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Diversity in Kid's Literature
June 2026
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Picture Books and Early Readers
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Chapter Books & Graphic Novels
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Casting April
by Wendy Lu
Twelve-year-old April is a talented performer who is determined to land the starring role in the school play, but no one believes she can do it because of her tracheostomy tube. A heartwarming story of friendship, identity, and the importance of chasing your dreams. Sixth grader April Xue lives and breathes all things Broadway. When she builds up the courage to audition for the lead role in the school play, she thinks she's knocked it out of the park -- until she finds out that she's been assigned to the stage crew. April is devastated--it seems like the curtain is closing on her dream of being an actor. A day later, April overhears that the theater director, Ms. Rooney, decided not to cast her because she's disabled. With the help of her best friend, a sneaky student reporter, and her spirited castmates, April learns to confront her own insecurities as a performer and proves to everyone (including Ms. Rooney) that she deserves a fair shot -- all in time for opening night.
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The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest
by Nik Korpon
A thirteen-year-old boy holds the fate of his family, his neighborhood, and the world in his hands when he discovers that his cat is from a secret realm of warrior cats facing a dangerous enemy. The walls between worlds are wearing thin. On one side is the bustling neighborhood of San Antonio--home to thirteen-year-old Tito Rodr guez.On the other is a mythical realm where forces of darkness are looking for a way out. Standing between worlds are the guardians of humankind--a race of fierce warrior cats, who appear in our world as cute and furry companions. When Tito follows a stray cat through a hidden portal, he finds himself at the center of this cosmic battle between the warrior cats and evil spirits that feed on negative emotions. And according to an ancient prophecy, Tito is the Chosen One who will lead the fight against the forces of darkness . . . probably. It turns out that there are three possible Chosen Ones--Tito and his new friends and fellow outsiders Luisito and Isa, who have their own furry sidekicks (or wise mentors, if you ask the cats). And with the darkness slipping through the cracks to the human world, all three will have to train for the ultimate fight and prove who is the true hero.
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Cosmic Cadets and the Bubblegum Bots: Volume 2
by Ryan Crawford
Gloria is willing to do anything to top the unofficial mission's leaderboard at the Cosmic Cadet Academy. If only she can avoid triggering a universe-wide robot apocalypse . . . In Cosmic Cadets and the Bubblegum Bots, follow intergalactic besties Gloria and Razz on their most dangerous mission yet. Packed with jokes from the hilarious Ryan Crawford and out-of-this-world illustrations from Rochelle Falconer, this is a perfect young middle-grade adventure read. Gloria and Razz are one mission away from officially being leaders of the unofficial leaderboard at the Cosmic Cadet Academy. All they need to do is survive a trip to the extremely safe and not-at-all dangerous Bubblyon Blasters Bubblegum Factory. Then avoid getting trapped forever in a prison made of gum and defeat their shiny evil robot nemesis. What could possibly go wrong? If Gloria and Razz do find a way out of this seriously sticky situation, they might just prevent a cosmic robot apocalypse. Or be the cause of one.
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Five Days at the Hotel Adams
by Hailey Alcaraz
From Hispanic author Hailey Alcaraz, this historical tale of arson, sleuthing, and finding friendship in unlikely places is based on the real Hotel Adams fire of 1910. It's up to two Latina girls to turn their knack for being overlooked and underestimated into their greatest strength as they unravel a complex web of suspects, clues, and motives.
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Lightmare
by Lauren Magaziner
Still grieving and in hiding, Fiora and her Inc, the Thistles, plan to fight back against the sorcerer, but a shocking revelation and a teammates devastating choice forces the team to confront fractured loyalties and the blurry line between good and evil.
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Rostam Wrecks the Realm
by Olivia Abtahi
When twelve-year-old Rostam Zamini trades a legendary golden mace to a demon prince for popularity on his new home planet, he unknowingly extinguishes its sun, and with the help of new friends and djinns, he races to undo the damage before it is too late.
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The Big Brain Storm
by Andres Miedoso
Desmond and Andres stir up a (brain)storm in this twenty-seventh installment of the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol Series! Some things just go together, like peanut butter and jelly. Chips and salsa. And Andres and Desmond...right? The Ghost Patrol's teamwork is put to the test when they partner up for a school project but can't agree on an idea. Today's weather forecast in Kersville: a 100% chance of a big, thundering brainstorm! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.
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The Four Seasons of Florence Wallace
by Kirstie Myvett
This historical novel about a Black orphan girl grappling for a solid place in Civil War-era New York City will inspire tweens to dream big, rise above society's limitations, and find their way by being a place for others to belong. As Florence grapples with orphanage life and escapes the 1863 Draft Riots, she discovers unknown courage inside her.
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A Sweet Secret!
by Bea Jackson
Willow helps her fairy friends bake a special treat in this magical chapter book in the Fairies Welcome series from New York Times bestselling illustrator Bea Jackson. Fairies love celebrations So, when Lily, Sky, and Jasmine see Willow and her grandmother making yummy cupcakes one day, Lily comes up with a festive idea for her mother's birthday. Why not ask Willow if she can help Lily and her fairy friends bake a delicious treat for her mother's special day? It will be risky to sneak into Willow and her grandma's kitchen, but aren't all surprises worth taking a chance?
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