Search Our Database of Nearly 2,000 Diverse Picture Books

Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public. *Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL a recommendation.* Click here for more on book evaluation.

COVID-19 Info: Currently, our collection is only available via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). However, we appreciate your patience as these services are still limited and you may find inactive links to the Bates Library Catalog and MARC record on certain book pages.

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All Year Round

2022

by Harriet Evans and Emily Hamilton

"From the days of the week, to the seasons, to the pages of the calendar, how we measure time is explained and explored with lively illustrations and a charming text filled with prompts and space to write your own calendar of special days." -- publisher

A Day for Rememberin’

2021

by Leah Henderson and Floyd Cooper

"A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.” Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War. With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index." -- publisher

A Garden to Save the Birds

2021

by Wendy McClure and Beatriz Mayumi

"When a bird flies into their window by accident, Callum and his sister, Emmy, learn that from the outside, the glass looks just like the sky. They also learn that the United States has lost a lot of birds in recent years—and that there are lots of things their family can do to help. First, they set out feeders and make the windows safe. Then, for the winter, they build a little shelter and put out a heated birdbath. By springtime, all kinds of birds are visiting their yard! But with such a big problem, is there more they can do to make a difference?" -- publisher

ABC of Gender Identity

2021

by Devika Dalal

"An A-Z of gender identities for kids age 5+ to help educate young readers on gender diversity. Gender identity is an important part of who we are, and how we express ourselves in the world. This bright and playful A - Z book is an introduction to 26 different genders, accompanying young readers as they explore and discover their authentic selves. With simple explanations, a helpful guide for adults by Dr. Michele Angello, and a quirky cast of illustrated characters, this is the perfect book for learning about gender diversity with children age 5+. An illustrated A-Z providing an age-appropriate introduction to 26 gender identities, from A for Agender to G for Gender Fluid and U for Ungender. The book also includes further resources for parents, with guidance on terminology and questions to aid discussion with children." -- publisher

Africa, Amazing Africa

2021

by Atinuke and Mouni Feddag

"Discover the exhilarating diversity of the African continent in storyteller Atinuke’s kaleidoscopic nonfiction guide to the people, flora, and fauna of all fifty-five countries. A Nigerian storyteller explores the continent of Africa country by country: its geography, peoples, animals, history, resources, and cultural diversity. The book is divided into five distinct sections—South, East, West, Central, and North—and each country is showcased on its own bright, energetic page brimming with friendly facts on science, industry, food, sports, music, wildlife, landscape features, even snippets of local languages. The richest king, the tallest sand dunes, and the planet’s largest waterfall all make appearances along with drummers, cocoa growers, inventors, balancing stones, salt lakes, high-tech cities, and nomads who use GPS! Atinuke’s lively and comprehensive introduction to all fifty-five African countries—a celebration scaled to dazzle and delight even very young readers—evokes the continent’s unique blend of modern and traditional. Complete with colorful maps, an index, and richly patterned and textured illustrations by debut children’s book artist Mouni Feddag, Africa, Amazing Africa is both a beautiful gift book and an essential classroom and social studies resource." -- publisher

Amara and the Bats

2021

by Emma Reynolds

"Environmental activism gets a nocturnal twist in this utterly charming picture book about a young girl and her mission to save the bats! Amara loves bats! Her favorite thing to do is to collect bat facts and watch the amazing mammals fly at night by her house. But when Amara moves to a new town, she learns that her beloved bats no longer roost nearby because so many trees are being cut down. Amara is upset. What can she do to help? She’s just one person, and the problem feels so much bigger than her. But after doing some research, she discovers that there are many young people making big changes all around the world. Inspired to take action, Amara gathers her new friends to help save the bats. Together, she knows they can make a difference! Emma Reynolds crafts an inspiring story about community action, perseverance, and what to do in the face of climate anxiety. At its heart, this is a story about hope and finding a place to call home." -- publisher

Amara’s Farm

2021

by JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy

"A young girl searches for pumpkins on her farm in this joyful celebration of cool-weather fruits and vegetables, from the new Where in the Garden? series. Amara is hosting a potluck for friends on her farm, and her snacks won’t be complete without pumpkins. She’s searched and searched, but she's grown so many plants that she needs help finding them. What do we know about pumpkins? They’re large, round, and orange—and, wait a minute, is that a pumpkin? No, that’s an apple. Where, oh, where could those pumpkins be? Author JaNay Brown-Wood uses simple, playful text to guide young readers through Amara’s farm, exploring the unique characteristics of the apples, cauliflower, eggplant, okra, persimmons, and more that grow there. Little gardeners will compare, contrast, and hunt for visual clues that eventually lead to the pumpkins and a fun potluck with Amara, her grandparents, and her diverse group of friends. Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Back matter includes yummy molasses pumpkin bread recipe for little chefs to try. Amara’s Farm is the first entry in the Where in the Garden? series from author JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrator Samara Hardy. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, the books explore gardening and farming during every season of the year. Perfect for early childhood and elementary education units on agriculture, farming, gardening, and healthy eating." -- publisher

Bee Love (Can Be Hard)

2021

by Alan Page, Kamie Page and David Geister

"A Minnesota Book Award Finalist. Otis wasn't scared of many things, but at the top of his list? Bees. When Grandpa was younger, he was afraid of bees too. That is, until he learned about them. To help Otis overcome his fear, Grandpa takes him to a bee farm, where he learns that while "bee love" can be hard, it is also important. Lovely pastoral paintings are the backdrop to this gently told, relatable story. The book includes extended information about bees, beekeeping, and pollinators. This delightfully readable story about overcoming your fears was written by former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and Minnesota Vikings Hall of Famer Alan Page, and his daughter, Kamie Page, an educator. Page Education Foundation donates 100% of their book proceeds back to the Foundation, which offers financial assistance to students of color facing barriers to attaining their educational dreams." -- publisher

Boxing’s G.O.A.T.

2021

by Jon M. Fishman

"Fans will adore learning about sports stars through stats and thrilling facts. It's time to enter the ring and meet the greatest boxers of all time! Readers will learn about the sport and look at exciting facts and stats presented in an engaging top-10 format." -- publisher

Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree

2021

by Ann Magee and Nicole Wong

Remember and honor the events of 9/11 and celebrate how hope appears in the midst of hardship. The Survivor Tree found at Ground Zero was rescued, rehabilitated, and then replanted at the 9/11 Memorial site in 2011. This is its story

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451 matching books

All Year Round

A Day for Rememberin’

A Garden to Save the Birds

ABC of Gender Identity

Africa, Amazing Africa

Amara and the Bats

Amara’s Farm

Bee Love (Can Be Hard)

Boxing’s G.O.A.T.

Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree