We Need Diverse Books

Here’s your first look at IN THE COUNTRY I LOVE by Alaa Al-Barkawi, a heartrending debut about two Iraqi American best friends who confront dark truths about their families in the wake of a devastating crime. Forthcoming from Peachtree Publishing Company Inc. on May 26th, 2026! 🎨 Cover illustration by Nabi Haider 🎨 Cover design by Lily Steele 📖 About the Book: 📖 Two Iraqi American best friends—a struggling teen father and the community’s golden boy—confront dark truths about their families in the wake of a devastating crime in this heartrending YA debut. As a seventeen-year-old single dad and a soon-to-be high school drop-out, Yassir Al-Azzawi’s lapsed Shia faith is just another thing convincing his parents he’s a failure. One more mistake, and they’ll send him back to their homeland, a war-torn Iraq. Khaled Al-Hakim is perfect on paper: devout in his faith, a straight-A student, and captain of the debate team. But beneath the surface, Khaled is no saint either, and his worst sin yet is ignoring his parents’ command to stay away from Yassir. When their secret friendship is exposed, the consequences set off a series of events that cause family secrets from both sides to come to light, and neither Yassir nor Khaled are prepared to learn the stains that taint their family names. Told through multiple POVs across time, this authentic exploration of the Shia Muslim experience in the U.S. seamlessly combines classic YA themes of identity, coming-of-age, and relationships with timely social themes of racism, Islamophobia, and justice. This compelling, contemporary debut is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir’s ALL MY RAGE and Markus Zusak’s THE BOOK THIEF. ✨ IN THE COUNTRY I LOVE is available to pre-order today! Tags: #CoverReveal #BookCover #YABooks #YoungAdulLiterature #2026Books #2026BookRelease #2026CoverReveal #YoungAdultBooks #ContemporaryFiction #ShiaMuslim #IraqiAmerican #IraqiAuthors #IraqiVoices #InTheCountryILove #AlaaAlBarkawi #NabiHaider #LilySteele #PeachtreePublishing #PeachtreeTeen #WNDB #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Are you attending the American Association of School Librarians conference this weekend in Saint Louis? We Need Diverse Books will be hosting a general session on Friday, October 17th, starting at 8 AM! Start your Friday at #AASL25 with a conversation that brings stories to life for learners. 📚 📅 Friday, Oct. 17 ⏰ 8 AM Join bestselling authors Soman Chainani and Ellen Oh, alongside school librarian Lauren Mobley, for an inspiring conversation on bringing literature to life for learners. Facilitated by WNDB board member Jordan Lloyd Bookey, they’ll share firsthand experiences of using their works with students, explore how author studies can enhance literacy instruction, and offer practical strategies for engagement. The Friday general session is sponsored by We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that takes a holistic approach in improving literacy and building compassion by affecting change across the entire reading pipeline — turning diverse manuscripts into published books and then donating diverse titles to readers nationwide. And don’t forget to stop by the WNDB table (Booth T10) to chat with us and take home some fun swag items like stickers, art cards, resource cards, bookmarks, and even free copies of ON THE BLOCK*! *Only available after general session on Friday, October 17th Let us know if we’ll be seeing you there! Tags: #SchoolLibrarians #LiteratureForAll #BringingLiteratureToLife #GeneralSession #KeynoteSession #AuthorPanel #AuthorDiscussion #AASL2025 #AASL #AmericanAssociationOfSchoolLibraries #SchoolLibraries #Librarians #LibraryResources #SomanChainani #EllenOh #LaurenMobley #JordanLloydBookey #WNDB #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Celebrate Indigenous storytelling this #IndigenousPeoplesDay — and every day! — with these new and upcoming releases from Heartdrum (HarperCollins Publishers)! Heartdrum is an acclaimed imprint featuring stories for children and teens by Indigenous authors and illustrators, curated by the one and only Cynthia Leitich Smith. Heartfelt, groundbreaking, and unexpected, these beloved books emphasize the present and future of Native peoples and the strength of young Indigenous heroes. Here’s a list of every Heartdrum title that’s been published in 2025 — as well as a look ahead at forthcoming 2026 Heartdrum titles that you can pre-order today to support the incredible Indigenous writers and artists behind them! 📖 2025 Releases 📖 ▪︎ “Yáadilá!” by Laurel Goodluck, Jonathan Nelson ▪︎ “To Walk the Sky” by Patricia Morris Buckley, E.B. Lewis ▪︎ “Firefly Season” Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kate Gardiner ▪︎ “Looking for Smoke” by K. A. Cobell (paperback) ▪︎ “Legendary Frybread Drive-In” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith ▪︎ “Jo Jo Makoons: The Super Scary Sleepover” by Dawn Quigley, Tara Audibert ▪︎ “The Others” by Cheryl Isaacs (sequel) 📖 2026 Titles to Pre-Order 📖 ▪︎ “Red Bird Danced” by Dawn Quigley (paperback) ▪︎ “A Good Hide” by Karina Iceberg, Natasha Donovan ▪︎ “Stronger Than” by Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, E.B. Lewis ▪︎ “Aaniin” by Dawn Quigley, Nanibah Chacon ▪︎ “Here Come the Aunties!” by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Aphelandra ▪︎ “The Unfinished” by Cheryl Isaacs (paperback) ▪︎ “Shards of Silence” by Brian Lee Young ▪︎ “An Expanse of Blue” by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams ▪︎ “Medicine Wheels” by Byron Graves ▪︎ “Free to Fly” by Karina Iceberg, Steph Littlebird ▪︎ “Raven, Rising” by Christine Hartman Derr * NOTE: “A Constellation of Bears” by Jen Ferguson and “On a Wing and a Tear” by Cynthia Leitich Smith will likely have paperback releases in 2026, publication dates forthcoming. Tags: #Heartdrum #IndigenousAuthors #IndigenousWriters #IndigenousArtists #IndigenousStories #IndigenousStorytelling #NativeAuthors #NativeAuthors #NativeStorytelling #PictureBooks #MiddleGrade #ChapterBooks #YoungAdultBooks #HarperCollins #HarperKids #HarperChildrens #KidLit #ChildrensBooks #WNDB #WeNeedDiverseBooks

🛻 COVER REVEAL! 🛻 WNDB is excited to give you all a first look at the cover for WAYS PAPI SAYS I LOVE YOU by Delia Ruiz and Carlos Vélez Aguilera, a heartfelt picture book celebrating the father-daughter bond forthcoming from Charlesbridge Publishing on March 24th, 2026! 🎨 Cover illustration by Carlos Vélez Aguilera 🎨 Senior Designer: Cathleen Schaad 📝 Edited by Natalia Vázquez Torres 📖 About the Book: 📖 How many ways can Papi say I love you without saying the words? Through actions big and small, his love shines during their road trip. A heartfelt celebration of the father-daughter bond—ideal for fans of MY PAPI HAS A MOTORCYCLE. When Papi, who is always busy working at el rancho, asks Maricruz to jump in the truck with him to go get groceries for Mami, she grabs the list and sprints! During the drive, they wave to the people in their community and enjoy each other’s company. But when they make a turn down a particularly bumpy road, they lose their grocery list. Fortunately, an unexpected friend shows up to save the day! Inspired by the author’s own truck rides with her father through a ranch in Mexico, WAYS PAPI SAYS I LOVE YOU connects the love languages between a father and daughter and shows the many ways love can be expressed and received. Written and illustrated by a Latine duo, WAYS PAPI SAYS I LOVE YOU is available in English and in Spanish. ✨ WAYS PAPI SAYS I LOVE YOU is available to pre-order today! 🛒 https://lnkd.in/g78yWqWQ Tags: #CoverReveal #BookCover #2026Books #2026BookRelease #2026CoverReveal #PictureBooks #WaysPapiSaysILoveYou #DeliaRuiz #CarlosVelezAguilera #CharlesbridgeBooks #CharlesbridgePublishing #LatineStories #LatineAuthors #LatineArtists #LatineHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritageMonth #LatineVoices #WNDB #WeNeedDiverseBooks

What #LiteracyWins did our community share so far? This #BannedBooksWeek, we're uplifting the stories of local literacy advocacy. Here's what you shared with us so far: 📖 We Need Diverse Books is supporting educators and librarians in communities affected by book challenges through its Books Save Lives Grant: https://buff.ly/hVEPQql 📖 North Carolina Writers' Network took action against censorship with a panel discussing resistance to culturally relevant books: https://buff.ly/QVK7t5w 📖 The Literary Arts Club at York Technical College hosted a "Blind Date" with a banned or challenged book: https://buff.ly/o8a1PNr Share your local "wins" in the comments!

Our ability to read freely matters this #BannedBooksWeek — and beyond. Show your support for banned books and the freedom to read all year long with our new Bonfire designs! These designs are available as ringer tees, unixsex tees, crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, and more! 🛍️ bit.ly/WNDB-store A portion of every purchase goes to support We Need Diverse Books as we continue our mission to diversify the publishing industry and support marginalized creatives — including those who disproportionately experience book banning due to their diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We’re grateful for all your continued support. It makes the work we do possible! Tags: #NewApparel #Merch #BookMerch #BookishMerch #BookishTees #BookishApparel #BonfireStore #BonfireShop #BonfireCampaign #BonfireApparel #BonfireMerch #Tshirts #Sweatshirts #Crewnecks #Hoodies #BannedBooks #ReadBannedBooks #FreedomToRead #ReadFreely #WNDB #WeNeedDiverseBooks

