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.
Armando and the blue tarp school
Armando and his father are trash-pickers in Tijuana, Mexico, but when Señor David brings his "school"--a blue tarp set down near the garbage dump--to their neighborhood, Armando's father decides that he must attend classes and learn. Based on a true story
Tomás and the library lady
While helping his family in their work as migrant laborers far from their home, Tomás finds an entire world to explore in the books at the local public library, which has a significant impact on the boy when he grows up to be Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside
My very own room
With the help of her family, a resourceful Mexican American girl realizes her dream of having a space of her own to read and to think
Gathering the sun
A book of poems about working in the fields and nature's bounty, one for each letter of the Spanish alphabet
Just a minute
In this version of a traditional tale, Senor Calavera arrives unexpectedly at Grandma Beetle's door. He requests that she leave with him right away. "Just a minute," Grandma Beetle tells him. She still has one house to sweep, two pots of tea to boil, three pounds of corn to make into tortillas--and that's just the start! Using both Spanish and English words to tally the party preparations, Grandma Beetle cleverly delays her trip and spends her birthday with a table full of grandchildren and her surprise guest. This spirited tribute to the rich traditions of Mexican culture is the perfect introduction to counting in both English and Spanish. The vivacious illustrations and universal depiction of a family celebration are sure to be adored by young readers everywhere
Estela’s swap
A young Mexican American girl accompanies her father to a swap meet, where she hopes to sell her music box for money for dancing lessons
Lucy’s family tree
Lucy, an adopted child from Mexico, is convinced that her family background is too complicated for her to make the family tree she is supposed to create for a homework assignment
Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead
Upon the death of her beloved Tio Urbano, who has taught her that monarch butterflies are the souls of the dead, young Lupita gains a deeper understanding of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, as it is observed in rural Mexico. Includes glossary of Spanish terms and facts about the Day of the Dead
First day in grapes
When Chico starts the third grade after his migrant worker family moves to begin harvesting California grapes, he finds that self confidence and math skills help him cope with the first day of school
Harvesting hope
A biography of Cesar Chavez, from age ten when he and his family lived happily on their Arizona ranch, to age thirty -eight when he led a peaceful protest against California migrant workers' miserable working conditions