Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison is a beautiful story/folktale about a little girl who is not happy with the midnight color of her skin. Sulwe tells the complex story of what it’s feels like to be unhappy in one’s skin. One evening Sulwe goes on a magical journey. On her journey she hear the tale of two sister Day and Night. Everyone loves Day and gives her nice nicknames but Night is not treated with the same level of admiration. This tale continues with what children call “magic-ish and swirly” pictures that deliver a powerful message that can be summed up by these quotes:
If you look pretty on the outside, it doesn’t matter because you could be mean on the inside.
2nd grader
Don’t hate your skin.
2nd grader
It doesn’t matter if your skin is black or midnight you can be friends.
2nd grader
In the end Sulwe is proud of her beautiful black skin. This message needs to be heard by all children of all colors. I hope you add this beautifully illustrated book to your library. @Lupita_Nyongo @VashtiHarrison
