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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77 matching books
Show FiltersGoodnight Ganesha
"As nighttime falls over the city, two children visiting their grandparents in India find there's so much fun to be had! Whether it's listening to epic stories or observing rituals in the puja room, there are many moments that make this time together special. In this beautiful, rhyming ode to bedtime, the only thing more universal than getting ready for bed and saying goodnight is the love between children and their grandparents." -- publisher
Growing Gold
"In this story from India, a farmer’s three lazy sons don’t want to work – they just want a lot of gold. When their mother tells them about the gold buried in the field, they discover the value of a good day’s work." -- publisher
The Green Dinosaur Umbrella
"In this beautifully illustrated, whimsical story, a green dinosaur umbrella travels to Makkah and exchanges hands, helping pilgrims along their journey of Hajj." -- publisher
Home Is in Between
"From National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins comes a sweet and innovative picture book about a first-generation immigrant child living in America. Shanti and her parents say goodbye to the monsoon rains in their Indian village. They move to a snowy town on the other side of the world. At first, it isn't easy for Shanti to be new. Back and forth she trudges between her family's Bengali traditions and her new country's culture. Again and again, in between. She feasts on biryani rice while kids in town eat hot dogs and PB&J sandwiches. She watches Bollywood movies at home and Hollywood movies with new friends. Is she still Indian? Is she becoming American? How should she define home? In this timely yet timeless picture book, critically-acclaimed author Mitali Perkins uses her own childhood to describe the experience of navigating multiple cultures and embracing the space—the hyphen—in between them." -- publisher
A Story of Hope / Zāntā Tasfā
"Captured in Ethiopia and sold into slavery as a child, Malik Ambar travels throughout the Middle East until he arrives in India. Despite a lifetime of adversity and hardship, Malik’s love of language and ideas helps him persevere and inspires him to study military history. Through education, hard work and perseverance, Malik learns to manage his master’s finances and trains legions of African horsemen as a commander in the Indian Army. As a free man, he becomes a respected diplomat and earns his place as a respected figure in Indian history. Written by science writer Dr. Worku L. Mulat and illustrated by Ethiopia-educated Daniel Getahun, the story of the Ethiopian slave boy who grew to be regarded as one of the greatest leaders of central and southern India reminds us how empowering and liberating education can be. " -- publisher
A Story of Hope / Yatasfā Tārik
"Captured in Ethiopia and sold into slavery as a child, Malik Ambar travels throughout the Middle East until he arrives in India. Despite a lifetime of adversity and hardship, Malik’s love of language and ideas helps him persevere and inspires him to study military history. Through education, hard work and perseverance, Malik learns to manage his master’s finances and trains legions of African horsemen as a commander in the Indian Army. As a free man, he becomes a respected diplomat and earns his place as a respected figure in Indian history. Written by science writer Dr. Worku L. Mulat and illustrated by Ethiopia-educated Daniel Getahun, the story of the Ethiopian slave boy who grew to be regarded as one of the greatest leaders of central and southern India reminds us how empowering and liberating education can be. " -- publisher
Guru Nanak
"Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion, is the first in a line of ten enlightened gurus, or teachers, whose writings form the sacred scripture of Sikhism. Born into a humble Hindu family, Nanak was an extraordinary child who from a young age questioned the rituals of religion and the ways of the world around him. At the age of twenty-seven, he embarked on an inspired mission that took him from the sacred Himalayas in India, Nepal, and Tibet to the holy city of Mecca in Arabia. Throughout his twenty-five-year travels, Guru Nanak preached a message of one God, sincere worship, and of peace and equality for all. Today the Sikh religion numbers as many as 25 million followers worldwide and Guru Nanak is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. Award-winning author, Demi, recounts his spiritual journey, showing how the essential teachings of Sikhism are expressed through Guru Nanak’s remarkable life and in his poetry." -- publisher
Where Three Oceans Meet
"A child, mother, and grandmother travel all the way to the end of the earth in this picture book that celebrates multigenerational love—perfect for fans of Drawn Together and Alma. Sejal, Mommy, and Pati travel together to the southern tip of India. Along the way, they share meals, visit markets, and catch up with old friends. For Pati, the trip retraces spaces she knows well. For Mommy, it’s a return to the place she grew up. For Sejal, it’s a discovery of new sights and sounds. The family finds their way to Kanyakumari, where three oceans meet, and delight in making it to the end of the earth together. This own voices picture book celebrates the beauty of India and the enduring love of family." -- publisher
Ashoka the Fierce
"How an unruly and angry young prince transformed into a beacon of benevolence and peace. As the son of an emperor, Ashoka was destined for a life of greatness. But as a boy, Ashoka felt like he was living in the shadow of his brother, growing to become arrogant, impatient, and above all, angry. Wanting nothing more than to be king, Ashoka learned to be cunning, and when he finally managed to ascend to the throne, he was eager for war. After a brutal battle for the kingdom of Kalinga, Ashoka went to survey his new lands. On his ride through the battlefield, Ashoka was haunted by the great destruction that he had caused. This moment marked a change of heart for Ashoka. Upon returning home, his closest friend and wife, Asandamitra, encouraged him to study the wisdom of the Buddha, the dharma, and to learn meditation as a way forward from his destructive past. When Ashoka finally met the wise Buddhist monk Upagupta, it transformed the way he saw the role of a king. He became compassionate toward animals, people, and the environment that encompassed his kingdom as the first emperor of India. Ashoka's life is a real, foundational story in Indian history, and the pillars erected during his reign over two thousand years ago have become the emblem of the national flag. Ashoka's journey is a story of profound transformation, demonstrating the power of reflection, compassion, and wisdom. This is a modern telling of how Ashoka the Fierce became known as Ashoka the Great."-- publisher
A Sari for Ammi
"Ammi weaves the most beautiful saris but never gets to wear any of them. Her two little daughters decide to do something about it—break their piggy bank! But when there isn’t enough money to buy Ammi a sari, the two girls must work together to find a solution. Will they be able to buy Ammi the gift she so deserves? With a text full of heart, and bright, cheerful artwork, this story brings readers into the home of a weaver’s family in Kaithoon, India, where the creation of saris is an art form. The book includes a glossary of Indian terms and a note about the saris made in this region." -- publisher