Reading: SULWE - Lupita Nyong'o (writer), Vashti Harrison (illustrator)

Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) pens her first children's picture book, and wow is it a beauty both inside and out. Recipient of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, Sulwe is the story of a young, dark-skinned little girl whose skin tone doesn't reflect that of any other member of her family (her mother, father, and sister are all lighter) - or, for that matter, anyone in her school, either, where the mean kids have given her nicknames poking fun at her being dark. Because of this Sulwe is becoming withdrawn, keeping to herself behind the building at recess as she watches her light-skinned sister watching and playing with friends, almost as if ashamed of her "midnight" skin. Then one night, a prayer before bedtime asking for bright skin like her mother or sister begins a journey for Sulwe she never could have expected; one of magic and light where she learns that brightness comes from within, and that even in the darkest of dark there is always a light that shines. Nyong'o's text is powerful in this story about self-acceptance and colorism and finding the beauty inside you; never corny or overly-sentimental, and backed by equally beautiful, powerful illustrations by Vashti Harrison that are as breathtaking as Sulwe's journey. The perfect book for any child, but especially a child of color struggling with understanding that he or she is just as beautiful - shines just as bright - as anyone else around them.  5/5 stars