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.
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19 matching books
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Sakamoto’s Swim Club
"When the children of workers on a 1930s Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He offered to take responsibility for the children --- and then he began training them how to swim. Using his science background, Sakamoto devised his own innovative coaching techniques: he developed a strict practice regime for the kids, building their strength and endurance by using the ditch water's natural current. The children worked hard under the dedicated Sakamoto's guidance, and their skills improved. They formed a swim club and began to dominate in swimming events around the world. And then one day, the proud Sakamoto saw an impossible dream come true --- Olympic gold!" -- publisher
‘Iwalani’s Tree
"On the North Shore of Oahu, a girl named 'Iwalani lives with her family not far from Kaena Point, at the island s westernmost tip. 'Iwalani likes to wander down the beach to a place where an ironwood tree stands as a windbreak--just on the spot where the land becomes sand. The tree is 'Iwalani's playground, jungle gym, secret friend, and wise elder, all in one. From the ironwood she learns about the cycles of nature, the promise of imaginative freedom, and the power of dreams. Written as a gentle poem, with soft rhythms and playful language, 'Iwalani's Tree is the perfect bedtime book. Like a soft wind, it will lull your child to sleep." -- publisher
Kai Goes to the Farmers Market in Hawai’i
"Kai wakes up hungry. What's a kid to do when there's no food in the fridge? Kai's mom tells him to grab his hat and off they go to visit the farmers market where they see all kinds of local food--fruit and veggies galore. Kai is surprised to learn everything he sees is grown right here in Hawaii. A recipe is included in the back of the book." -- publisher
Keala and the Hawaiian Bird
"Every fine morning, when the sun starts to rise Over the mountains in the blue Maui sky, Keala is woken by birds in the trees, Greeting the day with their sweet symphony. Until...one morning Keala hears a new, strange sound. What kind of bird could it be? A delightful story told in rhyme will give kids an idea of what it's like growing up in Hawaii where bird song is always in the air. Keala, a curious young girl, wakes up every morning to the sounds of chirping, squawking, and crowing. Then one day, Keala hears another sound....a screech. What kind of bird makes that sound? Keala searches around her home to find out." -- publisher
Milo’s Endless Drawing Pad
"Milo is frustrated that his drawings don't turn out the way he sees them in his head. His grandpa encourages him to keep drawing, but Milo has used up all the paper. Milo's grandpa says he doesn't need paper to draw. They go outside and onto the beach. Milo picks up a long, long stick and drags it behind him in the sand. Noticing that his stick has made a mark in the sand, Milo's grandpa starts to draw pictures. As he finishes a drawing, a wave comes and washes it away so he can try again. Milo draws with his stick as well and learns that his drawings don't have to be perfect; he just has to keep on drawing. This simple yet heartwarming story is for any budding artist who needs a gentle reminder that it s the process of creating that counts and all you need is endless imagination." -- publisher
Maile and the Huli Hula Chicken
"Initially amused when a runaway chicken joins in while they are practicing their hula dance for the big birthday luau, Maile and her cousin Lani are horrified when the same chicken appears on the day of the performance." -- publisher
Ordinary ‘Ohana
"This is a little book about a big family making the point that family is who you choose and there's always room for more at Sunday dinner, even if it's on Saturday night, or Wednesday night, or whenever. In a time when families don't fit traditional definitions, Ordinary Ohana assures readers that a diverse family is a normal family. The book has a distinctive design and was packaged to imitate a family scrapbook feel. The book shares images of a contemporary Hawaii family both familiar and unique. The story unfolds through the experiences collected by a young boy named Kainoa. He has a pretty ordinary family life, according to him. But when he starts to introduce the various members of his ohana, he reveals a complicated but very sturdy and loving family structure that has been built, rebuilt, and reinforced over time. Kainoa describes generations-old Hawaii family traditions blended with a modern, open sensibility. He talks about people he loves in a matter-of-fact voice with witty observations that every reader will enjoy. Family is who you choose?" -- publisher
Cannonball
"A meaningful and fun summer book that promotes individuality and being true to yourself even under pressure! In this story about being true to oneself, a boy searches for the secret to executing the perfect cannonball into the water with training from Nan, an expert and former champion. By listening to his own voice, he finds his unique style and pulls off a wonderful, acrobatic, truly awe-inspiring cannonball." -- publisher
Hina and the Sea of Stars
"Retells the myth of the Hawaiian goddess Hina, the mother of the Hawaiian people, who makes the bark cloth that forms the clouds, and is the one responsible for the moon and stars being in the sky." -- publisher
Obama
"From birth to getting elected as president, a biography told in lyrical prose.… From his childhood in Indonesia to his teenage years in Hawaii, from his father’s homeland of Kenya to the halls of Harvard Law School and, later, the South Side of Chicago, Barack Obama searched for a place where he belonged. His search led him to the White House, where, as president, he would fight for "the god-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." In elegant, cadenced language, award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford provides a biographical tribute to a citizen of the world who journeyed from "Barry" to "Barack" to "Mr. President" as he found, finally, the place where he belongs. Primary source quotes from speeches are included throughout." -- publisher
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