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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10 matching books
Show FiltersDream Big, My Precious One
"Celebrate the hopes and dreams you have for your little one with this rhyming picture book that inspires children to dream big, work hard, and trust in God. In Dream Big, My Precious One, a narrator wonders what a young child will enjoy as he or she grows up—sports, art, music? The narrator imagines all of the incredible things the child could become, from "a doctor or zoologist, a nurse or archaeologist" all the way to "a preacher sharing God's good news, a captain on a sailing cruise, a vet to cure sick kangaroos!" Upbeat and playful, this book will inspire children to passionately pursue their dreams, knowing that God will be with them every step of the way." -- publisher
A New York Year
"Five little children take you on a fun-filled journey through twelve months in the life of New York's kids. Meet Madison, Alexander, Fabian, Sophia, and Jayla — New York kids representing a blend of culture and race that typifies this impressive state. They’ll take you through a year in the life of children living in New York, from celebrations, traditions and events, to the everyday way of life and the little things that make childhood so memorable. Its pages are laid out clearly by month, showcasing five New York children at play, at school, at home, and enjoying the sights and sites of New York. Feature meandering text and gorgeous illustrations, it pinpoints the highlights of a young person’s New York year in vibrant and lively detail. A New York Year is a picture book showcasing the cultural diversity of the state. It’s a snapshot of New Yorkers, blending modern-day culture and lifestyle with longstanding traditions. Children and adults alike will be swept up in this beautiful depiction of life in another culture. From the spectacular Niagara Falls and Adirondack Mountains to the beaches of Long Island, and the dazzling lights of Manhattan, this is a New York childhood." -- publisher
Rami the Ramadan Cat
"The spirit of Ramadan is rooted in generosity to family, friends, and neighbours, and this story embodies the spirit of Ramadan beautifully! Saleem has just moved to a new city. On the first night of Ramadan, he finds a scruffy kitten clinging to his backyard fence. Even though Saleem and his family make "lost cat" posters to hang up around their neighbourhood, he secretly hopes they never find the cat's owner! After all, Rami is Saleem's only friend in this new place." -- publisher
My Words Flew Away Like Birds
"A poetically told immigration story that fosters understanding and beautifully articulates how the desire to belong and the need for human connection are universal. A little girl learns some words in a new language to prepare for her move to a new country. But when she, her mother and her father arrive, “all her words fly away like birds.” The girl waits, and watches, and listens, trying to figure things out. Only, it's hard. Then one day the girl meets someone who needs her help. And as she makes a new friend, she finds that the new words start to come easier --- becoming her words, at last. Beautifully written in engaging and accessible free verse, this poignant story offers a powerful lesson in empathy for children everywhere. The story is inspired by the many newcomer families Debora Pearson has met in her work as a children's librarian in a bustling urban center. Both timely and universal, it provides young children with an opportunity to expand their worldview and be inspired by how the heroine prevails and finds connection. Shrija Jain's simple, whimsical illustrations add playfulness and warmth to the narrative. A perfect read-aloud, this sweet and sensitive picture book encourages all children to celebrate inclusion and highlights the character education traits of resilience, kindness and empathy. There are links here to social studies lessons on community, global awareness and cultural awareness." -- publisher
The Grandmaster’s Daughter
"Imagination and determination fuel a young black belt as she leads her friends on a mission to protect their dojang. Author-illustrator Dan-ah Kim’s debut is a celebration of teamwork, friendship, and martial arts and will be adored by fans of The Three Ninja Pigs and Hello, Ninja. Sunny is the grandmaster’s daughter. She sweeps the floors, waters the plants, and practices with her nunchucks—sometimes she even makes mistakes. She teaches other young students how to kihap. But when their kihaps grow loud and bold enough to shake the mountains, Sunny leads her friends in defending the dojang against magical creatures . . . or perhaps that’s just in their imaginations. It’s up to the reader to decide! Dan-ah Kim’s debut is a spirited story about martial arts that celebrates teamwork, imagination, and perseverance—and that centers around a young girl. The simple text and vivid artwork make this picture book accessible and appealing to all readers. The Grandmaster’s Daughter is an irresistible read-aloud and features backmatter explaining Tae Kwon Do and outlining the five tenets of the practice." -- publisher
Family Reunion
"In this contemporary #OwnVoices tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he's sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid's-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties." -- publisher
Matzah Craze
"A fun way to reinforce the idea that it's fun and interesting to eat special foods on Jewish holidays, while also an accessible way to teach non-Jewish kids a bit about Passover When Noa refuses to swap food from her lunch one day, her friends wonder why. She explains it's because it's Passover. For the rest of the week, she brings Passover foods to school to share with her friends to let them enjoy the holiday fun." -- publisher
Magnificent homespun brown
"Told by a succession of exuberant young narrators, Magnificent Homespun Brown is a story -- a song, a poem, a celebration -- about feeling at home in one’s own beloved skin." -- publisher
Singing with Momma Lou
Nine-year-old Tamika uses photographs, school yearbooks, movie ticket stubs, and other mementos to try to restore the memory of her grandmother, who has Alzheimer's disease.
Going to Mecca
We are led on the journey of a lifetime to the city of Mecca--the pilgrimage known to Muslims as the Hajj. The pilgrims walk with heads bare and feet in sandals; they call to Allah; they kiss or point to the Black Stone, as the Prophet did. Arriving at Mecca, they surge round the Ka'aba, shave their heads and travel to Mount Arafat. Finally, though their bodies are tired and aching, their spirits are uplifted, knowing that with thousands of others they have performed the sacred pilgrimage. This is a window on to a sacred journey for Muslims the world over --beautifully described and illustrated for younger children