Multicultural Children's Book Day

#ReadYourWorld

Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party Prizes, Discussion Q’s, and MORE!

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In honor of our seventh Multicultural Children’s Book Day, we are increasing our Twitter Party Book Bundles prizes from five to SEVEN books!

More books, more diverse KidLit discussions, and more FUN!

Please join us Friday, January 31st

9 pm-10 pm EST

Use hashtag #ReadYourWorld to find the party

We will be giving away 14 book bundles plus 5 book bags from Capstone Publishing! In fact, we will be giving away one book bundle every five minutes In Real Time! We will announce each winner as each question closes out.

To ensure that we can reach the winners, we ask that everyone to please register for our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party here.

Multicultural Children's Book Day Twitter Party 2020

Below are the questions for our Twitter party with each prize pack!

 

Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party Discussion Questions and Prizes

Question 1 (9:00 pm): What are your favorite diversity authors, illustrators, and books? What about your kids?

Q1 Book Bundle Prize:

  • Esther’s Grager by Martha Simpson
  • Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala by Meenal Patel
  • How to Code a Roller Coaster by Josh Funk
  • Isaiah & The Chocolate Mountain by Valerie Williams Sanchez
  • The School Science Competition by Avril O’Rielly
  • Sissy Goes Tiny by Rebecca Flansburg & B.A. Norrgard
  • When God Made the World by Matthew Paul

Question 2 (9:05 pm): What do you think about #OwnVoices versus having POC characters illustrated in books by non-POC/minority authors & illustrators?

Q2 Book Bundle Prize:

  • Green Lantern Legacy by Minh Le
  • Greenhorn by Anna Olswanger
  • Diana: Princess of the Amazon by Victoria Ying
  • Luz Del Mes by Maritza Mejia
  • Stories by the Girlfriends Book Club, Baltimore by GFBCB
  • Mia Marcotte and the Robot by Jeanne Wald
  • Brandon Goes to Beijing by Eugenia Chu

Question 3 (9:10 pm): What diversity topics in children’s books do you wish there were more books on?

Q3 Book Bundle Prize (Middle Grade/YA Book Bundle):

  • Martin and Bobby: A Journey Towards Justice by Claire Murphy
  • The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
  • Climbing the Stairs by Padma Venkatramen
  • Rebels & Revolutions by Judy Dodge Cummings
  • New Kid by Jerry Craft
  • The Red Zone: An Earthquake Story by Silvia Vecehini
  • Intrepids by Diana Huang

Question 4 (9:15 pm): What diversity children’s books, authors, and illustrators do you think deserve more recognition? Let’s give them a shout out!

Q4 Book Bundle Prize (Easy Reader/Chapter Book Bundle)

  • Brandon Goes to Beijing by Eugenia Chu
  • Globe Agents: Race 2 Rio by Roddie Simmons
  • My Furry Foster Family by Debi Michiko Florence
  • Standing Against Hate Mary Crank Farrell
  • Nilay’s Wish by Riya Aarini
  • Miss Tree: Mighty Coconuts by Deepa Renesh
  • Chula the Fox by Anthony Perry

Question 5 (9:20 pm): Our Classroom Kit this year is about disability, both physical and developmental. What are your favorite children’s books on this topic?

Q5 Book Bundle Prize (Courtesy of Abrams Publishing)

  • Mama’s Work Shoes by Caron Lewis
  • Soldier for Equality by Duncan Tonatiuh
  • Feed Your Mind by Jen Bryant
  • Gittel’s Journey by Leslea Newman
  • Small World by Ishta Mercurio
  • Granpa’s Stones by Joseph Coelho
  • The Backstagers by Andy Mientus

Question 6 (9:25 pm): What do you hope diversity and multicultural books will teach your children?

