Search Our Database of Nearly 2,000 Diverse Picture Books

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.

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Sam & Eva

2017

by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Sam does not want Eva to add to his drawing, but when the scene comes to life and gets out of control, she helps him escape

My big brother

2005

When his big brother leaves to become a soldier, a boy does what he can to take his place in the family

Beatrice’s goat

2004

by Page McBrier, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Lori Lohstoeter

A young girl's dream of attending school in her small Ugandan village is fulfilled after her family is given an income-producing goat. Based on a true story about the work of Project Heifer. More than anything, Beatrice longs to be a schoolgirl. But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away--a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa (which means "luck") gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, it looks as if Beatrice's dream may come true after all. Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter beautifully recount this true story about how one child, given the right tools, is able to lift her family out of poverty. Thanks to Heifer Project International--a charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world-- other families like Beatrice's will also have a chance to change their lives

My Uncle Martin’s words for America

2011

Angela Farris Watkins, the niece of Martin Luther King Jr., recounts her uncle's work to promote racial equality and introduces key events during the civil rights era

Fatuma’s new cloth

2002

In East Africa, a young girl learns that one cannot always judge by appearances as she and her mother visit a market in search of kanga cloth and meet merchants who all claim they have the secret to good chai (tea)

Mrs. Katz and Tush

2009

A long-lasting friendship develops between Larnel, a young African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, a lonely Jewish widow, when Larnel presents Mrs. Katz with a scrawny kitten without a tail

The wisdom bird

2008

King Solomon learns a lesson from a little bird in this story based on Jewish and African tales

Whoosh!

2016

You know the Super Soaker. It's one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson's life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults

Happy to be nappy

2001

Celebrates the joy and beauty of nappy hair

Abe’s honest words