Top-rated books by Ricky Smith
Uptown
Age: 4-8
Books like Ricky Smith’s
Award winning
Tomatoes in My Lunchbox
Costantia Manoli, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity through engaging storytelling.
Enhances empathy and understanding among young readers.
Supports emotional development with relatable migration theme.
Encourages family discussion on identity and belonging.

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox
Costantia Manoli, 2022
Award winning
Dashain's Gift of Love: A Festival Storybook
Story Moves Mountains, Biva Kishore, Darshana Karki, 2023
26 pages
Why to read
Celebrates Dashain festival with heartwarming family narratives.
Enhances understanding of Nepalese culture and traditions.
Encourages empathy and love through vibrant storytelling.
Ideal for family reading, strengthens bonds and literacy.

Dashain's Gift of Love: A Festival Storybook
Story Moves Mountains, Biva Kishore, Darshana Karki, 2023
Award winning
Friends Are Friends, Forever
Dane Liu, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates enduring friendships with engaging storytelling.
Teaches empathy and understanding through relatable scenarios.
Encourages emotional development and social skills.
Supports literacy growth with compelling, easy-to-follow text.

Friends Are Friends, Forever
Dane Liu, 2022
Award winning
Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story
Shirin Shamsi, Manal Mirza, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Captures the essence of Ramadan through a child’s perspective.
Illustrates the importance of family and community during Ramadan.
Encourages empathy, generosity, and gratitude.
Enhances understanding of Islamic culture and traditions.

Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story
Shirin Shamsi, Manal Mirza, 2022
Award winning
Hair Twins
Raakhee Mirchandani, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural identity and family bonds.
Encourages self-expression and confidence through relatable storytelling.
Illustrations enhance comprehension and engagement.
Supports emotional development and inclusivity.

Hair Twins
Raakhee Mirchandani, 2021
Award winning
Jasmine Toguchi, Bridge Builder
Debbi Michiko Florence, 2024
128 pages
Why to read
Highlights cultural diversity through engaging storytelling.
Encourages creativity and perseverance in young readers.
Supports comprehension and vocabulary development.
Aids in social-emotional learning and empathy.

Jasmine Toguchi, Bridge Builder
Debbi Michiko Florence, 2024
Award winning
Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Explores cultural significance of blue in a captivating way.
Engages children with vibrant illustrations and rich storytelling.
Encourages curiosity about history and color symbolism.
Supports understanding of diversity through color exploration.

Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, 2022
Award winning
All the Way to Havana
Mike Curato, Margarita Engle, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Vibrant journey through the colorful streets of Havana.
Celebrates creativity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
Rich cultural immersion that fosters global awareness.
Engaging narrative that builds relatability and empathy.
