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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A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey
"Based on the story of an internationally renowned violin prodigy of color. One bright city morning, Penelope and her mom make their way to the farmer's market. On street corners and train platforms, musicians and performers enchant Penelope, speaking to her through their floating, booming notes. The noise of the city keeps the pair moving—until Penelope hears a sound so magical she knows she has to play the instrument that makes it." -- publisher
Charlotte and The Nutcracker
"A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production. The only thing Charlotte loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance. Dancing takes practice-hours of adjusting her arms and perfecting her jumps. With the help of her Trinidadian and Filipino families, encouragement from her sister, and a view of her mom and dad in the audience, Charlotte finds the strength to never give up. In this spectacular debut full of fluid, dynamic illustrations, Charlotte provides youngsters with a multicultural tale of family, dance, and holiday cheer." -- publisher
Ghostbusters
"Join the Ghostbusters as they fight some ghoulish creatures in this kid-friendly official picture book adaptation of the classic film. Kid scientists Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler are investigating ghosts and other paranormal activity in the city. They see their first ghost (Slimer) in the NYC Public Library and that leads them to create the Ghostbusters, setting up their "club" in an old firehouse. Soon, business is booming as the kids are recruited to capture ghosts throughout the city. Winston Zeddemore and Janine Melnitz become the club’s first two important additions. But there is something sinister happening at an apartment building and the Ghostbusters must put a stop to it (and the Stay Puft marshmallow man) before the city is overrun with ghouls." -- publisher
Southwest Sunrise
"From acclaimed creators Nikki Grimes and Wendell Minor comes a stunning picture book about the beauty of the natural world. When Jayden and his parents move from New York to New Mexico, he is devastated to leave the city behind. Where are the skyscrapers, the fire escapes, and the traffic? Instead, Jayden finds an endless sky, a bird’s song, and a rainbow of flowers. As he learns to appreciate the natural beauty around him, he finds a new place to call home. Children’s Literature Legacy Award-winner Nikki Grimes and acclaimed illustrator Wendell Minor draw readers into the natural world with this lyrical story of finding beauty wherever you are." -- publisher
Sleepover at the Museum
"Imagine having a sleepover at the museum for your birthday! The perfect story for museum lovers and adventure-seekers alike! Mason couldn’t wait to celebrate his birthday with a sleepover at the museum of natural history—his favorite place to visit. Armed with headlamps for the dark hallways, a map, and a list of clues, Mason and his two best friends take off on a scavenger hunt through each hall of the museum. But they aren’t just trying to solve the clues. They’re scouting for the best place to spend the night. Sleeping next to a T. rex in the Hall of Dinosaurs felt too scary. And sleeping with the monarch butterflies would probably tickle. This decision isn’t as easy as Mason thought it would be…. Wherever they end up, the museum at night is the best place for a birthday adventure!" -- publisher
Take the “A” Train
"Auntie decides to take her niece and nephew on a fun trip on the "A" train to the #Schomburg in Harlem for #MLK day. But they soon get separated. The kids get help from a kind and knowledgeable stranger and learn some Black History along the way. Please leave a review on Amazon.com. #MLKDay #BlackHistory #Schomburg" -- publisher
My Hands Sing the Blues
"As a young boy growing up in North Carolina, Romare Bearden listened to his great-grandmother’s Cherokee stories and heard the whistle of the train that took his people to the North—people who wanted to be free. When Romare boarded that same train, he watched out the window as the world whizzed by. Later he captured those scenes in a famous painting, Watching the Good Trains Go By. Using that painting as inspiration and creating a text influenced by the jazz that Bearden loved, Jeanne Walker Harvey describes the patchwork of daily southern life that Romare saw out the train’s window and the story of his arrival in shimmering New York City. Artists and critics today praise Bearden’s collages for their visual metaphors honoring his past, African American culture, and the human experience. Elizabeth Zunon’s illustrations of painted scenes blended with collage are a stirring tribute to a remarkable artist." -- publisher
Hosea Plays On
"This heartwarming picture book (based on a true story) depicts a day in the life of Hosea Taylor, a musician who—with his charm, talent, and generosity—brought joy to everyone he met. Every day, Hosea takes the Number 42 bus into the city to play his shiny brass saxophone—and to hopefully earn enough money. Setting up in his favorite place, Hosea makes sweet music as people greet him with a smile, a little girl dances, and crowds surround him. A surprise ending reveals what the money is really for. Kathleen Blasi’s delightful text and Shane Evan’s colorful images capture the real-life closeness between the much-loved Hosea—who shared his passion for music and life with everyone—and his community." -- publisher
Obama
"From birth to getting elected as president, a biography told in lyrical prose.… From his childhood in Indonesia to his teenage years in Hawaii, from his father’s homeland of Kenya to the halls of Harvard Law School and, later, the South Side of Chicago, Barack Obama searched for a place where he belonged. His search led him to the White House, where, as president, he would fight for "the god-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." In elegant, cadenced language, award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford provides a biographical tribute to a citizen of the world who journeyed from "Barry" to "Barack" to "Mr. President" as he found, finally, the place where he belongs. Primary source quotes from speeches are included throughout." -- publisher
Julián at the Wedding
"The star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return—and finds a new friend—at a wedding to be remembered. Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side. Jessica Love returns with a joyful story of friendship and individuality in this radiant follow-up to Julián Is a Mermaid." -- publisher