Books like 'This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us'
Readers who enjoyed This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us by Katherine Locke, Nicole Melleby, Eric Bell, Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Ashley Herring Blake, Lisa Bunker, Alex Gino, Justina Ireland, Shing Yin Khor, Mariama J. Lockington, Marieke Nijkamp, Mark Oshiro, Molly Knox Ostertag, Aida Salazar, A.J. Sass & Claribel A. Ortega also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy lgbtq wlw animals magical-realism friendship children poc-mc trans-mc
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Corduroy by Don Freeman
44 ratingsHave you ever dreamed of being locked in a department store at night? The endearing story of Corduroy paints a picture of the adventures that might unfold (for a teddy bear at least) in such a situation. When all the shoppers have gone home for the night, Corduroy climbs down from the shelf to look for his missing button...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship poc-mc 20th-century action-adventure anthropomorphism -
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
33 ratingsWritten and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship poc-mc realistic action-adventure anthropomorphism -
A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman
32 ratingsDon Freeman's classic character, Corduroy, is even more popular today then he was when he first came on the scene over thirty years ago. These favorite titles are ready for another generation of children to love... -
Si llevas un raton a la escuela by Laura Joffe Numeroff
28 ratingsThe Barnes & Noble ReviewBringing a plucky mouse to school isn't the wisest idea, no matter how much fun it might seem. Thankfully, the bestselling duo of author Laura Numeroff and illustrator Felicia Bond -- creators of If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie -- have teamed up to show us the hijinks a whiskered school guest could cause... -
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Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
26 ratingsACE 1250043220 (ISBN13: 9781250043221)Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this "wishtree" watches over the neighborhood... -
The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell
10 ratingsDesperate to become a shark caller to avenge the death of her parents, Blue Wing is instead charged with befriending infuriating newcomer Maple. At first they are angry and out of sync with the island and each other...Categorized as:
animals magical-realism friendship children poc-mc family middle-grade action-adventure -
Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
31 ratingsFrog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog's garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship lgbtq action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook -
Owen by Kevin Henkes
24 ratings“Fuzzy goes where I go.”Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then... -
Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, Tim Bowers
16 ratingsWith his bowl to himself, Goldfish loves his life...until one day... A personal account from a goldfish on life in his bowl as other intruders crowd him...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
18 ratingsCheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship.Bear is quite sure he doesn't like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the cupboard to get a bowl, there is the mouse -- small and gray and bright-eyed...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
20 ratingsThis is the diary... of a spider. But don't be worried – he's more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he's a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents' Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books -
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
41 ratingsThe story of a train filled with toys and gifts for little boys and girls that breaks down before reaching the children. After asking several passing trains for help over the hill, a little blue train agrees to help the stranded toys. Even though she is small, the blue train tries her best to bring the toys to the children on the other side of the hill...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship 20th-century action-adventure book children-books -
Imagine a Night by Sarah L. Thomson
10 ratingsImagine a night when you can ride your bike right up the stairs to your bed. Imagine a night when your toy train rumbles on its tracks out of your room and roars back in, full sized, ready for you to hop on for a nighttime adventure. Imagine a night when a farmer plays a lullaby on his fiddle, and his field of sunflowers begins to dip and sway to the rhythm...Categorized as:
children family magical-realism action-adventure book children-books contemporary fiction -
Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
14 ratingsBeing a classroom hamster means having to be ready for anything?but suddenly there are a lot of big surprises in Humphrey's world. Some are exciting, like seeing the playground during a fire drill and getting to roll around in a hamster ball... -
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Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
18 ratings“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.”There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father.Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship realistic action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook -
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
18 ratingsThe riotously funny Lilly, last seen in Chester's Way (Greenwillow), thinks her new baby brother, Julius, is disgusting -- if he was a number, he would be zero. But when Cousin Garland dares to criticize Julius, Lilly bullies her into loudly admiring Julius as the baby of the world."Julius is the baby of the world," said his parents. But Lilly, his older sister, disagreed... -
Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes
18 ratingsSheila Rae, the Brave is a warm, humorous, and loving story of sibling sympathy and support. Just because Sheila Rae is older, she doesn't always know better!This classic picture book about overcoming fear is written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon... -
