Summary
Sulwe is about a young girl who has a skin color compared to the darkness of midnight, but her siblings, mom, and schoolmates all have lighter colored skin than her. Sulwe becomes very self-conscious because of this, and she tries to do everything to make her skin color lighter, such as eating right colored food and covering herself in her mom’s makeup. Then, she has a spiritual journey that shows her she is beautiful the way she is.
Theme(s):
You are beautiful the way you are, Skin color does not determine your worth, Do not try to change yourself to please others
Personal Response
I truly enjoyed reading this book. “Sulwe” contains beautiful illustrations along with a powerful message that students of any ethnicity can relate to since everyone has insecurities. This book can help our students realize that everyone is beautiful in their own way, and can help show them how to love themselves for just being them.
Teaching Ideas
I would use this to teach my students about self-love and accepting others despite the color of their skin. First I would lead a discussion talking about what insecurities are, then I would read “Sulwe” and ask questions during the reading, after we finished reading I would have a class discussion on the story, then I would ask students to write their name in the middle of a blank white paper and we would pass them around the classroom so each student could write a compliment on it.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 02, Grade 03, Grade 04, Grade 05
