| Sulwe | |
| Author: | Lupita Nyong'o |
| Illustrator: | Vashti Harrison |
| Cover Artist: | Vashti Harrison |
| Genre: | Children's literature |
| Published: | 2019 |
| Pub Date: | October 15, 2019 |
| Pages: | 48 pages |
| Isbn: | 1534425365 |
| Website: | Official Website |
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.
In 2020, the Kiswahili and Dholuo translations were made available in East Africa through Kenyan publishing firm Bunk Books.[1] [2]
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]
| 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" |
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]