Chalk by Bill Thomson
18 ratingsThree children discover a magical bag of chalk on a rainy...Categorized as:
animals children friendship magical-realism poc-mc action-adventure book children-books -
I Just Forgot by Mercer Mayer
20 ratingsMercer Mayer's Little Critter is having a very forgetful day in this classic, funny, and heartwarming book. Whether he's forgetting his lunchbox, forgetting to put on his rain boots, or forgetting to turn off the water, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story... -
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan
8 ratingsA heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail... -
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
28 ratingsThe irrepressible mouse heroine of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World returns for another true-to-life and very funny episode. Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger--until he takes away her musical purse because she can't stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of "Big Fat Mean Mr...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship realistic action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook -
When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little
12 ratingsEverybody thinks Tara Doucet has the perfect life. But in reality, Tara’s life is anything but perfect: Her dear Grammy Claire has just passed away, her mother is depressed and distant, and she and her sister Riley can’t seem to agree on anything... -
Proud by Juno Dawson, Dean Atta
12 ratingsA stirring, bold and moving anthology of stories and poetry by top LGBTQ+ YA authors and new talent, giving their unique responses to the broad theme of pride. Each story has an illustration by an artist identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Compiled by Juno Dawson, author of THIS BOOK IS GAY and CLEAN.A celebration of LGBTQ+ talent, PROUD is a thought-provoking, funny, emotional read... -
Friendship According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
14 ratingsAfter the holidays, Humphrey is shocked by a big surprise in Room 26-a new class pet! Humphrey tries to be welcoming, but Og the frog doesn't respond to any of his friendly squeaks or visits (remember, he has a lock-that-doesn't-lock). Plus, the students are so interested in Og, they almost stop paying attention to Humphrey altogether...Categorized as:
animals children friendship realistic anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
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The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris
16 ratingsGrowing up in an orphanage, Leila was bullied for being different. But she turned her hardship into skill by becoming an escape artist—a valuable trait when belonging to a group of magical best friends. When a famous psychic comes to town, however, Leila and her pals won't be able to escape the big mystery heading their way... -
Princess in Practice by Connie Glynn
16 ratingsLottie and Ellie are back! Return to Rosewood Hall with your two favourite princesses in the sequel to Undercover Princess!----------As they return to Rosewood after the dramatic events of their first year, Lottie and Ellie are hoping for a peaceful term.But strange things are happening at Rosewood. Pupils are being poisoned... -
The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner
16 ratingsCharlie feels like she's always coming in last. From her Mom's new job to her sister's life at college, everything seems more important than Charlie. Then one day while ice fishing, Charlie makes a discovery that will change everything . . . in the form of a floppy fish offering to grant a wish in exchange for freedom... -
Gorilla by Anthony Browne
16 ratingsAnthony Browne’s incomparable artwork illuminates the deeply satisfying story of a lonely girl, a friendly gorilla, and their enchanted night out.Hannah spends all of her time reading gorilla books, watching gorilla TV shows, and drawing gorilla pictures. She has gorillas on her bedside lamp and even on her box of cereal... -
Graceful by Wendy Mass
16 ratingsAngelina D'Angelo has left town to see the world. It's now Grace's turn to use her magic to protect the people of Willow Falls, and she is up to the challenge. This is her destiny, after all. But destiny is a funny thing—it doesn't always behave the way you'd expect it to...Categorized as:
children family friendship magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook book -
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett
6 ratings"A lost young woman returns to small-town New Hampshire under the strangest of circumstances in this one-of-a-kind novel of life, death, and whatever comes after from the acclaimed author of Rabbit Cake. The Starlings live in Everton, an ordinary enough New Hampshire town... -
Wild Child by Lynn Plourde
6 ratings"Time for bed," Mother Earth said."Not for a while,"said her wild child."A song, first. to play in my headbefore going to bed."So Mother Earthgave her child a song...."But then this wild child wants a snack and PJs and a kiss....Lynn Plourde's text snaps and crackles like the leaves of fall as Mother Earth gently gets her daughter ready for bed... -
The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta
10 ratingsTeenage baker Syd sends ripples of heartbreak through Austin’s queer community when a batch of post-being-dumped brownies turns out to be magical—and makes everyone who eats them break up.“What’s done is done.”Unless, of course, it was done by my brownies. Then it’s getting undone.Syd (no pronouns, please) has always dealt with big, hard-to-talk-about things by baking... -
A Game of Fox & Squirrels by Jenn Reese
10 ratingsAfter an incident shatters their family, eleven-year old Samantha and her older sister Caitlin are sent to live in rural Oregon with an aunt they've never met. Sam wants nothing more than to go back to the way things were… before she spoke up about their father's anger... -
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi, Bahni Turpin
10 ratingsBitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the town of Lucille. Bitter's instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus . . -
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さみしかった本 by Kate Bernheimer, ケイト バーンハイマー
