Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous Peoples and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public.
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9 matching books
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Itzel and the Ocelot
“Itzel listens as her nana tells the story of when the giant snake would be awakened from its sleep: “And first with a whisper that would rustle the leaves, and then with a deep thunderous cry, the giant snake would bring the arrival of the rainy season.” But now, since many no longer believe in the snake, her nana says, “It has returned to the place where the water is born.” Now, Itzel and her nana are desperate for rain to water their bone-dry crops. So Itzel decides she must find and awaken the snake herself. She sets out in the night alone, but soon she is joined by an ocelot, and a bevy of other jungle creatures in need of the rain. And Itzel worries, is she leading them on a fruitless journey? This rich, beautifully told folk tale from author and illustrator Rachel Katstaller was inspired by a traditional story she heard growing up in El Salvador. The story features words from an Indigenous language, Nawat, that was once on the verge of extinction and animals native to Central America, including the ocelot who becomes Itzel’s guardian spirit. Lush dark-toned illustrations play with shadow and light to evoke the thrilling feel of a night spent deep in the jungle, giving the book a magical quality. An author’s note provides further context and a glossary of Spanish and Nawat words. A perfect choice for character education lessons on courage, optimism and perseverance, with an environmental message sure to resonate with today’s readers.” — publisher
The little doctor
"A young Salvadoran boy dreams of becoming a doctor who speaks both English and Spanish so that patients like his beloved grandmother are not afraid to visit the doctor"–Provided by publisher
We are like the clouds / Somos como las nubes
Why are young people leaving their country to walk to the United States to seek a new, safe home? Over 100,000 such children have left Central America. This book of poetry helps us to understand why and what it is like to be them.
Francisco’s kites
Francisco misses his village in El Salvador, and especially flying a kite with his friends, but Mamá cannot afford to buy a kite so he gathers discarded materials around his apartment building and makes his own, which catches the eye of a store owner and leads to a wonderful project
A movie in my pillow / Una película en mi almohada
Jorgito lives in San Francisco’s Mission District, but has not forgotten his native El Salvador. His memories of the volcanoes, his grandmother’s stories, and the cornmeal "pupusas" form a patchwork of dreams that becomes a movie in his pillow.
My shoes and I
As Mario and his Papá travel from El Salvador to the United States to be reunited with Mamá, Mario’s wonderful new shoes help to distract him from the long and difficult journey.
René has two last names / René tiene dos apellidos
In this story based on the author’s childhood, a young Salvadoran immigrant is teased for having two last names until he presents his family tree project celebrating his heritage
Talking with Mother Earth
Presents poems which explore a Pipil Nahua Indian boy’s connection to Mother Earth and how it heals the wounds of racism.
Xochitl and the flowers
Xochitl and her family, newly arrived in San Francisco from El Salvador, create a beautiful plant nursery in place of the garbage heap behind their apartment, and celebrate with their friends and neighbors.
