10 Great Books with Diverse Narrators

One of the reasons books are so powerful is because they allow us to step into the shoes of characters unlike ourselves, and get a glimpse at experiences we will never have.  That is why we should all seek and read (and encourage our students to read) books with diverse narrators.  Here are 10 books with diverse narrators that I recommend.

Note: In an effort to make this list itself diverse, it does not focus solely on racial diversity, but on multiple types of diversity.

1. The Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds - This novel in verse tells the story of  Will, a young African-Amerian man, dealing with the murder of his brother during one faithful elevator ride. I read this powerful story in one sitting.
2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - This semi-autobiographical novel follows the story Spokane teenager Junior. When Junior decides to go to the white high school, he has to figure out how to balance the different cultures of the reservation and his high school. 
3. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo - This is another novel in verse, and it tells the story of Dominican American teenager Xiomara. Xiomara is a budding poet who uses her poetry to deal with her relationship with her mother, her uncertainty of religion, and her budding sexuality. 
4. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang - This graphic novel follows Jin Wang, a Chinese American whose family moves to a new neighborhood, and he is the only Chinese American student in his new school. He has to learn how to come to terms with hurtful stereotypes, his Chinese heritage, and who he is.
5. My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger - This fun coming of age novel splits its narrative between three principal characters, T.C., Alejandra, and Augie, two of which qualify as diverse.  Alejandra Pez is Latina and the daughter of a former ambassador. Augie Hwong is Chinese American, and his story revolves around his realization that he is gay. 
6. Wonder by R.J. Palacio - Follows Auggie a boy with facial deformation due to Trencher Collins Syndrom during his first year of public school. Auggie struggles to fit in because of how those around him perceive him. This is a heartwarming story about learning to look pass people's appearances.   
7. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork - This is a coming to age story about a Hispanic young man with Aspberger's. When he starts an internship at his father's company, Marcelo must learn how to live in the real world and break free from his overbearing father. 
8. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven - This story is told from two narrators Violet and Finch. Finch suffers from Bipolar Disorder and this powerful novel captures what it feels like to live with mental illness. 
9. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi - This autobiographical graphic novel follows Marjane Satrapi life growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and going to high school in Vienna. 
10. Night by Elie Wiesel - This powerful memoir is written by Nobel Peace Prize winner and Jewish Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. It is a haunting reminder of what happens when intolerance is allowed to run wild. 

What diverse titles do you love? Suggest them in the comments below.