10 ratingsWhen a wonderful new book arrives at the library, at first it is loved by all, checked out constantly, and rarely spends a night on the library shelf. But over time it grows old and worn, and the children lose interest in its story. The book is sent to the library's basement where the other faded books live... -
A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby
10 ratingsWhen I next open my eyes, I’m back . . . in front of the house again.It’s night time. The stars wave hello, like they’ve been expecting me.The door of the house, Mum’s house, is wide open, like it expects me too.This time, I go inside . . .Safiya and her mum have never seen eye to eye. Her mum doesn’t understand Safiya’s love of gaming and Safiya doesn't think they have anything in common... -
Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang, Charlene Chua
10 ratingsIn this sweet and brightly illustrated picture book, Amy Wu must craft a dragon unlike any other to share with her class at school in this unforgettable follow-up to Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao.Amy loves craft time at school. But when her teacher asks everyone to make their own dragon, Amy feels stuck... -
The Naming of Tishkin Silk by Glenda Millard
10 ratingsGriffin Silk is an uncommon sort of boy, from an uncommon sort of family. The warm, loving home he shares with his father, grandmother and five big sisters (The Rainbow Girls) is marked by the aching absence of his mother and baby sister. Where have they gone and will they be coming home again? When Griffin starts school and meets Princess Layla the answers to his questions gently start to unfold... -
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner
10 ratingsFrom Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner comes a modern folktale about the joy of reading.Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm. Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book...Categorized as:
family children animals poc-mc magical-realism fantasy children-books action-adventure -
The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson
12 ratingsA story of fear and hope, loneliness and friendship -- full of the heart, engaging characters, and propulsive, page-turning mystery that made The Goldfish Boy so beloved.Nate and his mother are running away. Fleeing from an emotionally abusive situation, they hide out in an abandoned cottage in the middle of a forest. Though it's old and run-down, at least it's a place of their own... -
Guess Again! by Mac Barnett, Adam Rex
12 ratingsHere is a book that will keep you guessing again and again and.. -
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford
14 ratingsA surprising, stunningly beautiful, and funny novel about a girl who turns invisible and, in the process, discovers who she really is, from the author of TIME TRAVELING WITH A HAMSTER Twelve-year-old Ethel Leatherhead only meant to cure her acne, not turn herself invisible. But that's exactly what happens when she combines herbs bought on the Internet with time spent in a secondhand tanning bed...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook -
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
16 ratingsFroggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation... -
I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi
16 ratingsThere is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book from comedian Michael Ian Black.Just when a little girl thinks she couldn't possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring... -
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de wereld volgens Bertje by Betty G. Birney
18 ratingsThe story of everyone's favorite classroom pet is now available in Spanish! You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That's what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy, is it true! In addition to his classroom escapades, each weekend this amazing hamster gets to sleep over with a different student, like Lower-Your-Voice-A.J. and Speak-Up-Sayeh...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship realistic action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook -
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
24 ratingsAuthor(s): Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen ISBN: 9781406352481 Binding: Paperback Published: 2014-01-01 On a cold, dark day in a dull, grey town, little Annabelle discovers a box of brightly coloured yarn. She knits a cosy jumper to keep herself nice and toasty warm and finds, to her surprise, that she still has yarn left over... -
Little Beaver and the Echo by Amy MacDonald
6 ratingsLittle Beaver s search for a friend he thinks he hears across a pond is perfect for every child who's ever felt lonely."Children old enough to long for friends of their own will nestle right into this appealing story....Ideal for reading aloud at the beginning of the school year of during camp sessions, when there's a little bit of Little Beaver in every kid... -
The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek by Jenny Wagner
6 ratingsThe creature from Berkeley's Creek thinks he's a bunyip but no one agrees because bunyips simply don't exist... -
Sugar and Spite by Gail D. Villanueva
6 ratingsCan a bully be defeated by a magical love potion?Jolina can't take Claudine's bullying any longer! The taunts and teasing are too much. Though Jolina knows she's still in training to use her grandfather's arbularyo magic, she sneaks into his potions lab to get her revenge. Jolina brews a batch of gayuma, a powerful love potion.And it works. The love potion conquers Claudine's hateful nature...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship magical-realism poc-mc realistic action-adventure -
The Infinity Year of Avalon James by Dana Middleton
6 ratingsAvalon James and Atticus Brightwell have a secret--one that they aren't allowed to discuss with anyone. This secret is shared between two best friends. When you and your best friend turn ten years old magical things are said to happen. You both will receive some kind of magical power. It can be a power you can call on time and time again. Or it can be a power that comes once when you need it most...
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