🔔 Apply for a Walter Dean Myers Grant today! The Walter Dean Myers Grant program was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished. Since 2015 we have awarded over 70 Walter Grants, and we’re incredibly proud of our recipients who have now published nearly 60 books and have won major literary awards. Follow the 🔗 below (also in our bio) to apply ⬇️ 💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp 📅 Accepting applications between October 1st - October 31st, 2025* *Submission window will close on October 31st at 11:59 PM EST Applicants must be: ✅ Diverse, as per WNDB’s definition of diversity (see our website) ✅ Unpublished as authors and/or illustrators (including self-publishing and books currently on submission) ✅ Working towards a career as a children’s author and/or illustrator ✅ U.S. residents or refugees living in the United States ✅ At least 18 years of age Full eligibility guidelines and an FAQ are available on our website. 🌟 Asian diaspora creatives and trans/nonbinary creatives are especially encouraged to apply! Many thanks to Dav and Sayuri Pilkey for sponsoring Walter Grants for Asian diaspora creators in honor of the one and only Ellen Oh! Good luck to all the applicants! We look forward to learning more about your work! Tags: #OpenApplications #GrantApplications #GrantProgram #WritingGrants #ArtGrants #IllustrationGrants #Creatives #ChildrensPublishing #PublishingGrant #WritingProgram #WalterGrants #WalterDeanMyersGrants #ApplicationPeriod #ApplicationMaterials #ApplicationAlert #PublishingNews #Writing #Illustration #DiverseWriters #ReadDiverseBooks #WNDB #WeNeedDiverseBooks

💻 Now accepting applications for the 2026 Creative Writing Awards! Penguin Random House is partnering with We Need Diverse Books for the 2026 Creative Writing Awards — with the new Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression, an award that invites applicants to reflect on a banned book that changed their life. Applications are open NOW! Seniors at U.S. public high schools can apply today to win $10,000 in scholarship funds. Application and scholarship details can be found at the website below ⬇️ 📝 bit.ly/CWA2026 📅 Applications close January 15th, 2026* *NOTE: Applications will AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE once we receive 1,000 submissions. Don't be left behind! Once your application is done, HIT SUBMIT! Tags: #Scholarships #WritingScholarships #WritingAwards #WritingContest #PRH #PenguinRandomHouse #RandomHouse #CWAs #CreativeWritingAwards #CreativeWritingAwards2026 #CWAs2026 #CollegeScholarships #ScholarshipPrograms #WritingContest #WNDB #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Today is the last day to apply for a 2026 WNDB Mentorship! 💻 bit.ly/2026Mentorships

It’s still #DeafAwarenessMonth, a time for celebrating the d/Deaf community and shining a light on how the world can be more d/Deaf-inclusive! Here are nearly 40 titles with d/Deaf representation for you to check out this September — or any time of year 📚💞 📖 Picture Books ▪︎ “Moses Sees a Play” by Isaac Millman ▪︎ “Jack Signs”! by Karen Hardwicke & Amanda Walker ▪︎ “The Deaf Musicians” by Pete Seeger, Paul DuBois Jacobs, & Gregory Christie ▪︎ “Listen” by Shannon Stocker & Devon Holzwarth ▪︎ “Boy” by Phil Cummings & Shane Devries ▪︎ “Dachy’s Deaf” by Jack Hughes ▪︎ “Dancing Hands” by Joanna Que, Charina Marquez, & Fran Alvarez ▪︎ “Hands and Hearts” by Donna Jo Napoli & Amy Bates ▪︎ “Butterfly on the Wind” by Adam Pottle & Ziyue Chen 📖 Middle Grade ▪︎ “El Deafo” by Cece Bell ▪︎ “Show Me a Sign” by Ann Clare LeZotte ▪︎ “Set Me Free” by Ann Clare LeZotte ▪︎ “The Tea Dragon Festival” by Kay O’Neill ▪︎ “Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly ▪︎ “Hear Me” by Kerry O’Malley Cerra ▪︎ “Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess” by Shari Green 📖 Young Adult ▪︎ “Give Me a Sign” by Anna Sortino ▪︎ “On the Bright Side” by Anna Sortino ▪︎ “The Sunbearer Trials” by Aiden Thomas ▪︎ “The Whispering Dark” by Kelly Andrew ▪︎ “The Silence Between Us” by Alison Gervais ▪︎ “You’re Welcome, Universe” by Whitney Gardner ▪︎ “The Loudest Silence” by Sydney Langford ▪︎ “Someone to Daydream About” (2026) by Sydney Langford ▪︎ “The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin” by Josh Berk ▪︎ “Impossible Music” by Sean Williams ▪︎ “I Hear the Sunspot” by Yuki Fumino 📖 Adult ▪︎ “True Biz” by Sara Nović ▪︎ “The Loudest Silence” by Olivia Janae ▪︎ “Chattering” by Louise Stern ▪︎ “Hearing Maud” by Jessica White ▪︎ “Sounds Like Home” by Mary Herring Wright ▪︎ “Being Seen” by Elsa Sjunneson ▪︎ “Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language” by Nora Ellen Groce ▪︎ “The Language of Home” by Raymond Luczak ▪︎ “Vibrant Mosaic” by John B. Christiansen ▪︎ “Empowerment and Black Deaf Persons” ▪︎ “The Evidence is Life” by Anne E. Pfister ▪︎ “Photographic Memories” by Willy Conley Tags: #BookList #Books #DeafAwareness #DeafRepresentation #DeafBooks #BooksAboutDeafCharacters #DeafAuthors #DisabledAuthors #DisabilityLit #DisabilityRep #ReadingList #ReadingRecs #SuggestedReading #PictureBooks #MiddleGradeBooks #YABooks #AdultBooks #WeNeedDiverseBooks #WNDB