Q6 Book Bundle Prize

  • One is a Pinata by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
  • Little Brother by Khalid White
  • La Frontera by Deborah Mills
  • Book of Ju’Anne by Joan E. Ruffins
  • The Yeti & The Jolly Lama by Lama Surya Das
  • Dazzling Travis by Hannah Carmona Dias
  • Mermaids on a Mission by Janet Balletta

Question 7 (9:30 pm): What genre of children’s books do you think lacks the most diversity? (board books, picture books, easy readers, early chapter books, graphic novels)

Q7 Book Bundle Prize

  • Lump Lump and the Blanket of Dreams by Gwen Jackson
  • Place We Have Never Been by Lauren Ranalli
  • LaDonna Plays Hoops by Kimberly Biddle Gordon
  • Jamie is Jamie by Afsaneh Moradian
  • Little Yellow Jeepney by Jocelyn Francisco
  • The World is Awake by Lindsey Davis
  • Chia and the Fox Man by Barbara Atwater & Ethan Atwater

Question 8 (9:35 pm): Do you think a book has enough diversity when the author is not POC/minority, but the illustrator is? 2 Prizes!

Q8 Book Bundle Prize (Board Books)

  • Ana & Andrew at the Museum
  • Carlos & Carmen: Campout
  • Oh My Kulay! by Jocelyn Francisco
  • Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo… Jocelyn Francisco
  • Big Cities Little Foodies by Cheryl Yau Chepusova
  • ¡Números, Baby! by Golzar Kheiltash and Lisa Hall
  • Food: Proud to be Latino! By Ashely Marie Mireles

Question 9 (9:40 pm): What life lessons would you like to see in children’s books in the coming year?

Q9 Book Bag Prize! 5 Book Bags from Capstone Publishers to 5 winners (US only)

Capstone Reading is For Everyone Book Bags

Question 10 (9:45 pm): What are the hurdles to get/keep your kids reading?

Q10 Book Bundle Prize

  • Tales of the Five Enchanted Mermaids by Lois Petren
  • Ribbon’s Traveling Circus by Elizabeth Godley
  • Catherine’s Pascha by Charlotte Riggle
  • Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs by Susan Bernardo Schaefer
  • Waylen Wants to Jam by Jo Mach & Vera Stroup-Rentier
  • The Unexpected Friend by Raya Rahman
  • Earthwaves by Michael Smith

Question 11 (9:50 pm): Why are diverse & multicultural books important to you?

Q11 Book Bundle Prize

  • Ana & Andrew at the Museum
  • Carlos & Carmen: Campout
  • Women Who March by Adena Raub Dershowitz
  • Celebrate Holi with Me by Shoumi Sen
  • Sumo Joe by Mia Wenjen
  • Bonjour! Let’s Learn French by Judy Martialy
  • The Pesky Bird by Marianne Markian

Question 12 (9:55 pm): What topic do you think we should do for our next Classroom Kit?

Q12 Book Bundle Prize (Courtesy of Tuttle Publishing)

  • Tales of a Korean Grandmother
  • A Field Guide to Birds of New Zealand
  • Three Korean Fairy Tales
  • Korean Picture Dictionary
  • My First Book of Korean Words

Bonus Bundle! ELEVEN books Courtesy of MVPKids.com

GRAND PRIZE! ELEVEN BOOK FROM SUPER PLATIUM SPONSOR, Deedee Cummings, CEO of Make A Way Media!

MCBD2020 FREE Resources for All

And here are more free resources to celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 including more book giveaways …

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children's Book Council

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children’s Book Council

Want to win more fabulous diverse children’s and young adult books? Join us for our #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with the Children’s Book Council. We are featuring book giveaways with each post here.

Have you seen our Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 Music Video?

In 2018, Annie Lynn and Walt Wilcezewski from Annie Bird Music created the most wonderful music video for our 2019 event. You can view our first official Read Your World Music Video here. You might see some familiar faces and books!

Have you downloaded our new free Classroom Kit?

