BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Voices is a book discussion group intended to encourage an understanding of systemic racism, privilege, and biases to help disrupt racial inequalities and racism. Together the group will foster knowledge, empathy and understanding of the experiences, identities and history of people in the BIPOC community. We will explore these titles through an anti-racism lens to allow for open and honest conversations in a safe, respectful environment.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Wednesday, October 20 at 7 PM
Sohier Room, Main Library
This title is geared to grades 4-6, but all ages are welcome.
Ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel where she lives and her immigrant parents clean the rooms. Her parents also hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
The Book of Unknown American by Cristina Henriquez
Wednesday, November 17 at 7 PM
Sohier Room, Main Library
This title is geared to adults, but all ages are welcome.
Described by the New York Times Book Review as a novel that “illuminates the lives behind the current debates about Latino immigration,” this is the story of a family who leaves Mexico for the United States to find better care for their daughter, Maribel, after she suffers a terrible injury. The Book of Unknown Americans is a love story, and a family story, interwoven with testimonials of people who have come to the US from all over Latin America.
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle
Wednesday, December 15 at 7 PM
Sohier Room, Main Library
This title is geared towards teens, but all ages are welcome.
When the Cold War breaks out, Margarita is isolated from her family in Cuba and her mother becomes stateless. As the Cuban Missile Crisis looms and Cuba becomes the boogeyman, Margarita and her family struggle with the challenge of being people with two cultures and two worlds. Written with longing and celebration for a formerly inaccessible country, Enchanted Air is a childhood memoir that highlights the challenge of living in a land that doesn’t hold your heart.
Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael Lopez
Wednesday, January 19 at 4 PM
Sohier Room, Main Library
This title is geared to grades 4-6, but all ages are welcome.
This striking collection of poetry by celebrated Cuban-American author, Margarita Engle, highlights the accomplishments of 18 Hispanics from a range of ethnic backgrounds and countries of origin each of whom made a positive and lasting impact on U.S. history. Engle’s first-person poems capture the essence of each individual and are perfectly paired with vibrant full page portraits by illustrator Rafael Lopez. Learn about Aida de Acosta the world’s first woman pilot, conservationist George Melendez Wright who became the first chief of the Wildlife Division for America’s national parks, Tito Puente who became known as the King of Latin Jazz, and many more amazing Hispanics.
BIPOC Voices is a partnership between Abu Toppin, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director for the City of Beverly, and the Beverly Public Library.
Children’s Books Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Voices
Children’s Books Celebrating AAPI Voices & Stories
Children’s Books Celebrating Black Voices & Stories
