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.
Find titles using a keyword search below (e.g. adoption, birthday, holidays, etc.), or by selecting one or a combination of filters on the lefthand sidebar below.
First time here? Start here!
366 matching books
Show FiltersFilter Results
-
Beautiful Life 366
-
Biography 41
-
Cross Group 39
-
Folklore 11
-
Assyrian 1
-
Basotho 1
-
British 2
-
Canadian 3
-
Chadian 1
-
Chinese 2
-
Cuban 1
-
Egyptian 1
-
Ethiopian 51
-
Gambian 2
-
German 1
-
Ghanaian 8
-
Haitian 7
-
Igbo 2
-
Indian 5
-
Iranian 1
-
Ivorian 1
-
Jamaican 9
-
Japanese 1
-
Kenyan 20
-
Kikuyu 1
-
Korean 2
-
Malian 3
-
Mexican 2
-
Ndebele 1
-
Nigerian 10
-
Nigerien 2
-
Somali 4
-
Sudanese 1
-
Tanzanian 13
-
Ugandan 5
-
Unspecified 157
-
Yoruba 1
-
Zambian 1
-
Africa 135
-
Alabama 3
-
Angola 1
-
Arkansas 2
-
Asia 11
-
Bahamas 1
-
Benin 1
-
Brazil 4
-
Burundi 1
-
Cameroon 3
-
Canada 6
-
Caribbean 27
-
Chad 1
-
Colombia 1
-
Comoros 1
-
Congo 1
-
Cuba 2
-
England 2
-
Ethiopia 51
-
Europe 2
-
Florida 2
-
Gabon 1
-
Gambia 1
-
Georgia 3
-
Ghana 7
-
Guinea 2
-
Haiti 9
-
Illinois 6
-
India 3
-
Iran 1
-
Israel 1
-
Italy 1
-
Jamaica 5
-
Japan 1
-
Kansas 2
-
Kenya 22
-
Libya 1
-
Louisiana 13
-
Mali 4
-
Maryland 5
-
Mayotte 1
-
Mexico 1
-
Michigan 1
-
New York 25
-
Niger 1
-
Nigeria 8
-
Northern America 120
-
Oklahoma 1
-
Portugal 1
-
Reunion 2
-
Senegal 3
-
Somalia 3
-
South Africa 14
-
Spain 1
-
Sudan 1
-
Tanzania 1
-
Texas 2
-
Uganda 5
-
Unspecified 65
-
Virginia 4
-
Zambia 1
-
Zimbabwe 1
-
Activism 32
-
Adoption 4
-
Bi/multilingual 110
-
STEM 14
-
Fiction 293
-
Non-Fiction 69
-
Boy/Man 209
-
Girl/Woman 227
-
Unspecified 16
-
Background 19
-
Dominant Main 239
-
Joint Main 56
-
Secondary 212
The Electric Slide
"Kai is the only member of his family who can't get the dance steps to the Electric Slide right. But Kai is determined to bust a move in this fun and sweet celebration of African American families. Kai's aunt is getting married, and everyone in the Donovan family is excited about the wedding ... except Kai. The highlight of every Donovan occasion is dancing the electric slide--a groovy line dance with footwork that Kai can't quite figure out. More than anything, he wants to prove that he can boogie with the rest of his family and earn a cool nickname from his granddad. Can Kai break through his nerves and break it down on the dance floor? Told with humor and heart by author Kelly J. Baptist and lively illustrations from debut picture book artist Darnell Johnson, The Electric Slide and Kai is a funky celebration with all the right moves!" -- publisher
Brown Sugar Babe
"Brown is beautiful. Brown is powerful! Perfect for fans of Hair Love and Antiracist Baby, this lyrically written, stunningly illustrated picture book is a love letter to the beauty of brown skin and a message of love, acceptance, and pride for all brown sugar babes. A classic in the making! When a little girl has doubts about the color of her skin, her mother shows her all the wonderful, beautiful things brown can be!" -- publisher
Jump at the Sun
"From the Newbery Honor–winning author of Genesis Begins Again comes a shimmering picture book that shines the light on Zora Neale Hurston, the extraordinary writer and storycatcher extraordinaire who changed the face of American literature. Zora was a girl who hankered for tales like bees for honey. Now, her mama always told her that if she wanted something, “to jump at de sun”, because even though you might not land quite that high, at least you’d get off the ground. So Zora jumped from place to place, from the porch of the general store where she listened to folktales, to Howard University, to Harlem. And everywhere she jumped, she shined sunlight on the tales most people hadn’t been bothered to listen to until Zora. The tales no one had written down until Zora. Tales on a whole culture of literature overlooked…until Zora. Until Zora jumped." -- publisher
Family Reunion
"In this contemporary #OwnVoices tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he's sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid's-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties." -- publisher
A Day for Rememberin’
"A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.” Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War. With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index." -- publisher
Clap Your Hands
