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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The Cheetahs of Long Distance Running in Ethiopia : Legendary Ethiopian Athletes in Amharic and English
"One of the fastest animals in the world, the cheetah streaks across the plains and valleys of Ethiopia. But there is another kind of “cheetah” renowned for speed who are famous for running on 2 legs instead of 4. Some of the world’s elite marathon and long distance running athletes hail from Ethiopia, including Abebe Bikila, the first African Olympic gold medalist; Belayneh Densamo, who broke the world record for long distance running; and Haile Gebreselassie, who broke a world record 27 times! Read about the Baby Faced Destroyer, youngest World Champion runner and cousin to Derartu Tulu, the first woman to run a 2 mile race in less than 10 minutes and champion who earned 6 gold medals. Filled with detailed digital portraits of 10 legends of long distance running by Ethiopian artist Daniel Getahun. Bilingual text in English and Ethiopian languages including Amharic, Tigrinya and Afaan Oromo support fluency and vocabulary." -- publisher
A Plan For The People
"As Nelson Mandela lived and worked under the unjust system of apartheid, his desire for freedom grew. South Africa separated people by races, oppressing the country’s non-white citizens with abusive laws and cruel restrictions. Every day filled Mandela with grief and anger. But he also had hope—hope for a nation that belonged to everyone who lived in it. From his work with the African National Congress, to his imprisonment on Robben Island, to his extraordinary rise to the presidency, Nelson Mandela was a rallying force against injustice. This stirring biography explores Mandela’s long fight for equality and the courage that propelled him through decades of struggle. Illustrated in the bold, bright colors of South Africa, A Plan for the People captures the spirit of a leader beloved around the world." -- publisher
Planting Peace
"This picture book tells the inspiring story of Wangari Maathai, women’s rights activist and one of the first environmental warriors. Wangari began the Green Belt Movement in Kenya in the 1960s, which focused on planting trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. She inspired thousands across Africa to plant 30 million trees in 30 years and was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize." -- publisher
Tani’s New Home
"The incredible true story of Tani Adewumi, a Nigerian refugee who garnered international news coverage after winning the New York State Chess Championship at the age of eight. Tani's story of finding a new life in America reminds children that perseverance and hope make a difference--and small acts of kindness can make the world a better place. Tani Adewumi's moving true story of immigrating to America, developing his talent for chess, and finding a new home will inspire families looking for stories of hope and kindness. Tani was just six years old when he and his family fled persecution in Nigeria and became refugees in New York City. Tani was amazed, and a little overwhelmed, by all the new things in America. But one new experience turned out to be the most wonderful discovery--chess! With joy and determination, Tani studied hard, practicing chess for hours on the floor of his room in the homeless shelter. Less than a year later, he won the New York State Chess Championship, and through one act of kindness after another, found a new home. This picture book biography for children ages 5 to 10 tells the captivating real-life story of a young chess champion; celebrates the power of hope and hard work; reminds us that we can each make the world a more welcoming place; encourages empathy and compassion; includes beautiful digital illustrations by Courtney Dawson; is perfect for children reading alone; story time for families, classrooms, and libraries; and celebrations of World Refugee Day. This exciting book about chess, family, and community reminds us all that home is a place where you can follow your dreams." -- publisher
The Boy Who Never Gave Up! / Mucicha Abdii Hinkunne!
"Young Yared is not the best student. He fails so often that he considers giving up on school completely. But the failures and perseverance of a caterpillar inspire him to untangle his heart and return to his studies with purpose. Motivated by the beauty of church music, he developed a new way to write it that caught the ear of the emperor. His devotion to music and education elevated him from the streets of Axum to Sainthood, and his music is still considered sacred to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church." -- publisher
The Boy Who Never Gave Up! / ዘይቖርጽ ቆልዓ!
"Young Yared is not the best student. He fails so often that he considers giving up on school completely. But the failures and perseverance of a caterpillar inspire him to untangle his heart and return to his studies with purpose. Motivated by the beauty of church music, he developed a new way to write it that caught the ear of the emperor. His devotion to music and education elevated him from the streets of Axum to Sainthood, and his music is still considered sacred to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church." -- 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
Kamala Harris
"Discover the incredible story of a young daughter of immigrants who would grow up to be the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American ever elected Vice President of the United States in this moving picture book biography of Kamala Harris. When Kamala Harris was young, she often accompanied her parents to civil rights marches—so many, in fact, that when her mother asked a frustrated Kamala what she wanted, the young girl responded with: “Freedom!” As Kamala grew from a small girl in Oakland to a senator running for president, it was this long-fostered belief in freedom and justice for all people that shaped her into the inspiring figure she is today. From fighting for the use of a soccer field in middle school to fighting for the people of her home state in Congress, Senator Harris used her voice to speak up for what she believed in and for those who were otherwise unheard. And now this dedication has led her all the way to being elected Vice President of the United States. Told in Nikki Grimes's stunning verse and featuring gorgeous illustrations by Laura Freeman, this picture book biography brings to life a story that shows all young people that the American dream can belong to all of us if we fight for one another." -- publisher
The Sound That Jazz Makes
"Two acclaimed picture book talents combine in this award-winning journey through the history and legacy of jazz. Carole Boston Weatherford’s poetic text is perfectly matched with Eric Velasquez’s powerful oil paintings." -- publisher