Books About #Ownvoice · 96 titles considered

The Best #Ownvoice Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about #ownvoice? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About #Ownvoice

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 963 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,994 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.

Graphic Nov.

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$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2014

El Deafo

By Cece Bell

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Newbery Honor (2015)Cybils Award (2014)Odyssey Award (2024)

233 pages· 16,807 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 91,948 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Cece faces the daunting challenge of starting a new school with a conspicuous hearing aid. Feeling isolated, she discovers her Phonic Ear lets her hear her teacher anywhere in the school, turning her into El Deafo, a superhero with a unique power. But with great power comes the struggle of feeling different and alone. Can Cece use her abilities to find true friendship, or will her superpower keep her isolated? Dive into this heartfelt journey of self-discovery and empathy, where being different might just be the key to finding connection.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

One Crazy Summer

By Rita Williams-Garcia · Book #1 in the Gaither Sisters series

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

Newbery Honor (2011)Coretta Scott King Award (2011)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2010)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2011)

218 pages· 45,472 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,093 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1968, Delphine and her sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland to reunite with their estranged mother, Cecile. Expecting a summer of fun, they instead find themselves at a Black Panther day camp. As Delphine navigates this unexpected world, she learns about family, identity, and the turbulent times they live in. Will the sisters find the connection they seek, or will Cecile's radical life keep them apart? Discover the transformative journey of three girls in a summer that changes everything.

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$858

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2012

Book Uncle and Me

By Uma Krishnaswami, Julianna Swaney (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Book Uncle trilogy series

A young girl named Yasmin visits a free library on the corner and returns a book about doves and their king, who gets stuck in a hunter's net.

152 pages· 15,819 words· Est. 2 hour read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,272 ratings

$8.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Nine-year-old Yasmin loves borrowing books from Book Uncle's street library. When the mayor threatens to shut it down, Yasmin faces a challenge: how can a kid make a difference? With local elections looming, Yasmin, her friends, and neighbors rally together, inspired by a book's idea. As their grassroots campaign unfolds, Yasmin learns the power of community and activism. Can they save the library, or will their efforts spiral out of control? Dive into this lively tale of friendship, determination, and the love of books, where every small action can lead to big change.

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$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8

The Proudest Blue

By Ibtihaj Muhammad, Hatem Aly (Illustrator), S. K. Ali (Illustrator) · The Proudest Blue series

Two sisters navigate their first day of school with one of them wearing a hijab for the first time.

40 pages· 622 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 7,629 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2014

The Crossover (Graphic Novel)

By Kwame Alexander, Dawud Anyabwile (Illustrator) · The Crossover: Graphic Novel series

Twin brothers face life-changing challenges on and off the basketball court.

224 pages· 16,647 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 71,557 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan are basketball stars, thanks to their dad. But Josh's talent extends beyond the court—his rhythmic beats tell their family's story. As they navigate a winning season, the brothers confront growing up and the consequences of breaking rules. Will their bond withstand the pressures of change, or will their world unravel? Experience their journey through dynamic illustrations that bring their story to life.

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$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Alma and How She Got Her Name

By Juana Martinez-Neal

A young girl learns the story behind her long name and the ancestors it represents.

Caldecott Honor (2019)Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2019)

32 pages· 361 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 6,038 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks her name is too long. Seeking answers, she turns to her father and uncovers the rich histories of her ancestors—each name a story of love, adventure, and creativity. As Alma learns about her grandmother's passion for books, her great-grandmother's wanderlust, and her grandfather's artistry, she begins to see her name as a tapestry of her heritage. Will Alma embrace her name and the stories it holds, and what will her own story be? Discover a journey of identity and belonging in this heartwarming tale.

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$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

Just a Minute

By Yuyi Morales

A surprise guest demands Grandma Beetle leave, but she has a clever plan.

