Children’s Books for Exploring La Francophonie
Learning about the Francophone world involves discovering the diverse cultures, histories, and geographies of the more than 300 million French speakers across five continents. Here are several engaging titles that highlight the richness of these regions.
Stories of Culture & Community
"My Day with the Panye" by Tami Charles Set in Haiti, this beautifully illustrated story follows a young girl named Fallon as she learns the art of carrying a "panye" (basket) on her head. It’s a gentle introduction to Haitian resilience, family traditions, and the vibrant colors of the island.
"The Water Princess" by Susan Verde Inspired by the childhood of model Georgie Badiel, this book depicts a young girl’s daily journey to collect water in Burkina Faso. It provides a poignant look at life in West Africa while emphasizing the universal need for clean water.
"Mayama Sings" by Rabia Algahtani This story explores the sights and sounds of Senegal. It introduces readers to the concept of "Teranga" (hospitality) and the musical traditions that are central to Senegalese culture.
History & Folktales
"The Magical Monkey King: Mischief in Monaco" (Folklore Adaptations) While many folktales focus on France itself, look for collections like "Tales from the Heart of Haiti" or West African stories featuring Anansi, which are often shared in French-speaking nations. These stories illustrate the oral traditions that have shaped Francophone identities.
"Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees" by Franck Prévot While Maathai was from Kenya, this specific biography (originally written in French) is a staple in Francophone classrooms. It highlights environmental activism and the historical connections between European languages and African landscapes.
Geography & Global Connection
"This is How We Do It" by Matt Lamothe This book follows the real lives of seven kids from different countries, including France. It’s an excellent tool for comparing daily routines—like what they eat for breakfast or how they go to school—across different cultures, including those within the Francophone world.
"A Ticket to France" (and other titles in the "A Ticket to..." series) These books act as a travelogue, introducing young readers to the landmarks, food, and language of specific countries. Look for versions covering Canada (Quebec), Vietnam, or Belgium to show how the French language spans the globe.
Whether you are looking to explain a new diagnosis to a child, help siblings understand one another, or simply diversify a bookshelf, these titles offer excellent insights into the autistic experience.
Picture Books (Ages 3–8)
"A Day With No Words" by Tiffany Hammond
Written by an autistic mother of two autistic sons, this book follows a non-speaking boy who uses a tablet (AAC device) to communicate. It’s a beautiful look at how "speech" doesn't always require a voice.
"All My Stripes" by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
Zane the Zebra worries that his "autism stripe" is all people see. His mother helps him realize that while his autism is part of him, he also has stripes for bravery, honesty, and curiosity.
"Remarkable Remy" by Melanie Heyworth
This story is told from the perspective of a neurotypical child talking about their best friend, Remy. it focuses on the joy of neurodivergent friendships and how Remy’s brain works in "remarkable" ways.
"Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism" by Jen Malia
A great pick for explaining sensory processing. Holly loves science but is nervous about a slime experiment because of how the texture might feel. It’s a relatable story about navigating sensory "yuck" factors.
"We're Amazing 1, 2, 3!" by Leslie Kimmelman
This features Julia, the first autistic character on Sesame Street. It’s a gentle, familiar way to introduce young children to how some friends might play or react differently.
Middle Grade & Chapter Books (Ages 8–12)
"Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!" by Sarah Kapit
An 11-year-old girl who loves baseball writes letters to her favorite MLB pitcher. It’s a fun, sports-centric story that highlights how Vivy’s focus and determination (common autistic traits) help her on the mound.
"A Kind of Spark" by Elle McNicoll
Addie is a 11-year-old girl living in a small Scottish village who campaigns for a memorial to the victims of the local witch trials. She sees a parallel between the "different" women of the past and her own experience as an autistic girl.
"The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family" by Sarah Kapit
This book features two autistic sisters, Lara and Caroline, who start a detective agency. It’s excellent for showing the diversity within the spectrum, as one sister is verbal and the other uses AAC.
Inspiring Books for Learning About Women’s History
Exploring women's history through literature helps children understand the perseverance, innovation, and courage that shaped the world. These selections range from "hidden figures" in science to pioneers of social justice.
Biographies & Individual Portraits
"Counting on Katherine" by Helaine Becker This picture book tells the story of Katherine Johnson, the mathematician who calculated the flight paths for NASA’s first missions to the moon. It’s a wonderful look at how math and persistence can literally change history.
"The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps" by Jeanette Winter A quiet, beautifully illustrated biography of Jane Goodall. It follows her journey from a child watching birds in her backyard to a world-renowned scientist living among chimpanzees in Tanzania.
"Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World" by Susan Hood This collection uses poems and artwork from different illustrators to highlight women who made an impact at a young age, including Malala Yousafzai, Maya Lin, and Molly Williams (the first known female firefighter).
"Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles" by Michelle Meadows A more contemporary history of a legendary athlete, this book focuses on Simone’s dedication and the obstacles she overcame to become the most decorated gymnast in history.
Collections & Anthologies
"Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls" by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo A modern classic. It features 100 short biographies of extraordinary women—from Elizabeth I to Serena Williams—written in the style of a fairy tale. It is perfect for reading one story every night.
"Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison This beautifully designed book highlights Black women who have changed the world. It includes well-known figures like Sojourner Truth alongside lesser-known pioneers like Alice Ball, who found a treatment for leprosy.
"Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World" by Katherine Halligan Organized by theme (Believe, Lead, Create, etc.), this book uses a mix of photos and illustrations to tell the stories of women across centuries and continents.
Specific Historical Movements
"Around America to Win the Vote" by Mara Rockliff In 1916, two women drove ten thousand miles in a yellow car to campaign for women’s right to vote. It’s a fun, adventurous way to introduce the Suffrage movement.
"Elizabeth Started All the Trouble" by Doreen Rappaport This book traces the long path of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S., starting with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Seneca Falls Convention.
"The Tree Lady" by H. Joseph Hopkins The true story of Kate Sessions, who helped transform San Diego from a dry desert town into a lush city of trees in the late 1800s. It’s a great example of environmental history.
