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Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous Peoples and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public.

*Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL a recommendation.*

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17 matching books

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Noura’s Crescent Moon

2024

by Zainab Khan and Nabila Adani

“Noura can’t wait for the sun to go down! With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, she and Mama and Papa are headed to the hills for a moonsighting picnic. It would be truly special if Noura could catch a glimpse of the faint silvery crescent, something even her mother has never managed to do. If the moon stays hidden, that means one more long day before Noura can wear her sparkly new dress and the joyful Eid celebrations begin—bringing with them visits with friends, eating sweets, and painting henna on her hands. In a lighthearted introduction to Ramadan and Eid, this family-centered tale of anticipation under the stars pairs an inviting text from Zainab Khan with Nabila Adani’s vibrant illustrations, capturing everything from the bustle of a shared meal to the swirling magic of the night sky. Relevant terms, from food items to the Islamic lunar calendar, are explained in a glossary at the end.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

Sona Sharma, Looking After Planet Earth

2024

by Chitra Soundar and Jen Khatun

“When Sona learns about the climate crisis at school, she worries nobody is doing enough to combat it. So she takes up the challenge herself! But her family isn’t amused when Sona suddenly gets rid of her sister’s diapers and turns off Thatha and Paatti’s cooling fan during their nap. Sona finds a better way to implement change, at a family meeting where everyone helps make a list of ways to conserve. Energized, Sona sets her sights on the rest of the neighborhood. When she learns many of the kolams—traditional art that people draw in front of their homes to celebrate the festival season—are not eco-friendly, she makes plans for some even bigger changes. Can Sona convince everyone to get involved—even her own strong-willed grandmother?” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

The Ramadan Drummer

2024

by Sahtinay Abaza and Dinara Mirtalipova

“It all begins one unforgettable night during Ramadan when Adam awakens to a resounding BANG! BANG! BANG! It’s the melodious call of the Ramadan Drummer, whose mission is to rouse the neighborhood for their pre-dawn meal before the day’s fast. As Adam ventures through the dimly lit streets alongside the drummer, he discovers that every act of kindness during Ramadan is a blessing multiplied tenfold. “The Ramadan Drummer” is a window into the rich tradition of the Ramadan Drummer, a beloved figure who once strolled the Middle Eastern streets before dawn, ensuring everyone was awake for their pre-fast meal. His dedication was a source of joy for children, and people expressed their gratitude with food and gifts, keeping this beautiful tradition alive.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

The Rez Doctor

2024

by Gitz Crazyboy, Veronika Barinova and Azby Whitecalf

“Ryan Fox dreams of becoming a doctor. But when university takes him away from the support of his family and Siksikaitsitapi community, his grades start to slip, his bills pile up, and getting into med school feels impossible. And now his beloved uncle is in jail. Can Ryan regain his footing to walk the path he saw so clearly as a young boy? Young Ryan Fox gets good grades, but he’s not sure what he wants to be when he grows up. It isn’t until he meets a Blackfoot doctor during a school assembly that he starts to dream big. However, becoming a doctor isn’t easy. University takes Ryan away from his family and the Siksikaitsitapi community, and without their support, he begins to struggle. Faced with more stress than he’s ever experienced, he turns to partying. Distracted from his responsibilities, his grades start to slip. His bills pile up. Getting into med school feels impossible. And now his beloved uncle is in jail. Can Ryan regain his footing to walk the path he saw so clearly as a boy? This inspiring graphic novel for young adults is based on a true story.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity Cross Group Oppression & Resilience Race/Culture/Identity Concepts

The Spindle of Fate

2024

“Twelve-year-old Evie Mei Huang never did like helping in her mom’s tailor shop. She hated dyeing and spooling the thread and how the measuring tape gets all twisted up. Most of all, now that her mother has died, she hates that she isn’t here anymore. When the universe sends a life preserver, Evie knows to grab it. So it’s weird when a talking monkey shows up and tells her that her plain, hardworking tailor mother was actually the head of a guild of magical weavers who control the fate of humanity. He also comes bearing the information that her mother is trapped in Diyu, the Chinese underworld, and that only Evie can get her back. No pressure. But the important thing is that Evie’s mom isn’t dead. And if she’s got this one shot to bring her back and save her family, she’s got to take it.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods

2023

by Grace Lin

“Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells about the creation of the world? Separated into courses like a Chinese menu, these tales—based in real history and folklore—are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. This book will bring you to far-off times and marvelous places, all while making your mouth water. And, along the way, you might just discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity Folklore Informational

Eagle Drums

2023

“As his family prepares for winter, a young, skilled hunter must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping—the same mountain where his two older brothers died. When he reaches the mountaintop, he is immediately confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik. Savik gives the boy a choice: follow me or die like your brothers. What comes next is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods and unexpected lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

Just a Hat

2023

by S. Khubiar

“Action-packed, humorous, and bittersweet, this 1970s-era coming-of-age novel is more relevant than ever—exploring how a second-generation immigrant kid in a new hometown must navigate bullying, unexpected friendships, and the struggle of keeping both feet firmly planted in two very different cultures. It’s 1979, and thirteen-year-old Joseph Nissan can’t help but notice that small-town Texas has something in common with Revolution-era Iran: an absence of fellow Jews. And in such a small town it seems obvious that a brown kid like him was bound to make friends with Latinos—which is a plus, since his new buds, the Ybarra twins, have his back. But when the Iran hostage crisis, two neighborhood bullies, and the local reverend’s beautiful daughter put him in all sorts of danger, Joseph must find new ways to cope at home and at school. As he struggles to trust others and stay true to himself, a fiercely guarded family secret keeps his father at a distance, and even his piano teacher, Miss Eleanor—who is like a grandmother to him—can’t always protect him. But Joseph is not alone, and with a little help from his friends, he finds the courage to confront his fears and discovers he can inspire others to find their courage, too.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity Cross Group

My Incredible India

2023

by Jasbinder Bilan and Nina Chakrabarti

“Watch elephants bathing from a houseboat in Kerala, marvel at ancient cave paintings in Bhimbetka, wander Delhi’s bustling streets, and ride a train through the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. In spread after colorful spread, India’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural splendor leap to life on the page, framed by the story of a little girl named Thara and her grandmother. In a carved wooden trunk, Nanijee keeps mementos collected from all over India, each with a story to tell. Readers can follow along page by page with Thara or dip in at any point to discover something new about India’s many and varied regions–from vibrant religious festivals, food, and crafts to sports and wildlife to Bollywood and a hidden sculpture garden filled with life-size figures.”–publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

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