Americas Award (2003)Golden Kite Honor (2004)

36 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,529 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: When Senor Calavera arrives to take Grandma Beetle away, she insists on finishing her party preparations first. With each task, she cleverly delays, counting in English and Spanish, ensuring her birthday is spent with family. Will her wit outsmart her unexpected guest? Discover a tale rich in Mexican culture and family warmth.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Black Is a Rainbow Color

By Angela Joy, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)

A child explores the profound meaning of Black beyond the rainbow's colors.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2021)

40 pages· 394 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,599 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A child embarks on a reflective journey, discovering the profound significance of Black in a world of vibrant colors. From everyday objects to historical figures, Black is more than a hue—it's a testament to a rich legacy and thriving community. As they ponder the absence of Black in rainbows, they uncover stories of resilience and change, celebrating a culture that continues to inspire. This lyrical exploration invites readers to see beyond the spectrum and embrace the depth of Black's beauty and history.

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#Ownvoice Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about #ownvoice for preschool and elementary-age readers.

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$1799

The Undefeated

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A tribute to the black individuals who paved the way for future generations in America.

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$1895

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

Ages 3–8 · 2017

A barber shop is a place of transformation where people go to feel seen and valued.

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$1899

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A young girl visits her neighbors on Chinese New Year and causes chaos in their home, leading to a series of unfortunate events and a lesson in responsibility and kindness.

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$1799

Like the Moon Loves the Sky

Ages 3–5 · 2020

A mother's wishes for her children unfold in a tender bedtime tale.

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$1799

Festival of Colors

Ages 2–8 · 2018

Celebrate Holi with vibrant colors, friendship, and fresh starts.

Sale price

$1699

Hair for Mama

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A boy's quest to restore his mother's hair reveals deeper truths about love and family.

Sale price

$1995

When Aidan Became a Brother

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A transgender boy navigates becoming a big brother, learning love and acceptance along the way.

Sale price

$1895

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Sammy's worst day turns around when unexpected help arrives.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

Drawn Together

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A young person struggles to connect with their grandfather until they find a way to communicate beyond words.

Sale price

$2195

When We Were Alone

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A girl uncovers her grandmother's past in a residential school, revealing lost traditions.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

Where's Halmoni?

Ages 5–9 · 2017

Two siblings enter a magical world to find their missing grandmother.

Sale price

$899

The Name Jar

Ages 3–7 · 2001

A young girl navigates her first day of school in a new country, struggling to fit in and find her place.

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Browse by age

#Ownvoice Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about #ownvoice for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Gauntlet

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Trapped in a magical board game, three friends must escape to save themselves and others.

Sale price

$1895

Indian No More

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Regina's tribe is erased; she must find her identity in a new world.

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Sale price

$1699

Little Leaders

Ages 8–11 · 2017

The lives of bold African American women from history are highlighted.

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Sale price

$799

Midnight Without a Moon

Ages 10–12 · 2017

In 1955 Mississippi, a young girl faces racial injustice and must decide her role in the fight for change.

Sale price

$2095

Ahimsa

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A young girl must continue her jailed mother's fight for India's freedom.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Birchbark House

Ages 7–12 · 1999

A young Ojibwa girl navigates life on Lake Superior in 1847.

Series

Sale price

$799

Amina's Voice

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl navigates cultural identity and friendship amid community tragedy.

Sale price

$1899

A Snake Falls to Earth

Ages 12–18 · 2021

Two worlds collide as a girl and a spirit face a deadly threat.

Sale price

$899

The Stars Beneath Our Feet

Ages 10–14 · 2017

A boy in Harlem finds hope and creativity amidst grief and gang pressure.

Sale price

$799

A Single Shard

Ages 10–12 · 2001

An orphan's quest to deliver a potter's masterpiece risks everything for a royal commission.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

The Jumbies

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A fearless girl faces mystical threats to save her island from a mysterious stranger.

Sale price

$1895

Call Me Tree

Ages 6–10 · 2014

A child's journey mirrors a tree's growth, exploring self-discovery and connection.

View all #ownvoice chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about prejudice and racism Books about civil rights movement Books about deafness Books about empathy Books about family history Books about family problems Books about immigration and emigration Books about listening

Our 10 Favorite Books About #Ownvoice

Great books, picked for their age.

#Ownvoice Picture Books

#Ownvoice Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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