Top-rated books by Ricky Smith
Uptown
Age: 4-8
Books like Ricky Smith’s
Award winning
The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
34 pages
Why to read
Festive story ignites the magic of Christmas.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading times.
Boosts vocabulary with engaging holiday-themed words.
Supports understanding of cultural holiday traditions.

The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
Award winning
Your Name Is a Song
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, 2020
45 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity through melodic storytelling.
Encourages respect and pride in personal names.
Supports emotional and social development.
Ideal for shared reading and family bonding.

Your Name Is a Song
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, 2020
Award winning
Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and family bonds.
Enhances understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Encourages emotional growth through relatable storytelling.
Beautifully illustrated, captivating young readers.

Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
Award winning
My Two Border Towns
David Bowles, Erika Meza, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Vividly portrays bicultural experiences and family bonds.
Encourages empathy and understanding of diverse communities.
Beautiful, engaging illustrations complement the heartfelt narrative.
Supports bilingual language development and cultural appreciation.

My Two Border Towns
David Bowles, Erika Meza, 2021
Award winning
Spanish is the Language of My Family
Michael Genhart, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity through language and family ties.
Enhances multilingual development in early childhood learning.
Engaging narrative fosters emotional and social growth.
Encourages family bonding over shared heritage stories.

Spanish is the Language of My Family
Michael Genhart, 2023
Award winning
My Powerful Hair
Carole Lindstrom, 2023
48 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and self-expression through hair.
Encourages confidence and self-love in young readers.
Supports understanding and acceptance of individual differences.
Interactive, engaging narrative for shared reading moments.

My Powerful Hair
Carole Lindstrom, 2023
Award winning
Magnolia Flower
Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Vibrant storytelling enchants and captivates young minds.
Illustrates resilience and courage through engaging narratives.
Fosters emotional growth and understanding in children.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading sessions.

Magnolia Flower
Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi, 2022
Award winning
Plátanos Are Love
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage through vibrant storytelling.
Enhances language skills and emotional understanding.
Supports early childhood cognitive and social development.
Engaging narrative that fosters family bonding.
