Today is Inauguration Day in the United States! It feels like a particularly momentous presidential change. It’s also the first time I’ve had several kids who are old enough to be really interested in the process. I’m looking forward to … Read More
When Dan and I first started traveling, selfies weren’t really a thing. I mean, you could hold a camera out, but it was significantly more difficult. Still, we didn’t really need any family photo tips because the quality of that … Read More
Race can often seem like one of those taboo topics. There’s often a feeling that it’s better to ignore it than address it head on. So maybe you’re wondering why talk to kids about racism? Let’s talk about race and … Read More
I’m a firm believer that lots of different parenting styles can be successful. One persons parenting strengths may include crafts and joint projects and peaceful correction. Someone else may be great at adventuring and exercising. All these things have value, … Read More
We’ve visited the Grand Canyon a number of times, both before kids as well as with kids. But this was our first time visiting the Grand Canyon in winter! The Grand Canyon is vast and you can certainly find plenty … Read More
Here are some fantastic children’s books about Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as a few highlighting other Civil Rights activists. While kids books about MLK won’t work against racism in and of themselves, I hope you use them as … Read More
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. For a long time, especially since it comes on the coattails of the winter holiday season, it just felt like another day … Read More
One of the trickiest things about having a lot of little ones is managing one on one time with kids. With 5 kids, it’s no joke to give individual attention to each child. We struggled for years trying to figure … Read More
We can’t fail to act against racism and also act surprised by it. We can’t agree to disagree about racism and white supremacy. Little steps to dismantle them aren’t enough; we must take huge steps. Raising antiracist kids can help. … Read More
January 6th is surely a day that will go down in the history books. As adults, we hear and read the news, and it’s easy to get lost in it without taking time to explain. It’s important to me to … Read More
Join us as we journey to the Philippines! During this virtual tour of the Philippines for kids, we’ll enjoy fun and inspiring Philippines activities. This Philippines virtual field trip as part of the Global Children’s Book Club is a perfect … Read More
It’s always fun to look back to see the top blog posts of the previous year. I love seeing what you guys have connected with and what has been helpful to your families. I thought it would be fun to … Read More
Today is Inauguration Day in the United States! It feels like a particularly momentous presidential change. It’s also the first time I’ve had several kids who are old enough to be really interested in the process. I’m looking forward to marking the day by learning about some diverse leaders in American history, especially by reading some wonderful children’s books.
Here are 10 great inauguration books for kids that are perfect to reflect and learn about the diverse leaders who have shaped our country. BIPOC authors are heavily featured, though not exclusively; it’s important to me that “diversity” is never misconstrued as just Black or brown. I hope this mix of truly diverse leaders and creators helps you feel connected to the continued progression of the country as symbolized by Inauguration Day!
This post about diverse leaders and Inauguration books for kids contains affiliate links, but all opinions are 100% my own. That means I earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, but doesn’t change your price.
We gave this book to our 3 year old for his birthday and it’s been a favorite ever since. He regularly talks about Kamala, and brings up the book anytime he hears her name in political discussions (which is often). Written by Kamala Harris’s niece, it’s a sweet and empowering true story about diverse leaders. Highly recommend!
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
As the first Black woman elected to Congress, Shirley Chisholm used her influence to advocate for the rights of the marginalized. I couldn’t pick between the two picture books about diverse leaders, so I’m sharing both! They’re both wonderful voting & elections picture books.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
The battle of Latinx families to receive equal rights and educational opportunities isn’t often highlighted but these trailblazing diverse leaders were important in setting the stage for Brown v Board of Education.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
We gave this book to Dan for Father’s Day that is former President Barack Obama’s take on 13 incredible American leaders. We loved reading snippets of their life and work.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
This new picture book is a beautiful telling of Vice President Harris’s upbringing as a daughter of immigrants who went on to become the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States of America.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
This perennial favorite in our house details the story of one of our favorite female heroes in US government, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Beautifully written and illustrated.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
My older daughter went through a period when she read this book every day for weeks on end. In it, Chelsea Clinton shares a mini biography on 13 American women who helped guide the course of the country.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
Not your typical ABC book, this one brings in concepts such as racial justice and working for equality. I love that it inspires action even in the youngest of listeners – one of the great children’s books about voting and elections.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
Sonia Sotomayor was inspired by books to overcame obstacles such as health challenges, family struggles, and more to become the first Latina Supreme Court Justice of the United States of America.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
We’re big fans of the Who Is/Who Are books, and these are no different. Great and short overviews for elementary-aged kids.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
It’s easy to think voter suppression is a thing of the past, but in truth, it’s alive and well today. Reading about incredible individuals who worked for equal voting representation helps me feel motivated to continue their work.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
Former Congressman John Lewis was a leader in activism for equality before taking public office, and he was a boy who wanted to care for his flock before that.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
This book was written by Kamala Harris herself. It helps young kids recognize that superheroes come in many forms – including kids! – and that service is paramount.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
What child hasn’t dreamed of being in charge for the day? These children imagining themselves as diverse leaders help spark conversations around what is required for the governance of our country. It’s a great diverse children’s book about voting.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
Eleanor changed the role of First Lady, and I love this book that highlights her work as she hosts British Royalty.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
The ideal of liberty and justice for all with equal representation is still not filled, but there have been many steps along the way. This gorgeous picture book about voting details the history of rights and sufferage.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
This book has been very popular over the last year, and with good reason. It’s beautifully illustrated with work from incredible artists, and features the words of various Civil Rights leaders.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
This whole board book series is perfect for the youngest of readers to get a taste of governmental systems. They’re all great voting & elections children’s books!
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
Sometimes just knowing there are relatable heroes is so moving. I love the impact of art and an incredible diverse leaders like Michelle Obama on a young girl!
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
This book isn’t just a journey through pages but also through time as an elderly woman reflects on the battle to suffrage.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
How would you like your elementary school to be a polling station? That’s exactly what happens in this moving picture book that inspires even young children to act as a meaningful voting children’s book.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
Working for change starts young, far before being elected to office. I love that this book encourages kids to work as diverse leaders within their sphere of influence for impactful change.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
Thomas Jefferson famously said, “If I had to choose between a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” Ethyl Payne, as a leading Black female journalist, was instrumental in the Civil Rights movement.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
We need those reminders that suffrage was a long and hard road, and that voter suppression is still real. This true story helps me remember and recommit to working for greater equity.
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, and Abebooks
Well before women had the right to vote in the US, Belva became the first female Presidential candidate. I love her inspiring warrior spirit as one of the incredible voting picture books for kids!
Purchase it on Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, and Abebooks
Are there any picture books about voting and elections that you love that feature diverse leaders? I’d love to hear in the comments!
