Sulwe
Sulwe is a children's picture book written by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison, that addresses themes of colorism, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. The story follows a young girl named Sulwe, who has dark skin and struggles with feelings of inadequacy because she perceives herself as different from her lighter-skinned family and peers. Through a fantastical journey in the night sky, Sulwe learns a fable about Night and Day, ultimately realizing the inherent beauty and value in her own complexion. The book is generally recommended for preschoolers through second graders, focusing on uplifting children and promoting a positive self-image, especially for those with darker skin tones. While celebrated for its powerful message, it has faced some challenges related to its themes.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe book depicts instances of emotional and verbal bullying related to Sulwe's dark skin, causing her significant emotional distress. There is no physical violence present.
1. Sulwe is called 'mean names like "Darky" and "Night"' by children at school, leading her to feel isolated and sad. 2. Sulwe's lighter-skinned sister receives compliments, while Sulwe is 'often teased about her darker complexion,' making her feel unworthy.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe book includes fantastical elements such as a magical journey with a shooting star and a fable where celestial bodies, Night and Day, are personified. These elements serve as a metaphorical device to convey the story's message of self-acceptance.
1. Sulwe is taken on a 'magical journey in the night sky' by a shooting star, which guides her to understanding her beauty. 2. During this journey, Sulwe learns the 'tale of Night and Day, two sisters who brought light and darkness to earth,' who are personified and share a story mirroring Sulwe's experiences.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe most intense content revolves around Sulwe's emotional struggles with colorism, including feelings of sadness, isolation, and self-consciousness. While these are emotionally challenging themes, the magical journey offers a whimsical and comforting resolution.
1. Sulwe is 'devastated' when her prayer to God to lighten her skin is not answered, leading her to feel intense sadness and a desire to change herself. 2. Sulwe actively tries to lighten her skin by 'rubbing her skin' with an eraser or attempting to use makeup, highlighting her internal struggle and distress.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe book portrays instances of peer disrespect through bullying and name-calling directed at Sulwe. Sulwe herself displays a form of internal rebellion against her natural appearance, rather than outward disrespect towards authority figures.
1. Children at school 'call her racist names' like 'Darky' and 'Night,' demonstrating disrespectful behavior among peers. 2. Sulwe tries to 'scrub the dark away' from her skin with an eraser and uses makeup in an attempt to rebel against her natural appearance, indicating a struggle against self-acceptance.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe book briefly mentions Sulwe's prayer to God for lighter skin, which goes unanswered. Her mother then provides comfort, emphasizing inner beauty, and subsequently, Sulwe experiences a 'magical journey' to find self-acceptance. Some Christian parents might find the reliance on a magical fable for resolution, rather than continued spiritual comfort or a direct divine answer, to be a subtle diversion from a purely Christian worldview.
1. Sulwe 'prays to God for a miracle' to have lighter skin and more friends, but she wakes up the next morning to find her prayer unanswered. 2. Following the unanswered prayer, Sulwe's mother tells her that 'real beauty comes from your mind and your heart. It begins with how you see yourself, not how others see you,' and then Sulwe is taken on a 'magical journey' with a shooting star to learn a fable about Night and Day.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowExtensive searches for LGBTQ+ and gender identity content within the book 'Sulwe' and related discussions yielded no specific mentions of LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or representation. The narrative focuses exclusively on issues of racial identity and colorism.
No specific examples of LGBTQ+ or gender identity content were found in the book's descriptions, reviews, or author interviews. The book centers on Sulwe's journey to accept her dark skin tone.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowAs a children's picture book aimed at young readers, 'Sulwe' contains no romance or sexual content. The story focuses on self-esteem and identity.
No romantic interactions or sexual themes are present. The narrative revolves around Sulwe's personal journey of self-acceptance.
Profanity
LowThere is no profanity or strong language used in 'Sulwe'. The text maintains language appropriate for its young target audience.
The language used throughout the book is consistently gentle and age-appropriate, focusing on conveying Sulwe's feelings and the story's uplifting message.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, in 'Sulwe'.
The narrative's focus on a young child's emotional journey excludes any themes related to substance use.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 4-8 (Preschool to Grade 2) due to its picture book format, comprehensible storyline, and themes that encourage self-love and address social-emotional issues like colorism in an age-appropriate manner.
Additional Notes
The book has been a target of book bans or challenges in some school districts due to parental complaints that associate its themes of colorism and self-worth with 'Marxist critical race theory agenda.' While the book aims to promote positive self-identity, particularly for dark-skinned children, this controversy is important for parents to be aware of.
Related Reviews
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