"The inspirational blend of poetry, art, and music in Clap Your Hands is a joyous celebration of African-American gospel music. as it relates to the spiritual and social evolution of Black people in America. Clap Your Hands is an inspirational, joyous celebration of poetry, art, and rhythm, tracing the history of African American gospel music and the poets, singers, and thought leaders who have fearlessly and soulfully contributed to the spiritual and social evolution of America. This powerful and poetic read bursts with vibrant artwork and is rich in personal notes and information that will interest any history buff or music enthusiast. Created by the dynamic author and illustrator team of Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood, winners of the Coretta Scott King Award for I See the Rhythm, Clap Your Hands shares the Black history behind gospel music that has courageously broken all color barriers, influencing both worship and popular culture in America for hundreds of years. Clap Your Hands is great for children ages 4 to 8. Inside, you’ll find: Notes from the author and the illustrator sharing their personal inspirations and influences, as well as their research on the roots and evolution of gospel music Historical notes about the events covered in the book, exploring the cultural importance of gospel music throughout history Further reading section, discography, and discussion questions to encourage learning and engagement A running timeline of all historical milestones—from the first slaves to President Obama’s inauguration" -- publisher
The Big Day
"Big day ahead! Big Mama says as she wakes young Tansy. She hurries Tansy through breakfast and a bath, and dresses in her best clothes. Big Mama even wears her special brooch. What could be so special about this day? Soon enough, Tansy learns the importance: Big Mama is voting for the first time! The elation and pride of Big Mama is captured in brilliant storytelling and gorgeous watercolors, bringing this historical moment alive. The Big Day celebrates Agnes Sadler, the first Black woman to cast a vote in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 6, 1919." -- publisher
Jayden & Zora’s Crown
"Trevor D. is a literacy advocate and American writer of books for children and youth in grades K-3. She created the "I Am Me Series," which includes four books centered around a little African American boy named Jayden, and his friends. The books highlight global, central themes of self- love, love for others, and an appreciation for diversity through empathy. The debut book in the series entitled "I Am Me," introduced the main character named, Jayden. Jayden & Zora's Crown" is the second book in the series which is a story that teaches Jayden and the crew a lesson about celebrating friends and honoring the things that make them great. Well, Zora, a bold, lively, gutsy little girl who has been taught the importance of loving and accepting herself, teaches Jayden and Chad a lesson on the beauty of her hair and why she declares it as her "crown." Trevor D. has embarked on a quest to utilize her love for writing to create a space where the underrepresented can find books where the characters look like them and share a cultural connection. Her goal is to infuse representation in books that will ignite a passion for reading and promote positive self-images. Her intention is to inspire brown and black boys to seek to excel in life, in a diversity of areas, and not live into the stereotypes that have been set." -- publisher
Afia the Ashanti Princess
"Looking for an engaging book to teach children about building self-confidence, developing a sense of pride in their family history, and looking beyond tiaras and princess dresses? This is it! Afia is a young girl who dreams of being a princess but doesn't know of any princesses who look like her. She travels to Ghana to visit her grandmother and learns about her ancestor who was a brave warrior queen.This is the debut story in the Ashanti Princess and Prince book series. The purpose of this book series is to: 1. Emphasize the importance of diverse representation in children's books; 2. Introduce young girls and boys of diverse backgrounds to stories which allow them to relate to the main characters; 3. Encourage children to learn about their family history and cultural heritage; 4. Empower children to develop self-confidence and a sense of pride in their diverse family backgrounds; and 5. Inspire all readers to develop an interest in learning more about African history and culture." -- publisher
The ABCs of Black History
"A beautiful alphabet picture book that presents key names, moments, and places in Black history with text lyrically written by poet Rio Cortez. This is an opportunity for children to learn their ABCs to the sound of words beyond apple, boy, and cat, and an opportunity for young thinkers to prepare for big ideas. A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER B is for Beautiful, Brave, and Bright! And for a Book that takes a Bold journey through the alphabet of Black history and culture. Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy. It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love. In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc." -- publisher