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.*
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22 matching books
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Pearl
“Amy is a thirteen-year-old Japanese-American girl who lives in Hawaii. When her great-grandmother falls ill, Amy travels to visit family in Hiroshima for the first time. But this is 1941. When the Japanese navy attacks Pearl Harbor, it becomes impossible for Amy to return to Hawaii. Conscripted into translating English radio transmissions for the Japanese army, Amy struggles with questions of loyalty and fears about her family amidst rumors of internment camps in America — even as she makes a new best friend and, over the years, Japan starts to feel something like home. Torn between two countries at war, Amy must figure out where her loyalties lie and, in the face of unthinkable tragedy, find hope in the rubble of a changed world.” — publisher
A Long Time Coming : A Lyrical Biography of Race in America from Ona Judge to Barack Obama
“Drawing on extensive research and numerous primary sources, Ray Anthony Shepard’s A Long Time Coming tells the story of racism in the United States, revealing that racial justice has been, and still is, a long time coming. Shepard shows the ways in which each paved the way for those who followed. From freedom seeker Ona Judge, who fled her enslavement by America’s first president, to Barack Obama, the first Black president, all of Shepard’s protagonists fight valiantly for justice for themselves and all Black Americans in any way that they can. Full of daring escapes, deep emotion, and subtle lessons on how racism operates, this book reveals the universal importance of its subjects’ struggles for justice. But it is also a highly personal book, as Shepard — whose maternal grandfather was enslaved — shows how the grand sweep of history has touched his life, reflecting on how much progress has been made against racism, while also exhorting readers to complete the vast work that remains to be done.” – publisher
A World of Dancers
“Did you know that many Highland dancers use swords to prove their strength? Or that bharatanatyam dancers perform with bells around their ankles and red dye on their hands and feet? There’s a whole world of dances out there!”– publisher
Brave Mrs. Sato
“When a little girl has to move away, her babysitter helps her feel brave through food, stories, and traditions. In a little Hawaiian house with a mango tree, Cathy and her babysitter Mrs. Sato spend their afternoons arranging flowers, cooking, and having adventures. When Cathy has to move away, Mrs. Sato comforts her by sharing her own story of immigrating from Japan to Hawaii. Lori Matsukawa’s debut children’s book tells a heartwarming story of intergenerational friendship, immigration, and bravery. She shows readers how heritage, food, traditions, and stories can help them feel at home wherever they are.” — publisher
I Am a Rainbow!
“A professional dancer, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and social media star shares this inspiring picture book based on his childhood in Hawaii and encourages readers to find safe spaces that allow them to shine bright. Mark loves putting on shows, dressing up, and dancing! But what makes him happy at home gets him teased at school. To remind Mark that his unique light makes the world a brighter place, his parents surprise him with a beautiful, flowing cape. Wearing it, he feels invincible and free to shine all over Honolulu! It even gives him the courage to befriend some kids who are just as colorful as he is. When the cape goes missing, Mark loses his new confidence. How will he ever shine again? Mark’s relatable, real-life inspired story paired with Richard Merritt’s bright and energetic illustrations is a celebration of self-acceptance.”– publisher
Little People, BIG DREAMS: American Dreams
“Learn more about each of your favorite dreamers with new in-depth stories, facts, and figures in this beautifully crafted compendium. With an emphasis on heroes of the USA, each story is rewritten to be appropriate for an older audience. Revisit best-loved figures from the series and some new ones, too, including Prince, Maya Angelou, Dolly Parton, Martin Luther King Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jordan, Amanda Gorman, Gloria Steinem, Elvis, Neil Armstrong, and Dwayne Johnson. Discover how these incredible people shaped America into the country it is today. From inspiring artists and passionate activists to intrepid explorers and groundbreaking musicians, this collection goes further than the original series into the lives of these iconic figures—perfect for curious minds who always want to know more!” — publisher
A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth
“Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of “firsts” during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve in the House and Senate. But while she dreamed of serving her country from a young age, Tammy’s path was not without its challenges. In this dramatic account, award-winning creators Christina Soontornvat and Dow Phumiruk chronicle Tammy’s journey. From her childhood fight to keep her family from homelessness, to her service in the US Army, to her recovery from grievous injuries sustained in the line of duty, Tammy never lost her determination to keep going against staggering odds. Evoking Tammy Duckworth’s spirited nature with sensitivity and joy, this uplifting account of a groundbreaking military veteran and rising political star will inspire readers to dream and achieve. Includes a time line and suggestions for further reading.” — publisher
Snow Angel, Sand Angel
“Claire has been surrounded by the deep blue waves of Hapuna Beach and the magnificent mountains of Hawai’i all her life, but has never, ever seen snow. When her father drives her and her family to the top of the Mauna Kea, she can’t help but to be disappointed…it’s not the winter wonderland she’s always dreamed of. And that’s what she wants, more than anything. But as Claire edges ever closer to the new year, she wonders if maybe– just maybe–she can delight in the special joys of winter in her own way–right there, on her Big Island of Hawaii.” — Publisher
Jackie Robinson
“In an era of discrimination, Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s race barrier. Before Robinson took his place at first base, the majors discriminated against African-American athletes, denying them a chance to compete. Despite facing harassment from fans and other players, Robinson stayed focused on the game, becoming the MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947 and later a baseball legend. This graphic biography follows Robinson’s time on semi-pro teams, his days in the US military, and his history-making experience with the Brooklyn Dodgers.” — publisher
The Good Song : A Story Inspired by “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World”
The day the baby boy was born, on a beautiful Hawaiian island, the world sang him a lullaby. What a good song. But what is the good song? The boy listens for it and finds it in his heart and shares it with the world. Inspired by the medley of the classic songs "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" sung by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, the good song is aloha–love
