Books like 'Something Beautiful'
Readers who enjoyed Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth & Lynne Thigpen also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
realistic poverty family poc-mc children historical-fiction friendship social-commentary urban
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When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life... -
![Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson]()
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI couldn't play on the same playground as the white kids.I couldn't go to their schools.I couldn't drink from their water fountains.There were so many things I couldn't do. In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak...Categorized as:
historical-fiction social-commentary children poc-mc family realistic friendship children-books -
![The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser, Robin Miles]()
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser, Robin Miles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen autumn arrives on 141st Street, the Vanderbeekers are busy helping Mr. Beiderman get ready for the New York City Marathon and making sure the mysterious person sleeping in the community garden gets enough to eat... -
![Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen]()
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Family isn’t always your relatives. It’s the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe, included, and loved... -
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![Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn]()
Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA reflection on immigration, family, and home.Wishes tells the honest story about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting impact that makes on the littlest member of the family. Inspired by actual events in the author's life...Categorized as:
family realistic poc-mc children historical-fiction social-commentary children-books fiction -
![All Because You Matter by Tami Charles]()
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to black and brown children reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier... -
![Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall]()
Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall invites readers to peek through windows that shine like real glass on this lavish book’s cover, and explore the dollhouse-like world of a beloved farmhouse where twelve children were born and raised.Over a hill, at the end of a road, by a glittering stream that twists and turns stands a farmhouse...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction realistic children children-books fiction historical multigenerational -
![Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow]()
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city...Categorized as:
realistic family children poc-mc friendship social-commentary children-books fiction -
![Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts]()
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsJeremy yearns for a pair of the black high-top sneakers all the kids are wearing, but his grandmother can't afford them so he makes do with a pair from the box of cast-offs in the school guidance office. To his amazement and delight, Jeremy finds a too-small pair of the prized shoes on a visit to the thrift shop and hopes they will stretch to fit his feet... -
![Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell]()
Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHakeem Randall can't take it anymore. First he learns that his father is sick and that his parents can no longer afford their home. Then he finds out he has to leave his friends at Bluford High and move in with his uncle in faraway Detroit--where he has to share a bedroom with his moody, secretive cousin Savon... -
![I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley]()
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years!In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence... -
![No Way Out by Peggy Kern]()
No Way Out by Peggy Kern
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBluford High freshman Harold Davis is trapped. Medical bills for his sick grandmother are piling up, and a social worker has threatened to put him in a foster home. Desperate for money, he reluctantly agrees to work for Londell James, a neighborhood drug dealer. The choice leads him into a world of dangerous streets where no one is safe... -
![The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater]()
The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA beautiful lyrical story that introduces the concept of individuality, accepting of others differences, and respect for those around us.This is a tale about conformism and individualism, as Mr. Plumbean's expression of creativity and individuality challenges his neighbor's ideas about the importance of having a “neat street.” By repainting his house to reflect his colorful dreams, Mr... -
![Secrets in the Shadows by Anne Schraff]()
Secrets in the Shadows by Anne Schraff
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWelcome to Bluford High. This widely acclaimed teen series set in an urban high school features engaging, accessible writing and appealing, contemporary storylines.Roylin Bailey is living a nightmare--and it's all his fault. It started when the new student, Korie Archer, arrived in his history class... -
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![New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer]()
New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsElla Mae is used to wearing her cousin's hand-me-down shoes—but when her latest pair is already too tight, she's thrilled at the chance to get new shoes.But at the shoe store, Ella Mae and her mother have to wait until there are no white customers to serve first...Categorized as:
historical-fiction social-commentary realistic poc-mc friendship children family historical -
![Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna]()
Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen a young girl has to move countries and start at a new school, her fear tells her to be alone and afraid. How can she hope to make friends if she doesn't understand anyone? Surely no one else feels the same way...From the award-winning author and illustrator of The Journey, this insightful and delicately told story shows that we can all find friendship and comfort when we share our fears... -
![Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung]()
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they're the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book with a message of acceptance and unity. In the beginning, there were three colors . . .Reds,Yellows,and Blues.All special in their own ways, all living in harmony--until one day, a Red says "Reds are the best!" and starts a color kerfuffle... -
![Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña]()
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsCJ and his Grandma take a bus ride together, discovering the beauty and wonder of their vibrant neighborhood...Categorized as:
children family friendship historical-fiction poc-mc poverty realistic social-commentary -
![I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont]()
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHigh on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart... -
![Because by Mo Willems]()
Because by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction poc-mc realistic book children-books contemporary -
![Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli]()
Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSnuggle up at bedtime or anytime with Biscuit, the very first book about everyone's favorite little yellow puppy. It’s time for bed, but Biscuit doesn’t want to sleep! Before Biscuit gets into bed he wants one more snack, one more story, one more kiss... -
![Socks for Supper by Jack Kent]()
Socks for Supper by Jack Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen a poor couple exchange socks for cheese and milk, they receive more than expected... -
![Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Joanna Ho, Liz Kleinrock]()
Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Joanna Ho, Liz Kleinrock
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, and award-winning educator Liz Kleinrock, comes a powerful companion picture book about adoption and family. A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents’... -
![What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, George David Weiss]()
What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, George David Weiss
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFirst recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, and with sales of over one million copies, "What a Wonderful World" has become a poignant message of hope for people everywhere. Sweet and positive in its message, with bright, beautiful art, this book is sure to be a hit... -
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![Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer]()
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhether you have two mums, two dads, one parent, or one of each, there's one thing that makes a family a family... and that's love. A book for EVERY family by dazzling illustrator Sophie Beer... -
![Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins]()
Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShanti misses the warm monsoon rains in India. Now in America, she watches fall leaves fly past her feet. Still, her family’s apartment feels like a village: Mama cooking luchi, funny stories in Bangla, and Baba’s big laugh. But outside, everything is different – trick-or-treating, ballet class, and English books.Back and forth, Shanti trudges between her two worlds...Categorized as:
family realistic poc-mc children friendship children-books fiction cultural-identity -
![Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady]()
Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow... -
![David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon]()
David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen David gets in trouble, he always says . . . "NO! It's not my fault! I didn't mean to! It was an accident!"Whatever the situation, David's got a good excuse. And no matter what he's done "wrong," it's never really his fault. Soon, though, David realizes that making excuses makes him feel bad, and saying he's sorry makes him feel better... -
![A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams]()
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAfter their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy... -
![The Colors of Us by Karen Katz]()
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades... -
![My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco]()
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere's nothing worse than a rotten redheaded older brother who can do everything you can do better! Patricia's brother Richard could run the fastest, climb the highest, and spit the farthest and still smile his extra-rotten, greeny-toothed, weasel-eyed grin... -
![Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox]()
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAs everyone knows, nothing is sweeter than tiny baby fingers and chubby baby toes. . . -
![The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah, Kelly DiPucchio]()
The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah, Kelly DiPucchio
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus--but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out... -
![Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle]()
Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsZooom! Wooeeee . . . ! "Make Way!" The big city sure is a speedy, noisy place for a country truck like Blue. Everywhere Blue looks, he sees buses, police cars, taxis, vans, a street sweeper, and even the mayor’s limousine. With everyone pushing to be first, soon there’s a giant traffic jam! But even a wrangle-tangle is no match for Little Blue Truck, who comes to the rescue in true Blue style... -
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![Campfire Mallory by Laurie B. Friedman]()
Campfire Mallory by Laurie B. Friedman
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's summertime and the Wish Pond Road gang is getting ready to go to Camp Blue Lake. Mallory's not so sure she wants to go. What if she gets homesick or none of the other kids like her? Her best friends, Mary Ann and Joey, convince her how fun it will be to go swimming, boating, and roast marshmallows over a campfire. But when Mallory arrives at camp, nothing goes as planned...Categorized as:
