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Diversity in Kid's Literature
May 2026
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Picture Books and Early Readers
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Chapter Books & Graphic Novels
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Deepa, M.D.
by Priya Swaminathan
A precocious seventh grader whose cancer has recently gone into remission assists her medical detective uncle while readjusting to life in middle school in this heartwarming and funny middle grade debut novel that's Front Desk meets Roll with It. Twelve-year-old Deepa is ready to un-pause her life. After spending a year in the hospital, she's itching for things to go back to the way they were before she got sick. Only everything's changed. Her parents treat her like she's made of glass, there's a mean girl out to get her, and her best friend Ren e forgot to mention she has a whole new life now. But when her Uncle Jai, a genius doctor that patients love to hate and the Sherlock Holmes of medical mysteries, needs her help with a tricky case involving a teenage patient, Deepa steps up to the plate--because she knows better than anyone what it's like to be sick. But why, oh why, did her first patient have to be her bully's older brother? As the case spirals and her illness flares up, Deepa quickly learns that if she wants to save her patient, she'll have to diagnose what's going on inside herself first.
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My Name Is Harriet Mansoor (Not Hairy Man Suit!)
by Haleh Massey
In this hilarious, illustrated, middle-grade novel, Hangameh Harriet Mansoor faces bullies, bad grades, AND puberty. Will she survive the worst month of her eleven-year-old life?
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Roar
by Varsha Bajaj
The New York Times bestselling author of Thirst brings readers the gripping story of a boy whose eye-opening trip to a tiger sanctuary ignites his desire to join those who are roaring to protect the animals Rohan loves animals--especially tigers--so he's beyond thrilled when he gets to fly to India and stay near the tiger sanctuary where his grandfather works. At last, a chance to observe tigers in real life--especially Arya and her twin cubs--and when Ro finally sees them, the experience is even more breathtaking than he'd imagined. When signs of poachers are discovered, he's distraught, and unfortunately that's not the only threat the tigers face--protesters have assembled to support a mining company that would encroach upon the tigers' space. Rohan knows there are always two sides to an argument, and the mines might provide jobs, but it's clear to him that he must be on the tigers' side. Then a horrible crime occurs, filling him with determination to do all he can to make sure people know how important it is to protect the tigers.
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Camp Big Top
by Alexandra Diaz
Four kids overcome challenges and form a strong friendship while trying to save their circus camp from closing in this new coming-of-age story from Pura Belpr Honor winner Alexandra Diaz. Mario has been banished, to circus camp of all places, after stealing his parents' credit card. Luna is an aerial artist, but her body seems to have grown curvier overnight, making it harder to perform on the silks. Ricky is destined to be a stilt-walking star, but his attention span keeps him from safely learning the basics. Betina has a natural talent for clowning comedy, so long as no one is watching her. When the landlord threatens to close down Camp Big Top forever, these four kids must join forces to save it. But first, they will have to build trust in each other...and in themselves.
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Rayana Johnson's Giant Leap
by Jill Tew
At Galaxy Camp, thirteen-year-old checklist aficionado Ray learns that life is full of curveballs as she navigates changes to her body, friendships, and home life.
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The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy
by Angela Cervantes
From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament's stolen trophy in time for the championship match. Humor, heart, and fútbol... everything a middle grade mystery should be. -Chris Grabenstein, New York Times-bestselling author of the Lemoncello series Diez Espada--named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed father's favorite player, Lionel Messi--would rather be chasing clues than soccer balls. When the World Cup trophy disappears at a glitzy party in Miami, he's suddenly at the center of the most thrilling match of his life--a race to find the trophy before it's gone for good. Teaming up with his crush, Rio, and the world-famous Detective Enzo, Diez dives headfirst into a one-night whirlwind of secret tunnels and a squad of suspicious suspects: a spoiled son of a Miami tycoon, a famous sportscaster, and even Rio's two prankster younger brothers. The clock is ticking, the suspects are slippery, and the stadium lights are ready to shine. Will Diez find the trophy in time for the World Cup championship match?
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Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher, and Wâpos's Friendship Garden
by Sita MacMillan
Sarah Ponakey continuing to learn more about her Cree culture and language with the help of the people--and magical animals--around her in the third and final book in the series.Spring break has finally arrived, and Sarah Ponakey is so happy that her k hkom has come to stay with her while her mom is away on a work trip. Sarah will have K hkom all to herself Or will she? Sarah has made a special map to show K hkom her favorite places in the city, but her plans keep getting interrupted--by an old friend of K hkom's, an invitation to a language luncheon, and way more time with new people than Sarah was hoping for. Sarah can't help but be frustrated that nothing is going her way. But when a mysterious little rabbit shows up at the community garden, Sarah starts to realize she has a lot to learn about the importance of patience and how to be a good friend.Featuring Cree words throughout the story, a glossary, and an author's note, like the first two stories in the Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher series, W posos's Friendship Garden is a heartfelt celebration of family, friendship, and culture.
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Bashir Boutros and the Forgotten Realm
by George Jreije
From George Jreije, author of the acclaimed Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria series, comes the exhilarating conclusion to the Bashir Boutros duology in which Bashir and his friends find themselves and the fate of the realms threatened by an unexpected force: a vengeful jinn more powerful and ancient than Yani himself. With Ali Adin defeated and the realms at peace once again, Bashir Boutros is hoping for a normal school year. Well, as normal as things can get when you have a powerful jinn for a friend and you're a member of the secret Council of Magi.But when a girl wearing a mysterious pendant attacks the Magi's hideout, Bashir and his friends quickly find themselves threatened by a jinn more powerful and ancient than his own. Worse, the girl and her jinn are hungry for revenge. Facing a final battle for the realms, Bashir will have to weigh whether or not staying true to himself will cost him the world that he loves. . .
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Song of the Yellow Dragon
by Ying Ping Low
Boy emperor Kai and orphan girl Mengyao race to find a mysterious magic before they turn thirteen and forget it ever existed.
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