World Cup Inspired Book Recs

While the World Cup games may be over, the incredible cultural exchange we’ve experienced over the past month doesn’t have to. In that spirit, this seemed like the perfect moment to share a short list of some of my favorite books (for kids and adults) from authors around the world.

For more book recommendations sign up for my monthly NEWSLETTER

From Mexico:

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote by Duncan Tonatiuh (for kids)

Duncan Tonatiuh wraps a deeply important story in the language of a classic folktale, drawing on indigenous Mexican art traditions to create something that feels both ancient and urgently modern.

Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Set on a Mexican ranch at the turn of the century, Like Water for Chocolate follows Tita, the youngest daughter of a tyrannical mother who forbids her from marrying the love of her life. Equal parts love story, family saga, and culinary adventure, this is the kind of book you'll want to read with snacks nearby.

From France:

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (for kids)

The Little Prince is the tale of a young prince who leaves his tiny planet and travels through space, encountering a series of grown-ups who've forgotten how to see the world with wonder.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

A Parisian widow hiding a brilliant inner life. A twelve-year-old girl who sees through everyone. And a Japanese tenant who sees beyond what each of them presents to the world.

From Colombia:

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabríel Garcia Márquez

Magical realism at its fullest and most alive, and one of the most celebrated novels ever written for good reason.

Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown (for kids)

Based on the true story of a real teacher, Luis Soriano, whose love of reading was so fierce he found a way to share it with children who had nothing.

From Japan:

Crow Boy by Taro Yashima (for kids)

Taro Yashima, a Japanese author and illustrator who immigrated to the United States, drew on his own experience of feeling like an outsider to create something truly universal.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Set in 1960s Tokyo against the backdrop of student protests and cultural upheaval, Norwegian Wood follows Toru, a young man navigating grief, love, and the disorienting passage from adolescence into adulthood.

From Ghana:

Anansi the Spider by Gerald McDermott (for kids)The beloved West African trickster spider in a vivid, joyful picture book that has been delighting kids for decades. A perfect introduction to the rich folklore tradition of Ghana and a great read aloud.

From Tanzania:

My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa Mollel (for kids)A young boy carefully saves every coin he earns hoping to buy a bicycle so he can help his family carry goods to market. A beautiful story about patience, purpose, and family.

From South Korea:

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

A Korean girl navigates a new American school and, with the help of a new friend, will learn that the best name is her own.

Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin

When a mother goes missing in a Seoul subway station, her family sets out to find her — and discovers they may not have known her at all. Please Look After Mom is a stunning, piercing portrait of family love and the hidden lives of the people we think we know best.