Search the Collection

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.*

Click here for more on book evaluation.


Find titles using a keyword search below (e.g. adoption, birthday, holidays, etc.), or by selecting one or a combination of filters on the left-hand sidebar below.

444 matching books

Show Filters
x

Filter Results

Clear filters

Settings

Content

Tribal Affiliation / Homelands

The Case of the Pilfered Pin

2024

“The Windy Lake First Nation’s lands have been shared with cottagers for fifty years, but no one can agree on where the reserve land ends. The only thing that can prove the boundary is a steel surveyor’s pin with the borders of the Windy Lake reserve etched into its head. When the Mighty Muskrats hear that the pin was stolen years ago—and that it is connected to their grandpa’s mysterious past—they make it their mission to find the missing pin and prove that the land belongs to their people. But the mystery gets tense when Grandpa becomes a suspect. Cousins Sam, Otter, Atim, and Chickadee must find that pilfered pin!” — 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

What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist?

2024

by Francine Cunningham and Mathias Ball

“Follow two siblings through their day as they let their imaginations run wild in this joyful story about all the possibilities a simple “what if” can conjure up: What if the monsters in your closet wanted to be your friend? What if all of the dinosaurs were shrunk to be teeny-tiny when the comet hit the earth? And what if bedtime didn’t exist and we could imagine anything we wanted? What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist? places an Urban Indigenous family at the heart of a fun and fantastical celebration of daydreaming, adventure, and play while living in the city. The tenderness and care in this intergenerational home is seen through relationships with all members in the family.” — publisher

Any Child/Teen

A Letter for Bob

2023

by Kim Rogers and Jonathan Nelson

“Ever since the day Mom and Dad brought Bob home from the car dealership, Bob has been a part of Katie’s family. Bob has taken them all over, from powwows to vacations to time spent with faraway family. Bob has been there in sad and scary times and for some of the family’s most treasured memories. But after many miles, it’s time for the family to say goodbye to Bob… This humorous and tender story about a family car will appeal to every kid whose family has owned a special car.” — publisher

Any Child/Teen

Ahiahia the Orphan

2023

by Levi Illuitok and Nate Wells

“After his parents are brutally murdered, Ahiahia is raised by his grandmother in a camp surrounded by enemies. His grandmother knows that eventually the camp will turn on Ahiahia, just as it did his parents, so she chants a protection chant over the clothing that she lovingly sews for him, over the amulet and necklace she gives him, even over the dog that is his companion. When he is attacked, Ahiahia must use his agility, hunting skills, and the protection imparted by his grandmother to stay alive. This traditional story is retold by Kugaaruk Elder Levi Illuitok, and illustrated in a comic book style by Nate Wells, giving life to an ancient story for new generations to enjoy.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

As I Enfold You in Petals (The Spirit of Denendeh, 2)

2023

by Richard Van Camp, Scott B. Henderson, Nickolej Villiger and Donovan Yaciuk

“Curtis has returned to Fort Smith, six weeks sober and determined to stay that way. Can he find healing in his grandfather’s ancient cultural practices? Notorious bootlegger, Benny the Bank stands in his way. With poison slowly killing him, Benny is uneasy about how he’ll be remembered. Can he find a way to make amends? Curtis has returned to Fort Smith, six weeks sober. He doesn’t have any sober friends, his mom’s still drinking, and his best friend (and secret crush) Lacey probably is too. Still, he’s determined to stay sober and help his people. Along the way, he might just be able to help himself. Louis, Curtis’s late grandfather, was a healer. Legend has it, Louis made a deal with the Little People that gave him the power to heal. No one has heard from the Little People since Louis’s death, but his cabin may hold the key for them to return. There’s only one problem: Benny the Bank stands in the way. An infamous bootlegger, Benny has profited off Fort Smith’s pain for decades. After being critically wounded in an attempt on his life, Benny knows he doesn’t have much time before the poison in his blood takes him. He also happens to own Louis’s cabin. Can Curtis convince Benny to return his grandfather’s land? Will the Little People answer his call? And can Benny find a way to make amends and leave a legacy he can be proud of?” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

Auntie’s Rez Surprise

2023

by Heather O’Watch and Ellie Arscott

“Auntie always greets Cree in Nehiyaw when she comes for a visit. When Auntie arrives with a surprise gift hidden in her bag, Cree can’t wait to discover what it is. The first clue? It’s from the rez. As Cree tries to figure out what it might be, the bag starts to move. Cree is thrilled when the bag opens and out jumps a rez puppy! Cree asks Auntie how to take care of the new puppy. Auntie talks to Cree about the importance of dogs in their culture. They are our relatives, she explains, and need to be well taken care of. Cree decides she will name her new puppy “Atim”, the Nehiyaw word for dog.” — publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

Benjamin’s Thunderstorm

2023

by Melanie Florence and Hawlii Pichette

“In this rainy-day story, a thunderstorm evokes a boy’s family traditions. Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles and watching a rainbow’s colors as they ripple around his feet. But most of all, Benjamin loves thunder. To him, thunder — piyêsiwak — sounds like his grandfather’s drum. It calls to him, like songs his grandfather plays while his father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time. Benjamin listens to the thunder and imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins, taps his feet, lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls, filled with the rhythm of piyêsiwak. Children will appreciate this timeless celebration of the joys of nature and family traditions.”– publisher

Centering Culture & Identity

Stay in touch