Reading is one of the most beautiful and universal experiences of childhood. Kids' lives may look different in all different areas of the world, but one of the wonders of childhood is they share the same stories.
There's a world of international stories out there that many readers in the United States never get to experience. Translated fiction makes up just 2% to 4% of the fiction published in English, Toy Universe found.
We're opening up a whole world of reading by sharing the stories that are most popular in different countries in the world. This look into children's literature teaches us a lot about the issues kids in the world today face and wonder about.
North America: 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio
August Pullman was homeschooled up until fifth grade due to a facial difference he was born with. He just wants to fit in at Beecher Prep, but his extraordinary face has a profound impact on the world around him, including his classroom.
China: 'Seven Blind Mice' by Ed Young
Seven blind mice investigate something by the pond, each having a different idea of what it might be. The seventh mouse decides to explore more deeply, uncovering the truth for all of them.
Australia: 'Then' by Morris Gleitzman
Then is the second book of a trilogy by Morris Gleitzman. When two kids escape Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II and the Holocaust, they have to figure out their next step fast. Luckily, they meet someone to help them get a shred of normalcy along the way, though they worry about how long it will last.
Kazakhstan: 'Orange and Blue: The World of Barzu' by Marina Abrams
This book does a beautiful job of introducing kids to the ancient cities and rich culture of Central Asia. They're not just fairy tales but stories with historical and geographic references that are also explained. The book even contains games for kids to try and a recipe for bread!
Nigeria: 'Akata Warrior' by Nnedi Okorafor
American-born Nigerian girl Sunny Nwazue finds out that she's developing secret powers and has been chosen to lead a mission to stop the apocalypse. Faced with her destiny, Sunny puts her all into her mission while trying to understand the ins and outs of the secret Leopard Society.
France: 'Press Here' by Hervé Tullet
This interactive book makes reading a real experience! Readers will be tilting and shaking pages while they enjoy the delightful illustrations that bring this book to life.
Brazil: 'Niña Bonita' by Ana Maria Machado
A white rabbit finds himself captivated by a little dark-skinned girl who lives next door. Wanting to be as beautiful as her, he paints himself black and learns about the beauty in us all.
Mexico: 'Sulwe' by Lupita Nyong'o
Sulwe follows a 5-year-old little girl who is made fun of for having dark skin. She tries different things to make her skin look lighter until a shooting star changes her perspective.
Bolivia: 'Petey' by Ben Mikaelsen
Petey is an emotional and uplifting story that shows the power of friendship and understanding. Trevor is new to town and finds himself in an unlikely friendship with an old man in a wheelchair named Petey. After hearing about Petey's life, Trevor has new perspective on the world around him and on his new friend.
Singapore: 'The Diary of Amos Lee: Lights, Camera, Superstar!' by Adeline Foo
The Diary of Amos Lee: Lights, Camera, Superstar! is the fourth and final book in the Amos Lee series by Adeline Foo. Amos thinks it's the end of the world when his diaries are published, but he's surprised to get famous from it! He's offered a TV show but torn when it means some big changes.
Namibia: 'When You Dance With the Crocodile' by Erna Müller
Helena is told not to touch her father's new computer game when he's gone, but she does it anyway. She finds herself on a journey to save a girl that takes her back in time to Southern Africa in the time of slavery. Helena's brother, Sam, knows she's in a dangerous situation and goes in after her, hoping together they can get out before dad gets home.
Dominican Republic: 'Lola' (also known as 'Islandborn') by Junot Díaz
Lola is the Spanish edition of Junot Díaz's Islandborn. Lola's class is talking about where their families came from, but Lola can't remember the island where she was born. Her family and friends help fill in her memories with heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking details.
Colombia: 'El Encargo' by Claudia Rueda
A rooster-loving emperor commissions a painting from the most talented artist in the empire. The painting takes longer than it's supposed to, teaching the emperor about how art is made.
Israel: 'Ooh-la-la (Max in Love)' by Maira Kalman
A poet dog touches down in France in search of culture and adventure, but ends up finding love! Maira Kalman fans will recognize the main character, Max, from Max Makes a Million.
Vietnam: 'A Different Pond' by Bao Phi
Fishing trips shared by a father and son set the stage for a touching story. As the two fish for food for their family, the father tells his son about a pond in their home in Vietnam, leaving readers with a powerful message.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, LittleThings.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.