Search Our Database of Nearly 2,000 Diverse Picture Books

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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Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life

2023

by Jerry Pinkney

“Jerry’s vivid recollections and lively sketchbook drawings of his youth in postwar America tell an inspiring story of how a hardworking boy pursued his passion in less-than-ideal circumstances and became a legendary artist against all odds.” — publisher

Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker

2024

by Holly Thompson

“Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, George Nakashima began a love story with trees that grew throughout his remarkable life as architect, designer and woodworker. During World War II, George, with his wife Marion and their baby daughter, endured incarceration in Minidoka prison camp, where he drew comfort from the discipline of woodworking. Once free, George dedicated the rest of his life to crafting furniture from fallen or discarded trees, giving fresh purpose and dignity to each tree, and promoting a more peaceful world. Author Holly Thompson narrates Nakashima’s life using haibun, a combination of haiku and prose, which twines smoothly through Toshiki Nakamura’s earthy illustrations. A foreword by Nakashima’s daughter Mira and robust back matter will deepen young readers’ understanding of woodworking and poetry and offer added insights to the work of a master artisan.” — publisher

Becoming a Ballerina: The Story of Michaela Mabinty DePrince

2025

by Olivia Duchess

In a Sierra Lione dust storm, ballet swooped into Michaela Mabinty DePrince’s life and never let her go. After her adoption brought her to the US, ballet continued to be the consoling hand that filled Michaela with a joy and hope that flowed from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes. Over time, Michaela’s love for ballet only grew, and with it, her dream of becoming a ballerina. However, there were peers who told Michaela she didn’t belong in the ballet world, that her skin and vitiligo made her too different. However, ballet had stirred in Michaela a faith and determination that would help her turn her dreams into a reality.

Pedro’s Yo-Yos: How a Filipino Immigrant Came to America and Changed the World of Toys

2024

by Carl Angel

“Pedro Flores was born in the Philippines in 1896, when Spain still ruled his country. After the US took over, Pedro traveled to California, received an education, and looked for ways to go into business for himself. Then he remembered a toy from his childhood called the yo-yo, which means “come back” in Tagalog. With a couple of blocks of wood and a little string, Pedro created his first model yo-yo and practiced tricks to show it off. It was an instant hit! When children saw the yo-yo in action, they clamored to get one themselves. So Pedro always performed his tricks near movie theaters, outside candy shops–anywhere he knew children would see the toy. Soon he was hiring fellow Filipinos to advertise it for him, while he ran factories that manufactured more than a million yo-yos a week!” — publisher

Vision: My Story of Strength

2023

“Ever since Precious Perez was a child, she has loved to sing. Born and raised outside Boston, her family joked that she’d eventually study at Berklee College of Music. But when a high school music teacher advocated for Precious’s talent, her dream became a reality. Precious was born two-and-a-half months premature and weighed just one pound. Her eyes did not develop fully, and she is blind. Growing up, most people focused on what Precious could not do because of her disability. With her teacher’s support, Precious realized all the things she could do with her disability—starting with attending Berklee. With a voice that is both accessible and engaging, Vision brings forward an empowering first-person account of a woman finding strength and purpose in her disability. The I, Witness series delivers compelling narrative nonfiction by young people, for young people.” — publisher

Asian American Women in Science

2022

by Tina Cho

“An inspiring biography collection featuring 15 Asian American women who have paved new ground in STEM fields throughout history. Kazue Togasaki was one of the first Japanese American women to become a doctor. Chien-Shiung Wu was a Chinese American physicist who worked on top-secret projects. Isabella Aiona Abbott became an expert on the marine plant life of her native Hawaii. Asian American women are a huge part of scientific discovery, and this collection of biographies for kids explores 15 brilliant women, and how they used their intelligence and determination to overcome challenges and succeed.” — publisher

Daniela and History’s Women Pirates

2023

by Susanna Isern and Gomez

“Daniela discovers her grandmother’s old book with stories of ten brave pirate women. From the seas of China to the shores of New York, from ancient Greece to modern times, these female pirates sailed the oceans in search of riches. Explore the lives of some of the notable female pirates: Awilda, Mary Read, Lai Choi San, Grace O’Malley, Ching Shih… Although they were often forbidden from sailing, they refused to accept their destinies. Their lives and deeds inspired Daniela.” — publisher

I Wish You Were Here

2022

“I Wish You Were Here is based on the authors’ childhood experiences as pen pals in Haida Gwaii and Terrance in northern British Columbia. The book explores themes of friendship, culture, family, and community. It also addresses some tough issues, such as racism and intolerance, and explores ways to respond proactively. Included are resources and discussion questions to encourage further learning and reflection.” — publisher

Dear Dad: Growing Up with a Parent in Prison — and How We Stayed Connected

2024

“As far back as nine-year-old Jay Jay Patton can remember, her dad, Antoine has been in prison. Growing up in Buffalo, New York with her mom and younger brother, she’s only been to visit him twice. Instead, the two have sent each other numerous letters — Jay Jay’s letters can take weeks or months to reach her dad, and some never even get delivered. What’s it going to be like having Dad home?” — publisher