children family friendship realistic children-books fiction middle-grade season-summer -
![Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra]()
Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAnni’s on a mission to YUM!The café across the street from Anni’s home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent—Anni could eat it every day. In fact, Anni loves that biryani so much that she’s determined to uncover the secret to the recipe. She has so many questions for Uncle, the grumpy chef and owner of the café... -
![In Every Life by Marla Frazee]()
In Every Life by Marla Frazee
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA simple and profound meditation on the many wonders of life from two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Marla Frazee.In every life, there is love and loss, hope and joy, wonder and mystery. With glowing art and spare, powerful text, Caldecott Honor–winning creator Marla Frazee celebrates the moments, feelings, and experiences, both big and small, that make up a life... -
![Oh, Valentine, We've Lost Our Minds! by Dan Gutman]()
Oh, Valentine, We've Lost Our Minds! by Dan Gutman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA.J. and the gang from My Weird School star in this series of after-school, holiday-themed chapter books featuring all-new hilarious stories and thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more.It's the week of Valentine's Day, and A.J.'s class is getting a foreign exchange student! His name is Pierre, and he's from France. But what happens when Pierre challenges A.J... -
![What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold]()
What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGender-creative Riley knows just what to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends in this sweet and timely picture book from Elana K. Arnold and Linda Davick.Riley wears whatever clothes feel right each day. On Monday, Riley feels shy and wears a bunny costume to school. On Tuesday, a scary trip to the dentist calls for a super hero cape... -
![Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse]()
Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratings"Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse recreates the body and soul-renewing experience of a summer downpour after a sweltering city heat wave. Lyrically written and lovingly illustrated." - School Library Journal "Hesse's language is a quiet, elegant surge.... Muth contributes fine watercolor atmospherics... -
![Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis]()
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, the New York Times bestselling team behind Today I Feel Silly and I’m Gonna Like Me, bring us a tender and funny picture book for every parent and child. Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born is a special celebration of the love and joy an adopted child creates for a family... -
![Please, Baby, Please by Kadir Nelson, Spike Lee]()
Please, Baby, Please by Kadir Nelson, Spike Lee
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsVivid illustrations from celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke toddlerhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again... -
![Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy]()
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLucy is teased by a boy at school because she is different. She has the courage to be true to herself and to make the right choice when that same boy needs her help... -
![I Promise by LeBron James]()
I Promise by LeBron James
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close...Categorized as:
children poc-mc social-commentary realistic family friendship children-books fiction -
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![Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons]()
Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratings“On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home.” Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will join great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins...Categorized as:
family realistic historical-fiction children poc-mc friendship children-books fiction -
![Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker]()
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAt last—here from the team behind the beloved international bestseller comes a companion to Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site... -
![Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill]()
Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMolly and her mom don't always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly's happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be at the food pantry... -
![Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie]()
Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Sherman Alexie and Caldecott Honor winning Yuyi Morales comes a striking and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating the special relationship between father and son. Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal name...one that's all his own. Dad is known as big Thunder, but little thunder doesn't want to share a name... -
![We're going to be friends by Jack White]()
We're going to be friends by Jack White
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Possibly the greatest-ever song about childhood BFFs.” — Entertainment Weekly"We're Going to be Friends" is one of The White Stripes most enduring and loved songs. With the help of illustrator Elinor Blake, the perennial favorite feels right at home on the page as a children's book. Join Suzy Lee as she goes to school with her books and pens, looks for bugs, shows and tells, and finds a friend... -
![Song in the City by Daniel Bernstrom]()
Song in the City by Daniel Bernstrom
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom Daniel Bernstrom, the acclaimed author of One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, comes a charming and irresistibly fun picture book about a young blind girl and her grandmother who experience the vibrant everyday music of their busy city.A young girl, filled with the sounds of her beloved city, shares a song with her grandmother that changes the two forever...
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