Search Our Database of Nearly 2,000 Diverse Picture Books

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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Stompin’ At The Savoy

2021

by Moira Rose Donohue and Laura Freeman

"Though a disability stunted his growth, William Henry "Chick" Webb did not let that get in the way of his musical pursuits. This picture-book biography details the life of black American jazz drummer Chick Webb, who in the 1930s led one of the big bands of the swing era, earning him the nickname the "King of the Savoy." Though a disability stunted his growth and left him with a hunched back, William Henry "Chick" Webb did not let that get in the way of his musical pursuits. Even as a young child, Chick saw the world as one big drum, pounding out rhythms on everything from stair railings to pots and pans. His love of percussion brought him to the big time as an influential big band leader. This picture-book biography details the life of black American jazz drummer Chick Webb, who in the 1930s led one of the big bands of the swing era, earning him the nickname the "King of the Savoy."" -- publisher

Tani’s New Home

2020

by Tanitoluwa Adewumi and Courtney Dawson

"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

One Step Further

2021

by Joylette Hylick, Katherine Johnson, Katherine Moore, National Geographic Kids and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

"This inspirational picture book reveals what is was like for a young black mother of three to navigate the difficult world of the 1950s and 60s and to succeed in an unwelcoming industry to become one of the now legendary "hidden figures" of NASA computing and space research. Johnson's own empowering narrative is complemented by the recollections of her two daughters about their mother's work and insights about how she illuminated their paths, including one daughter's fight for civil rights and another's journey to become a NASA mathematician herself. The narrative gracefully weaves together Johnson's personal story, her influence on her daughters' formative years, her and her daughters' fight for civil rights, and her lasting impact on NASA and space exploration. Filled with personal reflections, exclusive family archival photos, and striking illustrations, readers will be immersed in this deeply personal portrayal of female empowerment, women in STEM, and the breaking down of race barriers across generations. Historical notes, photo/illustration notes, and a time line put the story into historical and modern-day context. The inspirational tale of Johnson's perseverance is both intimate and global, showcasing the drive of each generation to push one step further than the last. With its evocative family album-style format and novel approach to storytelling, One Step Further is sure to inspire the next generation of rising stars." -- publisher

I Color Myself Different

2022

by Colin Kaepernick and Eric Wilkerson

"An inspiring story of identity and self-esteem from celebrated athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick. When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth. I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin's life that is perfect for every reader's bookshelf. It's a story of self-discovery, staying true to one's self, and advocating for change... even when you're very little!" -- publisher

Free at Last

2022

by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and Alex Bostic

"This lyrical celebration of Juneteenth, deeply rooted in Black American history, spans centuries and reverberates loudly and proudly today. Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas." -- publisher

The Juneteenth Story

2022

by Alliah L. Agostini and Sawyer Cloud

"The Juneteenth Story is an illustrated history of Juneteenth for kids, detailing its evolution from the first celebration in 1865 until it became a national holiday in 2021. With colorful illustrations and a timeline, this introductory history of Juneteenth for kids details the evolution of the holiday commemorating the date the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. On June 19, 1865—more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. That day became a day of remembrance and celebration that changed and grew from year to year. Learn about the events that led to emancipation and why it took so long for the enslaved people in Texas to hear the news. The first Juneteenth began as “Jubilee Day,” where families celebrated and learned of their new rights as citizens. As Black Texans moved to other parts of the country, they brought their traditions along with them, and Juneteenth continued to grow and develop. Today, Juneteenth’s powerful spirit has endured through the centuries to become an official holiday in the United States in 2021. The Juneteenth Story provides an accessible introduction for kids to learn about this important American holiday." -- publisher

The True Story of Teff/Seena Dhugaa Xaafii

2021

by Amlaku B. Eshetie, Katie Bradley, Ellemae Goering and Students from Findley School

"Learn about the history of Teff, a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. From its discovery in ancient Ethiopia to its everyday use in injera, Teff is an important plant from many perspectives. Side by side text in Ethiopian languages like Amharic, Tigrinya, Afaan Oromo and English support fluency. Vibrant illustrations by talented student illustrators connect words to concepts and support emerging vocabularies. Part of the Ready, Set, Go! series of early readers in indigenous Ethiopian languages." -- publisher

The True Story of Teff/ሓቀኛ ታሪኽ ጣፍ

2020

by Amlaku B. Eshetie, Katie Bradley, Ellemae Goering and Students from Findley School

Thirteen Months of Sunshine / ʼAśrā Śostu Ṣaḥayāmā Warāt

2020

by Worku L. Mulat and Daniel Getahun

"In the Ethiopian calendar, a year is divided into 13 months. Ethiopia’s position near the Earth’s Equator exposes it to more sunlight than many countries, a feature that helped turn Ethiopia into an international travel destination. Ethiopian scholar Dr Worku Mulat wrote this insightful look into the unique calendar system of Ethiopia and how an innovative leader used it to boost worldwide interest in the ancient country’s abundant natural and cultural assets. Gorgeous portraits of the towns and countryside of this beautiful African nation by brilliant Ethiopian artist Daniel Getahun help illustrate why Ethiopia is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remains a top travel destination." -- publisher

Thirteen Months of Sunshine / Nāy ʻĀsarta Salasta ʼĀwareḥ Berhān Ṣaḥāy

2020

by Worku L. Mulat and Daniel Getahun

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449 matching books

Stompin’ At The Savoy

Tani’s New Home

One Step Further

I Color Myself Different

Free at Last

The Juneteenth Story

The True Story of Teff/Seena Dhugaa Xaafii

The True Story of Teff/ሓቀኛ ታሪኽ ጣፍ

Thirteen Months of Sunshine / ʼAśrā Śostu Ṣaḥayāmā Warāt

Thirteen Months of Sunshine / Nāy ʻĀsarta Salasta ʼĀwareḥ Berhān Ṣaḥāy