Title: Sulwe

Author: Lupita Nyong’o

Illustrator: Vashti Harrison

ISBN-10: 1534425365

ISBN-13: 978-1534425361

Bestseller, Sulwe written by Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o is a recipient of numerous awards and is featured in Netflix’s show, Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.

This powerful story addresses colorism and how it can be hurtful. All children should know  they are beautiful in any shade. The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) is proud to be part of Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices  project. 

It is so important to engage children with titles such as Sulwe and more. BCALA provides ways to bring the stories to life. For Sulwe, an activity such as Ready, Set, Action would be so much. Pretending to be in the magical dress and dancing around makes the story that much more enjoyable. Here’s the dress that Lupita said inspired Sulwe’s look.

Shauntee Burns-Simpson (MLIS) currently serves as the 2020-2022 President of BCALA. She is the Associate Director of School Outreach for The New York Public Library. An ambassador for libraries and Youth Librarian, President Burns-Simpson enjoys connecting people to the public library and its resources. She works closely with at-risk teens and fosters a love of reading & learning with her innovative programs. In addition to leading BCALA, she chairs the American Library Association Office of Diversity, Literacy, & Outreach Services (ODLOS) Committee on Diversity.