Sulwe is a children's New York Times bestselling picture book by actress Lupita Nyong'o. It follows the story of a young girl who wishes for her dark skin to be lighter. The story is ultimately about colorism and learning to love oneself, no matter one's skin tone.

Sulwe
AuthorLupita Nyong'o
IllustratorVashti Harrison
Cover artistVashti Harrison
GenreChildren's literature
Published2019
PublisherSimon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date
October 15, 2019
Pages48 pages
ISBN1534425365
WebsiteOfficial Website

In 2020, the Kiswahili and Dholuo translations were made available in East Africa through Kenyan publishing firm Bunk Books.[1][2]

Synopsis

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Sulwe has the darkest skin in her family and in her school. She wishes for her skin to be lighter, but through a supernatural experience, she comes to love her dark skin color.[3][4][5]

In media

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Year Outlet Episode
October 8, 2019 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon "Lupita Nyong'o Captures Her Struggle with Colorism in a Children's Book"
October 8, 2019 Newsnight "Lupita Nyong’o on Racism, Colourism, and Justin Trudeau"
October 15, 2019 Live with Kelly and Ryan "Lupita Nyong'o Talks About Her Children's Book, Sulwe"
October 15, 2019 Good Morning America "Lupita Nyong'o shares powerful story behind new children's book, Sulwe"
September 1, 2020 Netflix Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices "Lupita Nyong'o Reads Sulwe"

Film adaptation

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In February 2021, Netflix announced an animated musical film adaptation based on the book, with Nyong'o attached as a producer on the film.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Nancy Agutu (1 October 2020). "Lupita's 'Sulwe book' coming to Kenya in Luo, English". The Star. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  2. ^ "Lupita's new book Sulwe to be translated to Kiswahili and Luo". Classic 105. 2020-10-02. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  3. ^ Bussel, Rachel Kramer. "Lupita Nyong'o To Discuss Debut Children's Book 'Sulwe' In New York At BookExpo Author Breakfast". Forbes. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
  4. ^ Akinyoade, Akinwale (2019-10-02). "Lupita Nyong'o Addresses Colourism In Forthcoming Book, 'Sulwe'". guardian.ng. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
  5. ^ Kelly, Jane (2019-09-24). "Hollywood Star Lupita Nyong'o Taps Best-Selling UVA Alumna for New Children's Book". UVA Today. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
  6. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (2021-02-18). "Lupita Nyong'o Children's Book 'Sulwe' Getting Adapted Into Animated Netflix Musical". Variety. Retrieved 2021-02-18.