There’s something extra special about sharing a picture book that makes your students pause, smile, and say, “That reminds me of my family!” Whether it’s a sweet grandma, a brave big sister, or a quiet moment between a parent and child, picture books about families help our students feel seen and build connections in our classrooms.
Even in upper elementary, picture books are still powerful tools. They open doors to deep conversations, inspire thoughtful writing, and spark joy (sometimes even a few tears!). If you’re looking for fresh titles that celebrate family in all its beautiful forms, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into five fabulous picture books that will bring warmth, wonder, and big heart to your teaching!
1. A Different Pond by Bao Phi
This moving story follows a Vietnamese American father and son who go fishing in the early morning hours and not just for fun, but to feed their family. Along the way, the boy learns about his father’s life in Vietnam and the quiet sacrifices made for their new life in America.
Classroom Idea: Use for personal narrative writing prompts: “What’s a quiet moment with a family member that meant something to you?”
2. The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
This beautiful story, told through the eyes of a younger sister, celebrates the strength of family, faith, and identity as Faizah watches her sister wear her hijab for the first time. It’s a touching look at support and pride within a close-knit family.
Classroom Ideas:
- Use in a SEL lesson about courage and empathy.
- Launch a mini-research project about cultural clothing or personal expression.
3. Drawn Together by Minh Le
A heartwarming and nearly wordless book that shows how a young boy and his grandfather, who don’t speak the same language, find connection through art. It’s a powerful story about bridging generational and cultural gaps within a family.
Classroom Idea: Have students create a wordless comic to tell a family story.
4. The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros
This touching story gently explores aging and memory loss through the eyes of a boy and his grandfather. In the book, memories are represented as balloons and the boy notices his grandpa’s balloons are starting to float away. It’s a beautiful metaphor that opens the door for deep conversations about love, loss, and remembering those we care about.
Classroom Idea: Invite students to draw their own “memory balloons” and write about a favorite family moment.
5. Saturday by Oge Mora
This joyful and emotionally rich book follows a mother and daughter through their special Saturday plans… plans that keep going awry. It’s a relatable, real-life story that celebrates the love between a parent and child, even when nothing goes according to plan.
Classroom Ideas:
- Connect with writing prompts: “What’s a special day you’ve had with a loved one?”
- Let students write or draw their own version of a perfect (or imperfect!) Saturday.
Wrap-Up: Picture Books About Families Feel Real
These books aren’t just read-alouds—they’re bridges to connection, empathy, and deeper thinking. Whether you’re launching a writing unit, celebrating families in all forms, or just want to spark meaningful conversations, these stories will fill your room with warmth, smiles, and maybe even a few “Awwwws!”
You can grab all of these books about families right here!
Keep the Reading Magic Going!
Need more ideas to keep those pages turning all summer long? Don’t miss my fun + easy summer reading activities! Already peeking ahead to back-to-school season? I’ve got you covered with a look at how I launch my reading block right from day one.
