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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26 matching books
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Folklore 3
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Africa 17
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Europe 2
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Norway 1
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South Africa 24
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Fiction 18
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Boy/Man 19
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Girl/Woman 18
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Secondary 19
Wanda
"Skipping Stones Honor Award Winner 2021. An empowering picture book from South Africa about a young girl who overcomes endless teasing. Meet Wanda, with her beautiful head full of hair. She is brave and strong, but she's unhappy because of the endless teasing by the boys at school for her "thorn bush" and "thunderstorm cloud." Through Grandma Makhulu's hair secrets and stories she finds the courage to face her fears and learn to appreciate that her hair is a crown‚ "not a burden‚" and it is something to be proud of. This book is about identity and beauty, celebrating how cultural pride is learned and passed on over generations." -- publisher
Dylan’s Birthday Present
"Dylan is an American boy like many others. One thing makes him special, though: his parents come from other countries and speak to him in different languages. It's his birthday today and he receives a very unusual present, only to lose it shortly after. Together with his best friend Emma, a sweet bilingual girl born to South African parents, Dylan sets out to find his lost birthday present. During their search, the two friends learn about the value of friendship, of speaking different languages, and of appreciating one's own as well as others' cultural and linguistic background. While reading this book, children will learn new words in different languages and feel like little polyglots!" -- publisher
Goldilocks and the Three Rhinos: A South African Retelling
"Goldilocks was not supposed to be in the forest alone, but she didn't always do as she was told. Join Goldilocks as she stumbles across the Rhino family's home, unknowingly dabbling in their daily activities, and the hilarity that follows." -- publisher
Hector
"On June 16, 1976, Hector Pieterson, an ordinary boy, lost his life after getting caught up in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. Black South African students were marching against a new law requiring that they be taught half of their subjects in Afrikaans, the language of the White government. The story’s events unfold from the perspectives of Hector, his sister, and the photographer who captured their photo in the chaos. This book serves as a pertinent tool for adults discussing global history and race relations with children. Its graphic novel style and mixed media art portray the vibrancy and grit of Hector’s daily life and untimely death." -- publisher
Allah Made Everything
"Allah Made Everything, the song book, is based on the lyrics of the well-loved children's song by renowned singer and songwriter Zain Bhikra. The song was first released in 2015, and together with the hit video, has become one of the most popular children's songs across the world"--Page 4 of cover
Grandad Mandela
The great-grandchildren of Nelson Mandela ask their grandmother fifteen questions about the former South African president, from his activism work, his Nobel Peace Prize, and his time in prison.
Pocket Bios: Nelson Mandela
"A colorfully illustrated, pocket-size picture book biography of activist, philanthropist, and South African President Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was a South African revolutionary, activist, politician, and philanthropist who opposed apartheid and served as the president of South Africa as the country's first black head of state and the first representative elected democratically. He devoted much of his time in office to dismantling apartheid law and battling institutionalized racism in South Africa. He is the recipient of more than 250 honors worldwide, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Pocket Bios are full of personality, introducing readers to fascinating figures from history with simple storytelling and cheerful illustrations. Titles include men and women from history, exploration, the sciences, the arts, the ancient world, and more." -- publisher
Mama Africa!
A harrowing picture biography of civil-rights activist and Grammy Award-winning South African singer Miriam Makeba
Nyambura waits for the bus
Nyambura is going to visit her Gogo! She arrives at the bustling market place to find that she is last in the queue and that the bus has not yet arrived. While she waits for the bus, Nyambura remembers the fun things that she and her Gogo have done together. Meanwhile, the queue of people is getting shorter and shorter because of disaster that strikes each of the waiting passengers. Will Nyambura’s generous spirit help them to get on the bus in time? --publisher
Dudu’s basket
When Dudu finishes weaving her first basket, by the light of the plump full moon, her uncle Jojo tells her that a first basket should always be given away ... Baskets, woven from locally sourced materials are widely used and re-used in African society. Read award-winning author Dianne Stewart’s story about Dudu’s basket and its journey through a number of cultures, beautifully illustrated by awardwinning illustrator, Elizabeth Pulles. -- publisher