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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15 matching books
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Pigskins To Paintbrushes
"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
Sugar In Milk
"A timely and timeless picture book about immigration that demonstrates the power of diversity, acceptance, and tolerance from a gifted storyteller. When I first came to this country, I felt so alone. A young immigrant girl joins her aunt and uncle in a new country that is unfamiliar to her. She struggles with loneliness, with a fierce longing for the culture and familiarity of home, until one day, her aunt takes her on a walk. As the duo strolls through their city park, the girl's aunt begins to tell her an old myth, and a story within the story begins. A long time ago, a group of refugees arrived on a foreign shore. The local king met them, determined to refuse their request for refuge. But there was a language barrier, so the king filled a glass with milk and pointed to it as a way of saying that the land was full and couldn't accommodate the strangers. Then, the leader of the refugees dissolved sugar in the glass of milk. His message was clear: Like sugar in milk, our presence in your country will sweeten your lives. The king embraced the refugee, welcoming him and his people. The folktale depicted in this book was a part of author Thrity Umrigar's Zoroastrian upbringing as a Parsi child in India, but resonates for children of all backgrounds, especially those coming to a new homeland." -- publisher
Quarantined in Queens
"There is a dark cloud over the Bayside Queens community. A virus called COVID-19 has reached Queens, and for the Bayside Bunch that means trouble. Public School 411 Elementary now must deal with the changes to their lives this virus has caused." -- publisher
Breathing is Believing
"It is a heartfelt tale of courage, kindness, and responsibility from the Bayside Bunch children's book series author. Principal Jones schedules an unexpected virtual town hall meeting with children and parents of P.S. 411 Elementary. The Bayside community is eager to learn about the principal's call to action. The pandemic has raised many questions about children returning to school and the new normal. What does “breathing is believing ” mean for the children and parents of P.S. 411 Elementary?" -- publisher
Go See The Principal!
"When Selwyn is ordered to report to Principal Jones’s office at once early one morning, everyone at P.S. 411 Elementary knows he is in trouble. This includes his mean teacher, Miss Crabtree. Even Selwyn’s classmates ask him what did he do bad. Selwyn tells them all that he has been good, but they do not believe him. What happens when Selwyn takes that long scary walk to the principal’s office?" -- publisher
Down in the Subway
"A boy meets the Island Lady on the subway. Out of her bag comes an ocean breeze, a Caribbean meal, a steel band and a party he will never forget!" -- publisher
Patricia’s Vision
"The inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath, a groundbreaking ophthalmologist who pioneered laser surgery—and gave her patients the gift of sight. Born in the 1940s, Patricia Bath dreamed of being an ophthalmologist at a time when becoming a doctor wasn’t a career option for most women—especially African-American women. This empowering biography follows Dr. Bath in her quest to save and restore sight to the blind, and her decision to “choose miracles” when everyone else had given up hope. Along the way, she cofounded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, invented a specialized laser for removing cataracts, and became the first African-American woman doctor to receive a medical patent." -- publisher
Nutcracker Night
"Discover the sights, sounds and magic of a night at the ballet that will prepare even the youngest of children for their first theatrical experience Beep! Beep! go the taxis. Voof! go the velvet curtains. The Nutcracker ballet and New York City’s David H. Koch Theater come to life in this onomatopoeic representation of a little girl’s experience at the ballet. From the swish of her dress and the tick-tick-tick of the conductor’s baton to the twelve bongs of the clock and the pitter-patter of dancers’ feet, this special evening is filled with sensory treats for the eyes and especially the ears. And did she enjoy the ballet? The answer is a big smooch on her father’s cheek. Written by Mireille Messier, Nutcracker Night is a celebration of a Christmas classic that is often a child’s first experience of the ballet. Award-winning illustrator Gabrielle Grimard infuses each scene with warm holiday colors and a richness that will make young readers feel they are really there. An author’s note enriches the text with further information and a brief summary of the famous ballet." -- publisher
Gokul Village and the Magic Fountain
"The joy of teamwork, friendship and curiosity about the world are at the heart of every Gokul! story. In this beautifully illustrated first book, learn how Gokul’s fountain discovered its magic and how its magic transforms the lives of the children of Gokul Village. Join six friends - Riya, Dalai, Noelle, Christopher, Zoya, and Jacob, as they work together to restore their beloved fountain and save the day for their annual village New Year’s celebration. Each friend brings a unique talent to the team and in working together, they realize that the fountain, too, has a very special gift to give in return. Find out how six friends set in motion a world of amazing adventures." -- publisher
Harriet gets carried away
While shopping with her two dads for supplies for her birthday party, Harriet, who is wearing a penguin costume, is carried away by a waddle of penguins and must hatch a plan in order to get herself back to the store in the city.--Provided by Publisher
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