Sulwe
Staff Reviews
When I heard that this gorgeous book had recently been banned in a Florida school district, I raced to our shelves and immediately bought a copy! Written by Black Panther actress Lupita Nyong’o, Sulwe is a sweet, feel-good story about a little girl who struggles with self-love due to the dark color of her skin. When she embarks on a journey among the stars, little Sulwe begins to see herself in a new light and learns to accept that she is beautiful too! Stunningly illustrated and spreading a heartwarming message about self-acceptance, it is a great read for all ages! Get out there and read banned books, everybody!
-Isabella
Description
A New York Times bestseller!
Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices!
Recipient of a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award
Recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work
From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
Praise for Sulwe
"A thoughtfully layered text and powerful illustrations address this sensitive topic [of colorism] in a uniquely nurturing way."
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*"By turns beguiling (as when Sulwe’s mother counsels her tearful daughter) and magical (a shooting star darts into Sulwe’s room to share the story of Night and Day), the volume also clearly conveys that colorism is real, and it hurts. Sulwe’s story confronts it head-on, with words and images that celebrate the 'dark and beautiful, bright and strong.'"
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A welcome celebration of Black girls, an important lesson for all kids (and grownups), and a necessary message for any child who has been made to feel unworthy of love on account of their looks."
— Booklist