Celebrate diverse cultures by introducing authors and illustrators from other countries, expanding cultural knowledge and intercultural understandings, and promoting respect for diverse cultures. Rather than privileging white voices and Western values (heterosexuality, Christianity; maleness, whiteness etc.), we should purposefully look for and prioritize “othered” voices, opinions, perspectives, and stories and add them to our bookshelves (Cooke, 2020). International books can give readers opportunities to see and celebrate aspects of their own identities as well as opportunities to explore the lives and experiences of people and places distinctly different from what they know. Both are important. Note that these titles are authored by writers with an insider perspective, meaning the authors share some identity aspect with the book’s characters, culture, and/or perspective.
I explored all of the 2023 USBBY “Outstanding International Books,” and in this post, I share my top 6 favorite titles. The books listed here are award-winners that are available in the US, but originated or were published in a country other than the US.
I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu (2022) by Refiloe Moahloli, illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
Two South Africans collaborated to create this picture book, which highlights the ubuntu philosophy – that we are who we are through our connections to other people. The message is important and the beautiful, detailed illustrations will keep young readers engaged.
Playing with Lanterns (2021) by Wang Yage, illustrated by Zhu Chengliang, translated by Helen Wang.
This picture book was originally written in Chinese (2017) and later translated to English (2021). Colorful illustrations support the story of Zhao Di and her friends as they celebrate Chinese New Year with lanterns. The custom of smashing the lanterns at the end of the celebration was new and interesting to me.
The Baker by the Sea (2022) by Paula White. Everyone is busy in this small English seaside town and the protagonist, who wishes to be a fisherman when he grows up, learns to respect the role each person plays in a community, including his baker father. Elena Schucka (School Library Journal) suggested pairing this gentle book with Matt de la Pena’s Last Stop on Market Street. The black and white with a splash of blue illustrations are unique and beautiful. Don’t miss “A Note About This Story” on the copyright page.
The Depth of the Lake and The Height of the Sky by Kim Jihyum. Floris Books.
Korean author Kim Jihyum created this physically large wordless picture book. A boy and his dog leave their city apartment to visit his grandparents’ home in the countryside. The illustrations convey his discovery of the natural world in ways that will bring you back again and again to look more closely at each page spread. Wordless picture books like this one provide wonderful opportunities to develop and talk about inferences.
Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls (2022) by Atinuke and illustrated by Onyiny Iwu. Walker Books.
I now look forward to each Too Small Tola book that is published. This is a perfect early chapter book for younger readers that follows Tola, who lives with her Grandmommy and two older siblings in Lagos, Nigeria. Tola and her family experience some challenges that leave Tola feeling envious of the well-to-do girls in the city, but discovers that there are some things for which these girls might actually envy her.
This is Our Place by Vitor Martins and translated by Larissa Helena.
I loved this Young Adult book by Brazilian author Vitor Martins. It follows three queer teenagers – Ana, Greg, and Beto – living in three different decades – 2000, 2010, and 2020 – in the same little house on Sunflower Street. Keeping up with the characters might be a little confusing, but it is worth it. The aunt who runs a video rental store in her garage and has a dog named Keanu Reeves has stuck with me.
More on International Books:
Cooke, N. (2020). What it means to decolonize the library. Publisher’s Weekly.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) promotes international understanding and good will through books for children and adolescents.
The U.S. section of IBBY is called the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY).
International Children’s Digital Library
USBBY International Book Lists
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) has been celebrated every year on April 2nd since 1967. Mark your calendar now so you can celebrate!
Dr. Elizabeth Swaggerty is a Professor of Reading and Literacy Education at East Carolina University. swaggertye@ecu.edu
