Here is a collection of books about mothers from diverse cultures and backgrounds. All are great books to read about around Mother’s Day. Some of the books can be used as read alouds for newcomers and students learning about family. Most celebrate different ways that mothers are special.

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Diverse Books about Mothers 

My Mom Has Two Jobs– In this simple book, children use simple language to describe the important work that their moms do both at home and in the jobs.

My Mom Is a Foreigner, But Not to Me– This rhyming book highlights moms from around the world. It tells how they moved, things they do that are different, special, and unique.

Dreamers– In this book, a mom and her infant come to the United States as immigrants. The author uses lyrical language to describe her own journey and explains how she found comfort at the local library.

Mango, Abuela, and Me-MIa’s abuela comes to live with her in the city. At first, it is difficult for them to communicate since her Abula speaks Spanish and Mia speaks English. Then Mia remembers how her teacher and classmate helped a new student learn English. Mia also gets a special pet for her Abula. Slowly the two are able to understand each other.

Cora Cooks Pancit– Cora finally gets to help her mom make pancit, a Filipino noodle dish. With Mama’s help, she is able to assist with all of the steps.

Hairs/Pelitos– In this bilingual book, a girl describes the hair of friends and family in her life. She uses descriptive language and similes. Her mother’s hair is the most special.

Heather Has Two Mommies– In this first-person narrative, Heather tells about her first day at school. There she learns that all of the children in her class have special and different kinds of families. She is proud of her family with two moms. This book is written with simple language and is appropriate for ELLs in primary grades.

In Our Mother’s House– In this first-person narrative, a girl tells about her family with two moms. This text is appropriate for intermediate and advanced ELLs. It would make a great addition to a unit on families.

Love To Mama: A Tribute To Mothers (English and Spanish)– A wide range of poets from different Spanish speaking backgrounds share poems about moms and women. Here is a Book Guide with teaching ideas to accompany this book.

Mommy’s Khimar– A young girl describes her mother’s khimar (hijab) and tells all the things she can do with it.

My Mother’s Sari– In this book a young girl shows different things that her mother’s sari can be used for.

Mama Do You Love Me? followers a mother and daughter living in the Arctic as the girl asks her mother how much she loves him. The mother gives examples using cultural references. This book would go well with asking questions and answering questions as the boy asks: How much, How far, How long, ext.