Kids Book Index
Gita Varadarajan, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
A young girl wears a bindi for the first time and discovers its meaning for her sense of self and her connection to where she comes from. The story centers the experience of seeing herself with the bindi and explores the power she finds in wearing it. It brings together identity, cultural heritage, and self-acceptance through this personal first experience.
This book appears on 1 reading list across 1 edition.
Our Story Starts in AfricaPatrice LawrenceTante Janet takes her niece Paloma on a journey through family history, from Caribbean roots to ancient African origins. Their story includes African warrior queens, talking drums, treasures, and tales reaching back thousands of years. It also acknowledges slavery as part of that history. As Paloma listens, she learns that her own story is connected to Africa. The book explores cultural memory, heritage, and pride through a family member’s storytelling.Kindergarten to Second GradeOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black ChildrenJamilah Thompkins-BigelowThis poetic picture book celebrates Black past, present, and future. Through collage and gold-painted pages, it encourages Black children to hold onto happy moments and the good things that come to them. The book is framed as a message of joy and affirmation, centering Black children and the value of keeping meaningful moments close.Five to NineOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
My Town / Mi PuebloNicholas Solis, illustrated by Luisa UribeTwo cousins live in towns separated by a river, on opposite sides of a border. In this bilingual English-Spanish picture book, they visit one another’s communities and notice both their shared features and their differences. Their exchanges explore life across the border while finding unity amid distinct towns and experiences.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile Text Measure AD490LATOS Book Level 3.3On the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details