Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

illustrated by Vashti Harrison

2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award and NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children's Literacy Work

Coretta Scott King Award Book

Unfortunately, the story of Sulwe captures what many young, darker-skinned girls are made to feel about their skin. Sulwe wishes that she would have brighter and lighter skin, like that of her family. After hearing the story of day and night, Sulwe realizes that her skin is beautiful just the way it is. From then on, Sulwe knew her brightness came from the inside out and that the color of her skin did not make her any less. 
This story is most appropriate for children in Kindergarten through second or third grade, but due to the message, it could be used for students of all ages. It could be used simply as a read aloud to remind students that they are beautiful and valued no matter what their skin tone is. It could also be used to encourage a discussion on loving ourselves and others, no matter what we look like. I would definitely include this story in my classroom even though I want to teach older students because I think all too often young girls especially feel this way about their skin due to the way society treats them. 

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