Sulwe

The color of Sulwe's skin is like no one else in her family, and this makes her feel uncomfortable and unwanted. Her personal struggle keeps her from liking herself or those around her. She prays for beauty in the form of lighter skin, but her prayers go unanswered. She is so troubled by her situation that she shares her hurt with her mother, who reminds her that beauty comes from within and acceptance starts with oneself. Although this makes rational sense to Sulwe, she doesn't embrace the message until she is taken on a magical journey wherein she learns the story of two sisters, Day and Night. The message in this book is timely and one that needs to be shared continuously with our children. More than likely it will resonate with 1st and 2nd graders, while the magical journey will delight the imagination of the Pre-K and K crowd. It is a well written story with universal appeal that will capture the hearts of those who experience it, especially the many readers who have struggled with standard conceptualizations of beauty and self-acceptance.