lupita nyong’o tackles colorism and self-esteem in debut children’s book

Is there anything Lupita Nyong’o can’t do? Yeah, probably, but now the Academy Award-winning actress is trying her hand at publishing! Set to drop later this year, Sulwe is a children’s picture from Simon & Schuster that’s a moving call-to-action against colorism that encourages self-esteem building and teaches youngsters that their truest beauty comes from all the ways in which they are unique.

A synopsis for the book reads: “Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.”

I wrote a book called #Sulwe! This is the cover, illustrated by @VashtiHarrison! Available for pre-order now & out Oct 1 ➡️https://t.co/O04OLMf5XX
I wrote Sulwe to inspire children (and everyone really!) to love the skin they are in & to see the beauty that radiates from within. pic.twitter.com/z0gpC2neOX

— Lupita Nyong’o (@Lupita_Nyongo) April 1, 2019

The book is illustrated by Virginia artists and filmmakers Vashti Harrison and is set to be available Oct. 1 and it’s available for pre-order, here.