Our intention is to acquire and make available ALL picture books featuring indigenous people and people of color published in the U.S. since 2002, including reprints. Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL recommendation. See our related readings page for suggested links for evaluating books.
Drum dream girl
Follows a girl in the 1920s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there has never been a female drummer in Cuba. Includes note about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who inspired the story, and Anacaona, the all -girl dance band she formed with her sisters
The dog who loved the moon
When her dog becomes lovesick for the moon, a young Cuban girl and her uncle call the moon down to give the dog a kiss, with surprising results
La Noche Buena
While spending Christmas with her Cuban American grandmother in Miami, Florida, young Nina misses her usual New England holiday but enjoys learning about the foods and other traditions her father knew as a child
Good-bye, Havana! Hola, New York!
When Fidel Castro's government takes over their restaurant in 1960, six-year-old Gabriella and her parents move from Cuba to New York City
My name is Celia
A bilingual portrait of the "Queen of Salsa" describes her childhood in Cuba, her musical career, and her move to the United States, and explains how her music brought her native Cuba to the world
Drum, Chavi, drum!
Chavi's music teacher believes that only boys should play drums in Miami's Festival de la Calle Ocho, but Chavi knows she is a good musician and looks for a way to prove it
A shelter in our car
Since she left Jamaica for America after her father died, Zettie lives in a car with her mother while they both go to school and plan for a real home
The road to Santiago
In Cuba, in the early 1950s, a young boy and his family try their best not to let the rebel soldiers keep them from traveling to Santiago to celebrate Christmas with their relatives. Based on a true incident in the life of the author