Back of Book:
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.
My Review:
Salwe is an absolutely stunning lyrical picture that focuses on the importance of self-love and acceptance. Sulwe feels alone because her skin is a different color than the rest of her family. She tries everything she can think to lighten the color of her skin. When nothing works she feels defeated and alone. I loved the message from her mother about the fact that beauty comes from the mind. The book has a lovely fable about the day and night weaved within the pages that show Salwe the importance of loving who she is. The illustrations by Vashti Harrison are nothing short of breathtaking! Her use of light and dark colors have an almost magical quality to them.
Lupita Nyong’o wrote a truly uplighting story that should be in every child’s library. She tackled the concept of colorism in a gentle manner that allows readers to see their own beauty and love who they are. I am excited to have this book in my classroom library and share Sulwe with my students.
Ages 5 and up
48 Pages
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