The free Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit

This free and downloadable Classroom Kit includes book recommendations that will help Readers Understand Physical and Developmental Challenges for ages 4 -12. Also included:

~ Classroom or Home Activities

~ “Physical and Developmental Challenges” Classroom Poster thanks to the talents of award-winning illustrator, SKlakina

~HelpfulPhysical and Developmental Challenge Talking Points for Teachers

~Links, resources and services that are available to families facing the challenges of coping with Physical and Developmental Challenges in the U.S.A.

Our other kits are here:

FREE Classroom “Empathy” Kit: The free Classroom Empathy Kit focuses on empathy and compassion through shared booklists and special home or classroom activities. The kit includes 18 book recommends on the topic of Understanding Immigration and Refugees, Classroom Empathy Activities, and a very special custom printable Empathy Poster courtesy of author/illustrator Juana Medina. Educators, parents, and librarians can sign-up to receive the free classroom kit here: http://bit.ly/2BGu4uQ

FREE Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate: Understanding Poverty in America Classroom Kit: Created in 2018, this free classroom kit includes over 2 dozen poverty in the U.S.-themed book recommends for ages 4-12, two classroom or home activities, and a copy of the official “Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate” Classroom Poster thanks to the talents of award-winning illustrator, Mehrdokht Amini. http://bit.ly/2P6cXWE

 

Have you checked out our FREE Diversity Book List Resource?

Free diversity book lists and activities for teachers, parents, and librarians! We have carefully curated lists of books from the top education bloggers about diverse topics including countries, religions, holidays, ethnicities, in addition to special needs and LGBTQ. It’s here!

Our Diverse World Book Lists for Kids (this is a general book list)

It’s also broken out by country/geographic area:

Diversity in Children’s Books Presented as Every Day (this is a book list)

 

Books on World Religions for Kids (this is a book list)

It’s also broken out by holiday and/or religion.

Seeing Yourself in Children’s Books

Diversity Books By Genre

General Diversity Book Lists (this is a book list)

 

Have you followed Our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Pinterest Board?

Find more diversity, multicultural, and inclusive books on our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Pinterest Board. Follow on Pinterest to get daily updates.

 

Check out our #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 in conjunction with The Children’s Book Council. Each author has created a book list and is doing a book giveaway. There’s still time to enter!

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Nikki Grimes!

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Eric Smith

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Nic Stone

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with David Bowles

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Vita Murrow

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Ann Dávila Cardinal

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Traci Sorell

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 with Katie Zhao

Encompassing All Perspectives | Guest Posts from Pack-n-Go Girls

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Multicultural Children’s Book Day is just around the corner on January 31st. It’s a great time to reflect on whether your book collection is encompassing all perspectives.

One of our authors, Lisa Travis, had a unique experience as a panelist for this topic at the last American Association of School Librarians conference. We thought we would do a quick synopsis of the author panelists’ books and the perspectives they represented.

The first panelist was Rafael Lopez, the illustrator for Sonia Sotomayor’s book, Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You. This children’s picture book does an amazing job of answering children’s curiosity about others’ differences. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges–and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. Rafael talked about his gratitude to have the opportunity to positively bring awareness to our unique abilities in this world. We also discussed the power of engaging in conversation. Hopefully, this book helps children feel confident to “just ask” and not make assumptions. What books do you have on your bookshelf that speak to the perspective of differences, whether they be physical or mental?

Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

The second panelist was Geoff Rodkey, author of We’re Not From Here. This sci-fi middle-grade novel proves that friendship and laughter can transcend even a galaxy of differences. If you want to go multicultural, why not go to Mars or Planet Choom? Readers of this book will get introduced to immigration through the perspective of space refugees.  Boys and girls will love the main character. Is it boy? Or a girl? According to Geoff, “I gave the readers a bit more space to imagine whatever version of Lan works best for them.” During the panel, Rodkey discussed his approach to creating a gender-neutral character and the misadventures he has had since with those who have assumed one way or the other. In this book, Geoff gave us many perspectives that will expand our thinking. If you’ve got middle-grade readers, add this one to your bookshelf.

