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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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39 matching books

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I Can Help

2021

by Reem Faruqi and Mikela Prevost

"When Ms. Underwood asks if anyone wants to help Kyle, Zahra always volunteers. She loves spending time with Kyle—he’s creative and generous, and he makes the funniest jokes at lunch. But when Zahra’s other classmates start teasing her for helping him, she starts making choices she regrets. I Can Help is a gentle, sensitive portrayal of reaching out, facing peer pressure, and learning from past mistakes. With thoughtful storytelling and poignant illustrations, this book will open discussions about choosing kindness in the classroom and beyond." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

Pepperoni, Pitches (and Other Problems)

2021

by Shifa Saltagi Safadi and Upit Dyoni

"A POWERFUL STORY ABOUT FINDING FRIENDS WHERE YOU DIDN'T EXPECT! Amira used to love eating cheese pizza and playing baseball with her friends. But at her new school, she sits all alone and can't even have her cheese pizza slice because of Olivia! After hitting a home-run during gym, Amira finally gets noticed by the popular crowd. She's so excited to have friends that she doesn't pay attention to Olivia's tears...or Elena's narrowed eyes. Ages 5+" -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

Me, Me, Me

2017

by Annika Dunklee and Lori Joy Smith

"When best friends Annie, Lillemor and Lilianne learn their school will be having a talent show, Annie says they should enter as an all-girl singing group. Her friends are all in --- until Annie tries to force everyone to go along with her choice of song, costumes, band name and lead singer. When Lillemor and Liliane tell Annie they've had enough of her “me, me, me” attitude, the band splits up, with Annie intent on performing solo. But it doesn't take long for her to realize it's just not the same without her friends. Can Annie find a way to make things right before it's too late? Annika Dunklee's trio of multicultural friends will charm and delight young children with their true-to-life relationships and spot-on dialogue, while Lori Joy Smith's irresistible art brings a playful humor to the girls and their enthusiasm. Annie, the lovable, perfectly imperfect girl, will have readers rooting for her as she struggles to find her way to doing the right thing. With its positive, non-preachy approach, this book could easily spark conversations about friendships and dealing with hurt feelings. With select words in French and Swedish included in the story (with translations) as well as other details sprinkled throughout that illustrate the girls' different backgrounds, this makes a terrific title for exploring other cultures in social studies classes. And the intriguing idea of a talent show shines a light on the performing arts and creativity within a school setting."-- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

It’s Great to Be Kind

2017

by Jordan Collins and Stuart Lynch

"This fabulous new picture book is designed to teach children about appropriate behavior while they enjoy a fun, heartwarming story. This book features a child from Miss Clayton’s class and explores being kind. This story is written in clear, simple text, and Stuart Lynch’s charming illustrations will keep children engaged and entertained. A spread of information for parents, which offers questions to ask children to engage them more deeply in the topic, is included and provides parents with an opportunity to build on the issues presented in the book." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

Tomorrow Girl

2021

by Vikki Conley and Penelope Pratley

"Catch up with a girl called Tomorrow — you better be quick because she’s always in a hurry! "You’ll catch up with the next day if you keep rushing," says Tomorrow’s mother. But when Tomorrow meets worrywart Yesterday and trips over thoughtful Today, her whole world begins to slow down. Tomorrow Girl is a quirky tale delivering a timely reminder about the importance of mindfulness and what can happen when we allow ourselves time to be in the moment amidst a modern-day rush. It’s brimming with wonderful teachable moments for children to reflect on how they can be more mindful in their everyday lives and discover new friendships just by being in the moment." -- publisher

Cross Group Incidental

The Incurable Imagination

2019

by Paul Russell and Aśka

"Audrey has the worst case of 'imaginitis' her teachers have ever seen! While other children paint their families, Audrey paints the ogre who lives under her bed drinking tea. Instead of singing about a black sheep, she writes her own song about a desk with legs that runs away. Her alphabet turns into soup. It's clear that her 'imaginitis' is incurable. What's worse, her condition is contagious and soon the other kids in her class start showing symptoms of an equally incurable imagination! As 'imaginitis' spreads, the teachers are horrified and the parents begin to protest too. But perhaps imagination isn't such a bad disease after all? It might even be useful if it makes learning more fun." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

The Librarian’s Stories

2021

by Lucy Falcone and Anna Wilson

"A town is left in ruins after the bombs fall. The beloved library is turned to ash. Home will never feel the same. But then one day, the Librarian appears in the square. Seated on a bench in front of the library ruins, she opens a book and begins to read aloud. The village children stop to listen. "Foolish woman," Papa says. "Too dangerous," Mama agrees, hurrying the children away. Day after day, as she returns to her post, the Librarian’s stories bring comfort to the broken hearts of the people. Little by little, seeds of hope are planted, and the town begins to heal. Inspired by the true story of the Cellist of Sarajevo, a compassionate musician who played his cello for 22 days to honor the deaths of 22 innocent people killed after the bombing of a bakery during the Bosnian war. The Librarian's Stories is a testament to the enduring connection between stories and hope." -- publisher

Cross Group Oppression & Resilience

Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire!

2008

by Miriam Cohen and Ronald Himler

"When Alex, the new boy in first grade, tries to make others notice him with his boasts about rocket toys and ponies, his plan backfires. The first graders don’t like liars and refuse to have anything more to do with him. However, on the day of the class Christmas party, he helps Jim look for his missing Christmas decoration, and is then given a second chance. Alex realizes that it is not difficult to make friends after all! This newly-illustrated reissue of Miriam Cohen’s book deals sensitively with the challenges that children face when they begin social interaction at school. Ronald Himler’s new watercolor illustrations give the first graders distinctive personalities and provide a riveting picture of the everyday tragicomedy of a first grade classroom." -- publisher

Cross Group Incidental

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