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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From Cotton to T-Shirts
"A child wonders where t-shirts come from and learns about how cotton is harvested and made into yarn to make t-shirts. This illustrated narrative nonfiction book includes a map of where major cotton-growing areas are, a glossary, and further resources" -- publisher
I Am a Promise
"An inspiring children's picture book about the indomitable spirit of Jamaican six-time Olympic medal winner Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce." -- publisher
Teatime Around the World
"A celebration of diversity and deliciousness, Teatime Around the World reveals all the wonderful ways we can enjoy a cup of tea––or two! Let’s go on an adventure to discover new cultures and friends through tea! In this fun and lyrical picture book for ages 4-8, kids will learn how tea is enjoyed in Thailand, Japan, Russia, Egypt, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Uruguay, South Sudan, India, and more countries! Did you know that po cha, the traditional tea in Tibet, is thick and salty like soup? Or that in Iran, tea is served with a rock? (A rock candy, that is!) Or that afternoon tea was dreamed up in England by a duchess who complained of being hungry between lunch and dinner? With vivid poetry, vibrant illustrations, and unique facts about different tea cultures, Teatime Around the World tells the delightful story of a beloved beverage." -- publisher
The Dreamer of Stars
"DID YOU KNOW that a scientist from ancient China was the first person in history who discovered that the world was round? Two thousand years ago, a little boy called Zhang Heng loved to gaze up at the stars and the night sky. As he grew up, he devoted his life to studying them and making interesting discoveries. Zhang was a brilliant inventor as well as a great painter, poet, and mathematician. In The Dreamer Of Stars, find out why people believe Zhang was the cleverest man in the history of China." -- publisher
The Emperor Who Built the Great Wall
"DID YOU KNOW that China was named after its first emperor—the brilliant, all-powerful emperor who built The Great Wall? In this book, read about his interesting life and how he became one of the most important men in Chinese history. Emperor Qin Shihuang may have lived more than two thousand years ago, his memory still lives on. Each year, thousands of people visit the Great Wall, as well as the army of Terracotta Warriors hidden in the emperor’s secret tomb. And did you know that China was named after him? In The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall, discover why Qin built the Wall, how he made China the biggest country on earth, and what he hid in his secret tomb." -- publisher
The Girl Who Became Emperor
"DID YOU KNOW that in the long history of China, there has only been one emperor who was female? Wu Zetian started out as one of the many wives of the emperor and worked her way up until she sat on the throne herself. Although she could be cruel, Wu was a strong leader who did a lot of good for China. While she ruled, its population nearly doubled. In The Girl Who Became Emperor, find out all about Wu’s fascinating life. Discover how she managed to become the emperor’s wife number one, take his place, and rule China for more than 50 years." -- publisher
The Greatest Explorer in the World
"DID YOU KNOW that China used to have the biggest fleet of ships in the world? The leader of the fleet was Admiral Zheng He, who undertook seven voyages to more than thirty countries to trade Chinese treasure like teas, silks, and porcelains. He reached as far as the Middle East and Africa, and possibly even farther. In this book, read about Zheng He’s adventurous life, from when he was a little boy dreaming about faraway lands, to the time he sailed across the seas and became ‘The Greatest Explorer In The World’." -- publisher
The King Without a Throne
"DID YOU KNOW that Confucius was a teacher who opened the first public school in the world? Read all about his life and his brilliant ideas, which people still study today – 2,500 years later. In The King Without A Throne, discover how Confucius became one of the greatest teachers in the history of China. Together with his following of students he traveled from kingdom to kingdom to give advice to kings. Even so, he wasn’t happy. Read the book to find out why, at the end of his life, Confucius thought he was a failure." -- publisher
The Miracle Doctor
"DID YOU KNOW that a doctor who lived in China almost 2,000 years ago is still helping people get better today? Hua Tuo was the first person in the world to invent a drink that puts people to sleep when they are having surgery. He also came up with health exercises based on the movements of animals, which people use up to this day. In this book, learn all about his life and how he earned the nickname ‘The Miracle Doctor’." -- publisher
The Mountain Man of Music
"DID YOU KNOW that music as we know it today, originates from a prince in ancient China? From a young age, Prince Zaiyu was a genius in mathematics, poetry, astronomy, and of course, music. He discovered that you only need twelve musical tones to make the most beautiful music. In The Mountain Man of Music, learn more about the life of this Chinese prince, from the time he was a crying baby to the last days of his life. Without Zaiyu, we probably would not be listening to the music of Mozart, Michael Jackson, and Eminem today!" -- publisher