We’re Not From Here

The third panelist, Greg Howard, author of Middle School’s a Drag brought yet another perspective for middle grader readers, encouraging us to see the world through a middle school entrepreneur who is discovering how to be open about his identity. He starts his own junior talent agency and signs a thirteen-year-old aspiring drag queen as his first client. Greg shared with us his own perspectives on LGBTQ issues and how they informed his characters and why it was important to have these perspectives on our bookshelves to build a more inclusive world.

Middle School's a Drag

Last, our Pack-n- Go Girls Adventures brought yet another perspective. Lisa Travis, the author of our latest Pack-n-Go Girls Adventure, Mystery of the Naga at Night, discussed the importance of multicultural literature in our globally connected world.

Our mission has always been to make a difference by nurturing an adventurous spirit that inspires kids to go out and explore the world, infusing kids with curiosity and an insatiable thirst to learn, and coaching kids to notice what unites us and appreciate the value of our differences. This is what multicultural and diverse literature brings to the table. If we teach our children to move into the world from a place of openness, wonder, and curiosity, rather than fear, judgment, and separation, we set them up to live profoundly more nourishing, connected lives. Reading multicultural books is an easy first step in this direction.

Ultimately, the more we read, the more we learn. The more perspectives we learn about, the more we build empathy and acceptance. Consider this: How much does it mean for children to read a book that has a girl or boy “just like me” in it? The loss isn’t just for children who don’t see themselves on the pages, but the loss is also for the children who only see themselves on the pages. How do they learn to appreciate and understand different perspectives?

So, as we get ready to celebrate multicultural books, take a look at your bookshelf. Does it encompass the perspectives that you want your children or students to explore? Stay tuned for the great 2020 linky with a myriad of book reviews of multicultural books to discover hot new titles that will encompass all perspectives.

Check it out: https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/

Pack-n-Go Girls are a proud PLATINUM Sponsor of MCBD2020!

5 things to look forward to for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020

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As the 7th annual MCBD approaches on January 31, 2020, we have been eyeball deep in all-things-Multicultural Children’s Book Day and loving every second of it!

Here are some reasons why we know for a FACT, that the 2020 Multicultural Children’s Book Day will be the best EVER.

5 things to look forward to for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020

Mind-blowing Sponsors and Diverse books: Multicultural Children’s Book Day is ion its 7th year and is gaining momentum more and more every day!  Currently, the 2020 lineup includes a ton of and impressive Medallion Level Sponsors and Author Sponsors with more being added daily. Currently, we have over 600+ reviewers signed up (pass the word if you know of anyone who’d like to receive a book to reviews!) to review books on Amazon, a blog, Facebook (Pages only-no profiles), Instagram or YouTube. Our 26 CoHosts and Global CoHosts are working hard to spread the work and countless authors and publishers donating multicultural children’s books. Good stuff!

FREE STUFF!: Throughout the months leading up to the celebratory day, educators, librarians, and parents can start planning and preparing with FREE activities available today at www.multiculturalchildrensbookday.com like these:

The free Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit: This free and downloadable Classroom Kit includes book recommendations that will help Readers Understand Physical and Developmental Challenges for ages 4 -12. Also included:

~ Classroom or Home Activities

~ “Physical and Developmental Challenges” Classroom Poster thanks to the talents of award-winning illustrator, SKlakina

~HelpfulPhysical and Developmental Challenge Talking Points for Teachers

~Links, resources and services that are available to families facing the challenges of coping with Physical and Developmental Challenges in the U.S.A.

Download our FREE 2019/2020 Classroom Kit!

