) and Trinidadian) and Michaela Goade (Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska), two Indigenous creators, bring beautiful words and luminous art together in a resonant celebration of the bond between mother and child.
Available formats: Book
Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson
What does a daddy do? From day one, this daddy speaks love to his little one. And along with that love, his words and actions speak many other things, too: like truth, joy, comfort, and pride. Like many dads, he answers a million questions and tries to make sure that days are full of fun adventures, giggles, and hugs. Dads are good at scaring away imaginary monsters, and honest about how to confront the real ones too. They set an example for the future, speaking out for equality and justice, while sharing lessons from the past. But most of all, daddies encourage their young ones to fight for a better world, with the comfort of knowing their dads are right beside them. African American author Leah Henderson has created this beautiful picture book that celebrates the relationship between children and their fathers.
Available formats: Book
You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers
Empower kids to love themselves, stand up for what’s right, and have each others’ backs with this inspiring and inclusive picture book. The perfect choice if you are looking for back to school books and gifts for kids! It can be scary to feel like you’re all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice and injustice. But always remember: you are not alone! With uplifting text and colorful art, You Are Not Alone shows readers that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong. Alphabet Rockers is a diverse group of artists.
Available formats: Book, eBook (Hoopla)
Tía Fortuna’s New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey by Ruth Behar
When Estrella’s Tía Fortuna has to say goodbye to her longtime Miami apartment building, The Seaway, to move to an assisted living community, Estrella spends the day with her. Tía explains the significance of her most important possessions from both her Cuban and Jewish culture, as they learn to say goodbye together and explore a new beginning for Tía. A lyrical book about tradition, culture, and togetherness, Tía Fortuna’s New Home explores Tía and Estrella’s Sephardic Jewish and Cuban heritage. Through Tía’s journey, Estrella will learn that as long as you have your family, home is truly where the heart is. Ruth Behar is a Cuban American author.
Available formats: Book
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