Our intention is to acquire and make available ALL picture books featuring indigenous people and people of color published in the U.S. since 2002, including reprints. Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL recommendation. See our related readings page for suggested links for evaluating books.
Sakura’s cherry blossoms
"Sakura's dad gets a new job in America, so she and her parents make the move from their home in Japan. When she arrives in the States, most of all she misses her grandmother and the cherry blossom trees, under which she and her grandmother used to play and picnic. She wonders how she'll ever feel at home in this new place, with its unfamiliar language and landscape. One day, she meets her neighbor, a boy named Luke, and begins to feel a little more settled. When her grandmother becomes ill, though, her family takes a trip back to Japan. Sakura is sad when she returns to the States and once again reflects on all she misses. Luke does his best to cheer her up -- and tells her about a surprise he knows she'll love, but she'll have to wait till spring. In the meantime, Sakura and Luke's friendship blooms and finally, when spring comes, Luke takes her to see the cherry blossom trees flowering right there in her new neighborhood"--Provided by publisher
Chibi Samurai wants a pet
Inspired by Little Kunoichi's relationship with her pet, Ninja Bunny, Chibi Samurai sets out to find a companion pet for himself. Includes facts about Japanese animals and customs
The crane girl
A boy helps an injured crane, and the good deed is rewarded with the arrival of a mysterious guest who weaves beautiful silk for the family. Includes author's note about Japanese folktales and poetry, information about red -crowned cranes, and pronunciations
Chirri & Chirra
"Twin sisters, Chirri and Chirra, go out for a bike ride when it starts snowing and end up going on a cool, magical journey through the woods. The girls find an ice cavern where they join the animals for some sweet treats, a game of marbles, soaking in a hot spring, and a comfortable rest in an igloo that is just the right size." --|c(Source of summary not specified)
I know numbers!
"A picture book that introduces the concept of numbers, and different ways that numbers are used in the world"-- |cProvided by publisher
Suki’s kimono
On her first day of first grade, despite the objections of her older sisters, Suki chooses to wear her beloved Japanese kimono to school because it holds special memories of her grandmother's visit last summer
Ghosts for breakfast
One night, a young boy and his father investigate their frightened neighbors' report of ghosts on a nearby farm
The boy who drew cats
Retelling of a folktale about Akiro, a young Japanese boy, whose obsession with drawing cats leads him to an adventure that would change his life. Based on a legend about the Japanese artist Sesshū Tōyō
Butterflies for Kiri
Kiri, a Japanese American girl who loves to draw and paint, tries to use the origami set she received for her birthday. Includes instructions for making an origami butterfly
Hiromi’s hands
"A biography of Hiromi Suzuki, a Japanese American girl who, with her father's guidance, defies tradition and trains to become a sushi chef at her family's restaurant in New York City"--Provided by publisher