FREE Classroom “Empathy” Kit:  The free Classroom Empathy Kit focuses on empathy and compassion through shared booklists and special home or classroom activities. The kit includes 18 book recommends on the topic of Understanding Immigration and Refugees, Classroom Empathy Activities, and a very special custom printable Empathy Poster courtesy of author/illustrator Juana Medina. Educators, parents, and librarians can sign-up to receive the free classroom kit here: http://bit.ly/2BGu4uQ

FREE Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate: Understanding Poverty in America Classroom Kit: Created in 2018, this free classroom kit includes over 2 dozen poverty in the U.S.-themed book recommends for ages 4-12, two classroom or home activities, and a copy of the official “Poverty Doesn’t Discriminate” Classroom Poster thanks to the talents of award-winning illustrator, Mehrdokht Amini. http://bit.ly/2P6cXWE

Free Diversity Book Lists and Activities for Teachers and Parents: Curated lists of books about diverse topics including: countries, religions, holidays, ethnicities, in addition to special needs and LGBTQ. http://bit.ly/1kGZrta

Share a Classroom Celebration: Teachers who host a celebration in the classroom can send in a picture of their party to receive 3 free diverse books and a swag pack as a thank you.  Teachers and librarians can enter their event info HERE (https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/category/offline-classroomlibrary-event-project/)

 

The CBC/MCBD Annual Book Jam Giveaway Party: We have joined forces with the Children’s Book Council (CBC) for many years now and this year will be extra special.

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 Pinterest

Starting on January 3rd, we will be presenting our SIXTH #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2020 in conjunction with Children’s Book Council. This year we have 10 amazing authors with unique book lists to share. Each author is also doing a book giveaway!

HINT: Watch for reviews and giveaways from some of your favorite authors like Nikki Grimes, Nic Stone, David Bowles, and more!

 

The Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 Music Video: In late 2018 Annie Lynn and Walt Wilcezewski from Annie Bird Music created the most wonderful music video for our 2019 event. You can view our first official Read Your World Music Video here and you may see some familiar faces and books! For MCBD2020, Annie and Walt are busy in the studio creating the new version and we are dying of anticipation! So stay tuned for the final video debut on social media!

Twitter Party! We have announced the date and time for this year’s crazy-fun Twitter party hosted by Super-Platinum Sponsor, Deedee Cummings from Make A Way Media! As always, we will not only have some great questions to ask but we will also have tons of multicultural children’s books and swag to give away. I predict, during our MCBD2020 Twitter Party (8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Central on 1/31/20) we will likely be giving away over 100 diverse picture, chapter, and YA books! Stay tuned for more details.

From the MCBD Team: As our seventh Multicultural Children’s Book Day holiday approaches on January 31, 2020, we are thrilled to have you as part of our amazing community of supporters! With enthusiasm, optimism, and hope, we prepare for MCBD 2020 and would be honored if you join our celebration of diversity through children’s books.

Thank you for cultivating understanding, kindness, inclusion, and exploration of this beautiful world in your classroom.

Don’t forget to connect with Multicultural Children’s Book Day on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.

One more thing:

BOOK REVIEWERS—We Need YOU!

If you love diverse books for kids and have a social media platform to share a review on, we want to give you a FREE diversity book to review!

January 31, 2020, will mark the 7th year of Multicultural Children’s Book Day’s (MCBD) quest to get culturally diverse books into the hands of children, parents, teachers, and librarians. As you may know, Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) is a non-profit that works with authors to get their books reviewed during our online event and also works to get free diversity children’s books into the hands of young readers.

In a nutshell; you don’t have to be a blogger to review multicultural children’s books for our MCBD2020 (1/31/20) online event. You just need to have a love of diversity in children’s literature and be willing to share on your social media platforms such as Facebook (Pages only-no Facebook profiles), Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or YouTube. We encourage honest Amazon reviews of assigned books whenever possible as well.

SIGN UP HERE to be an MCBD2020 book reviewer or go here to get the full scoop before you sign up via our Google form.

As always, #ReadYourWorld!