April 23rd is World Book Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate diversity in literature than talking to one of Ann Arbor’s iconic bookstores about their top recommendations for children.
We spoke with Lillie Reimer, children’s manager at Literati, and have their favorite books listed below. From board books to picture books to elementary to YA, no matter the age of your children, you’ll find some great recommendations here.
Reimer emphasizes that throughout the store, but especially in the children’s and YA section, Literati prioritizes diverse stories for everyone.
“We love seeing people come in and talking to people about the books that we have here in the store,” said Reimer. “If you’re ever looking for something, come on down, and if we don’t have it we will order it!”
Board Books (recommended for ages 0-5)
Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder
Reimer said this book is practically a classic at this point. It shows a lot of different types of bodies, how bodies work, how they move and that we all have different ones that are all good at different things.
“It’s a sweet message, and really nice to start kids at a very young age seeing the value in all different types of bodies,” Reimer said.
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
This is about a little girl who is spending time with her grandpa, and he starts talking about this long road trip that he and his husband would go on when they were younger and how they kept doing it.
“It features a queer grandparent and it’s a great story,” Reimer said. “It also talks about grief because one of the grandfathers has recently passed away. It’s a wonderful joyful story that recognizes sad things are going to happen and grief is important to everybody’s story.” It hits a lot of different areas for kids.
Picture books
Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So by Rhonda Roumani and Nadia Roumani
It’s by a mother/daughter team and features an Arab mother and her daughter, who keeps asking, “Can we do this?” And the mother’s response is, “Insha’Allah.”
“It’s a great explanation of what Insha’Allah means and why it’s important and shows everyday life for these two Arab women,” Reimer said.
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho.
It’s about an Asian American mother and daughter duo, and the daughter is very self conscious about her eyes. The mother explains that they are beautiful, and this is why.
Early Readers
The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty
This series is a favorite of Reimer. It takes kids through different careers and notable names. The books show children different ways to be and have a very diverse cast of characters, such as Rosie Revere, Ada Twist and Sofia Valdez.
The Marya Khan series by Saadia Faruqi
The main character goes on various misadventures and the stories highlight Indian culture and life.
Middle Grade
A Song for You and I (a graphic novel) by K O’Neill
This is by an illustrator that all the staff at Literati love. This is their most recent novel and it features a lovely queer relationship. “It’s a little bit fantasy,” said Reimer. “The graphic novel is very casually diverse. The world is just full of different people of color and different body types, so it’s really lovely to see.”
Candace, the Universe, and Everything by Sherri L. Smith
This is a beloved newer book about a young Black girl discovering her roots, diving in and learning what it means to be herself and grow up as a Black Girl with a legacy of amazing Black women behind her.
RELATED: Ann Arbor District Library’s Top Children’s Books of 2025
Young adult
This Place Kills Me: A Graphic Novel by Mariko Tamaki
This is a classic teen story where a girl doesn’t fit in at her prep school and she hates everything there–except for the girl she has a crush on. “They really get to go through the drama of falling in love and making their way through this not-so-friendly place together,” Reimer said, “and it remains really hopeful.”
Books by Angeline Boulley
This is an author who wrote several books including Firekeeper’s Daughter that feature Native American characters throughout, starting in the 90s and going up to modern day. “She’s an author who’s native to Michigan,” notes Reimer. “They’re really fun mysteries that focus on Native American culture. She’s so talented; her books deserve all the recognition in the world.”
When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur
This is a gorgeous spooky southern gothic mystery that shows the South, through the eyes of non-white characters. A great exploration of what it means to be not-white down south, and has an amazing mystery and magical element to it that is beautiful and fun.
A Treachery of Swans by A. B. Poranek
A retelling of Swan Lake, but with two women at the center of the romance. “It’s beautiful, fun, and one of the best YA books I’ve read in a while,” Reimer said.
Have you read any of these? What diversity books are your personal favorites? Let us know!
