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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9 matching books
Show FiltersWho Is Simone Biles?
In 2021, Simone Biles shocked the world when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympic Games after experiencing the “twisties” — a scary feeling during which gymnasts lose control of their bodies while mid-air. Audiences had expected Simone to dominate these games. With seven Olympic medals, twenty-five World Championships medals, and four gymnastic skills named after her, she is considered to be the G.O.A.T. of women’s gymnastics. That summer, however, Simone became more than just a legendary athlete. She became an advocate for mental health and protecting yourself even when the world is watching.
She Persisted: Simone Biles
Simone Biles didn’t always have it easy as a child. When her birth mother was no longer able to take care of her and her siblings, they moved in with her grandparents. But she always loved to run, jump, and bounce around. After trying gymnastics for the first time on a field trip at age six, Simone continued with the sport, working hard and facing many challenges along the way. Eventually, she reached a professional level, competing in world championships and at the Olympics. She kept competing and persisted, going on to become the most decorated US gymnast of all time. She also used her fame to speak up on important issues and to help other people. Through it all, she inspired kids everywhere to follow their dreams.
Pelé
“High-interest sports topics packed full of stats, amazing moments, and thrilling photographs. During his soccer career, superstar forward Pelé won three FIFA World Cup titles and became the all-time leading scorer for Brazil. Find out more about his record-breaking achievements and lasting legacy in this biography.” — publisher
Pelé
“Part of the best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, Pelé tells the inspiring story of this world-renowned soccer player. In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Pelé, Brazil’s all-time King of Soccer. With a sock full of rags for a ball, Pelé honed his skills in a poor neighborhood in Brazil. He believed that, one day, he would lead his country to World Cup victory—and he was right! With Pelé and his super skills on the team, Brazil lifted the trophy three times. Today, he is widely regarded as the greatest soccer player who ever lived—and a hero off the pitch, too, using his voice to help the people who need it most. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of The King’s life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.” — publisher
Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb!
“A timely picture book biography about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States. Shirley Chisholm famously said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This dynamic biography illuminates how Chisholm was a doer, an active and vocal participant in our nation’s democracy, and a force to be reckoned with. Now young readers will learn about her early years, her time in Congress, her presidential bid and how her actions left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and instruct.” — publisher
Neymar: A Soccer Dream Come True
“Just in time for the 2018 World Cup, here is a non-fiction picture book about the best soccer player in the world—Neymar. This narrative non-fiction picture book about the sensational rising soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is perfect reading for the 2018 World Cup. Born in Brazil, Neymar Jr. grew up imagining that he might one day become a famous soccer player. Now his dream has come true. Using playful, child-friendly language, deep knowledge of the sport, and passion for it author, Mina Javaherbin, brings to life Neymar’s childhood and professional career for young soccer fans to enjoy. Her text is accompanied by Paul Hoppe’s modern, colorful illustrations.” — publisher
Young Pelé
From a poor Brazilian boy playing soccer with rocks and a ball made from rags, to learning how to play on a team, this is the story of Pele’s beginning.
When the Slave Esperança Garcia Wrote a Letter
Esperanca Garcia, a literate slave, was moved from a Jesuit cotton farm in Brazil to be a cook, away from her husband and some of her children and wrote a letter to the governor asking to be returned to the cotton farm
Martín de Porres
The story of Saint Martín de Porres–an endearing tale of perseverance, faith, and triumph over racial and economic prejudice.