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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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16 matching books

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Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

2022

by Brittany Mazique and Sawyer Cloud

"Every year, Delphine Denise Debreaux and her friends ride their bikes together in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. But this year, there's a shiny prize for best float—and Delphine Denise just has to win it. How can her friends remind Delphine Denise what the parade is really all about? This joyful picture book, inspired by the author's own experience celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans as a child, explores the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday. Full of vibrant and festive illustrations, this story reminds readers that winning isn't everything, and the best way to let the good times roll is in the company of friends." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Cross Group

Work / Shaqo

2021

by Jane. Kurtz, Jean Blatner, Lois Bourinskie, Katie Bradley, Margaret Ellsworth, Kathy Funk, Ursula Gibbons, Eileen Morgen, Carol Rose, Barb Schmit, Julie Scott and Jill Trninch

"Help your young bilingual reader learn to read Somali with this beautifully illustrated picture book about how Ethiopians work and rest. From the bustling city markets to dusty country roads, there is always work to be done or shared. Side by side text in English and Somali support young learners of indigenous Ethiopian languages. Colorful watercolor illustrations bring the people of Ethiopia to life with rich details and supportive context. Part of the Ready, Set, Go! series of early readers from Open Hearts Big Dreams, a nonprofit devoted to supporting literacy in Ethiopia." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Incidental

Kallaloo! A Caribbean Tale

2015

by David Gershator, Phillis Gershator and Diane Greenseid

"Can a shell really make soup? It might, if it's a brown-and-white West Indian shell, fresh from the sea. All it needs is a master soup-maker, like Granny, to stir the pot - and a little help from the folks in Market Square. Who wouldn't be willing to lend a hand to cook up some kallaloo, a soup famous from Jamaica to Trinidad? But there's one final ingredient missing and even the magic shell forgot to mention it!" -- publisher

Beautiful Life Folklore

Pigskins To Paintbrushes

2021

by Don Tate

"From acclaimed author and illustrator Don Tate, the rousing story of Ernie Barnes, an African American pro football player and fine artist. Young Ernie Barnes wasn’t like other boys his age. Bullied for being shy, overweight, and uninterested in sports like boys were “supposed” to be, he instead took refuge in his sketchbook, in vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and flowing lines. But growing up in a poor, Black neighborhood during the 1930s, opportunities to learn about art were rare, and art museums were off-limits because of segregation laws. Discouraged and tired of being teased, Ernie joined the school football team. Although reluctant at first, he would soon become a star. But art remained in Ernie’s heart and followed him through high school, college, and into the NFL. Ernie saw art all around him: in the dynamic energy of the game, the precision of plays, and the nimble movement of his teammates. He poured his passion into his game and his craft, and became famous as both a professional athlete and as an artist whose paintings reflected his love of the sport and celebrated Black bodies as graceful and beautiful. He played for the Baltimore Colts (1959–60), Titans of New York (1960), San Diego Chargers (1960–62), and the Denver Broncos (1963–64). In 1965, Barnes signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canada, but fractured his right foot, which ended his professional football career. Soon after, he met New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin, who was impressed by Barnes and his art. In 1966, Barnes had a debut solo exhibition in New York City, sponsored by Werblin at the Grand Central Art Galleries; all the paintings were sold. Barnes became so well-known as an artist that one of his paintings was featured in the opening credits of the TV show Good Times, and he was commissioned to create official posters for the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics. From award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate, Pigskins to Paintbrushes is the inspiring story of Ernie Barnes, who defined himself on his own terms and pushed the boundaries of “possible,” from the field to the canvas." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography

The Grandmaster’s Daughter

2021

by Dan-ah Kim

"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

Beautiful Life

Antonia

2021

by Dipacho

"Perfect for fans of Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen, this nearly wordless picture book tells a heartwarming and hopeful story of loss and new beginnings as a little girl and her dog, Antonia, journey with their family across a river to start a new life. Like so many people around the world facing difficult times, the little girl and her family in this eye-catching and emotionally satisfying picture book have had to leave their home. The girl has brought along her belongings and her friendly, curious dog, Antonia. While waiting for a boat to take them across a river, she plays with other children who’ve also brought pets—a duck and a bird. But on the other side of the river, Antonia goes missing in the brush. The girl is distraught, until a new friend releases his own pet bird from its cage in an extraordinary gesture of solidarity and freedom. With colorful, whimsical illustrations and an uplifting message of resilience, this US debut from a talented Colombian creator will leave readers with a full heart." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Nana Akua Goes to School

2020

by Tricia Elam Walker and April Harrison

"In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother—whose face bears traditional tribal markings—to meet her classmates. This is a perfect read for back to school—no matter what that looks like! It is Grandparents Day at Zura’s elementary school, and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them special. Aleja’s grandfather is a fisherman. Bisou’s grandmother is a dentist. But Zura’s Nana, who is her favorite person in the world, looks a little different from other grandmas. Nana Akua was raised in Ghana, and, following an old West African tradition, has tribal markings on her face. Worried that her classmates will be scared of Nana—or worse, make fun of her—Zura is hesitant to bring her to school. Nana Akua knows what to do, though. With a quilt of traditional African symbols and a bit of face paint, Nana Akua is able to explain what makes her special, and to make all of Zura’s classmates feel special, too." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Cross Group

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