The Our Voices series features stories of children from various cultural heritages, written and illustrated by creators from those same backgrounds. These sets of colorful and engaging readers help children build key reading skills while also developing their understanding of and appreciation for a wide range of cultures and experiences.
Our Voices Online Resources
Research shows that students’ reading achievement and motivation are affected by the books that are available to them. Kids who are offered books that reflect their cultural backgrounds are more likely to be successful readers. Seeing a wide range of cultural backgrounds in books helps kids gain empathy and become better global citizens.
By providing “mirrors” and “windows” for all students, Our Voices creates an inclusive classroom community that celebrates everyone. From the foods we eat to the holidays we celebrate, learning about many cultures helps us better understand ourselves and our world.
Here's a look at some of the research and reasoning behind these books:
Home & Family
All of Us—and Then Some!
Black American | Level I
When Jaylen wakes up to the smell of neck bone stew, he knows it will be a good day. As the stew cooks, Jaylen checks on all of his family members and helps with chores. Finally, it’s time to eat!
Written by: LaTisha Smith
Illustrated by: Rachel Moss
Ashni and the Sari Night
Indian American | Level J
Ashni loves her new dress. She wants to wear it to her cousin’s wedding. But Mom wants her to wear her new Indian outfit. Which will Ashni choose?
Written by: Pari Deshpande Cohen
Illustrated by: Noopur Thakur
The Magic Outside My Window
Colombian American | Level J
Clara wants to enter a writing contest. But she doesn’t know what to write about. Maybe there’s a good idea just outside her window!
Written by: Connie Pertuz-Meza
Illustrated by: Ivan Barrera
The Home Is Our Mother
Cheyenne and Hopi | Level J
Cinna visits her friend Boo-Boo on Hopi and Tewa land. There, Cinna learns about Hopi and Tewa traditions, including the importance of taking care of the home.
Written by: Cinnamon Kills First & BriAnn Laban
Illustrated by: Jay Charles Shelton, Jr.
Mooncake Friends
Chinese American | Level J
Ming invites his friend Lupita to his family’s Mid-Autumn Festival feast. After listening to the legend behind the harvest moon, they celebrate together.
Written by: Grant Chang
Illustrated by: Sian James.
Kanuchi Day
Cherokee | Level I
A Cherokee grandmother teaches her granddaughter how to make kanuchi, a traditional hickory nut soup. Find out what else her granddaughter learns about their family traditions.
Written by: Elise McMullen-Ciotti
Illustrated by: Morgan Thompson
Cameron Teaches Black History
Black American | Level K
At summer camp, Cameron learned a lot about Black history. He is excited to teach his family and friends about the contributions of Black people in the United States. What happens when his teacher comes to his class?
Written by: Tamara Shiloh
Illustrated by: Rachel Moss
Leila's Day at the Pool
Iranian American | Level K
Leila and her sister Goli are excited to play at the pool. But the fun stops when they both want the same toy. Will they learn how to share?
Written by: Sara Goudarzi
Illustrated by: Atieh Sohrabi
My Family Tree
Honduran and Black American | Level K
Emma has to make a family tree for class, and she is confused. She looks very different from other members of her family. A talk with her great-grandmother might help her see herself in a new way.
Written by: Keisha Bush
Illustrated by: Lydia Mba
Weekend at the Farm
Puerto Rican | Level K
Every weekend, Maria and her cousins go to their grandparents’ farm. There are lots of chores to be done. But Maria doesn’t want to work—she wants to have fun!
Written by: Estephanie Mosquera-Ortiz
Illustrated by: Monica Paola Rodriguez
Neighborhood & Community
Going Home
Waccamaw Siouan | Level I
Gina loves her home in the city. She’s worried she won’t fit in when she goes to visit her Waccamaw Siouan family in North Carolina. But celebrating with her Native American community may help her understand what it really means to be “home.”
Written by: Brittany Schulman
Illustrated by: Joshua Webb
Talib's Arabic Neighborhood
Libyan American | Level I
When Talib’s classmate asks about the Arabic writing on his lunchbox, Talib feels embarrassed. But a walk with his grandfather opens his eyes to the Arabic all around his neighborhood and gives him an idea.
Written by: Koloud Fawzi Omar Abdul Aziz Tarapolsi
Illustrated by: Turkia Bensaoud
Annisa's Good Dreams
Korean American | Level J
Annisa knows garbage can end up in the ocean. So when she sees trash around her neighborhood, she wants to do something about it. Can one girl make a difference in her community?
Written by: Elaine H. Kim
Illustrated by: Eunji Jung
Give With Aloha
Native Hawaiian | Level J
Nāmaka wants to get the perfect gift for his sister’s graduation. He thinks and thinks as he helps everyone prepare for her party. Will he find the right gift?
Written by: Kekoa and Pelehonuamea Harman
Illustrated by: Kat Uno
Hurry Up, Marco!
Mexican American | Level J
The Fiesta parade is in a few hours. But there are lots of flowers to be delivered before it starts. Will Marco be able to finish all of his deliveries in time?
Written by: Jaime Lucero
Illustrated by: Beca Koblick de León
We Celebrate Together
Greek and Haitian American | Level J
Nia and her family get ready to celebrate an important holiday. As they prepare, Nia discovers many new things about her community and friendship.
Written by: Ourania Papacharalambous
Illustrated by: Christos Skaltaas
At the Water's Edge
Passamaquoddy | Level K
Bombom lives in a small village in Maine. He meets a boy from another country at the local art fair. Their lives are very different. What will they learn about each other?
Written by: Chris Newell
Illustrated by: KC Oster
Culture Walk
Dominican American | Level K
Indira’s brother doesn’t like their neighborhood. Indira loves everything about it. She loves the people, the food, and the culture. Can she change her brother’s mind?
Written by: Lissarette Nisnevich
Illustrated by: Richy Sánchez Ayala
The Back-to-School Jam
Black American | Level K
It’s time for the community back-to-school celebration, and Ayanna has an important job. Can she create a welcome poster and game she can be proud of?
Written by: Celeste M. Bryant
Illustrated by: Keenon Ferrell
Welcome to Masagana!
Filipino American | Level K
A new Filipino restaurant is opening in the neighborhood, and Joy is excited. She and her mom help the owners get ready for the grand opening. Along the way, Joy learns how a community can be like family.
Written by: Katrina Ardiente Alonso
Illustrated by: Marianne J. Palita