Cultural pride at every age and stage.
Class Act I Jerry Craft
Couldn't load pickup availability
New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft returns with a companion book to New Kid, winner of the 2020 Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize.
This time, it's Jordan's friend Drew who takes center stage in another laugh-out-loud funny, powerful, and important story about being one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school.
Eighth-grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying "You have to work twice as hard to be just as good." His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn't afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted?
To make matters worse, Drew begins to feel as if his good friend Liam might be one of those privileged kids. He wants to pretend like everything is fine, but it's hard not to withdraw, and even their mutual friend Jordan doesn't know how to keep the group together.
As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself?
New Kid, the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, is now joined by Jerry Craft's powerful Class Act.
FREE SHIPPING
FREE SHIPPING
Enjoy fast, reliable delivery straight to your door at no extra cost on qualifying orders.
CURATED FOR AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION
CURATED FOR AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION
Each book is thoughtfully selected to reflect diverse voices and empower children with stories that matter.
AGE-AND THEME-ORGANIZED
AGE-AND THEME-ORGANIZED
Find the perfect book tailored to your child’s age, interests, and identity, making storytime meaningful and engaging.
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND BIPOC AUTHORS
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND BIPOC AUTHORS
Your purchase helps amplify underrepresented voices and supports creators who bring fresh perspectives to children’s literature.
Every child deserves to see themselves in the books they read.
You know that feeling when your kid sees themselves in a book and suddenly walks a little taller? That’s what we’re here for. Our curated collection is handpicked for one purpose: to help every child feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to dream big—no more endless scrolling or settling for stories that fall short. Here, every book is chosen to nurture confidence, empathy, and cultural pride.
Meet the Founder
Hi, children’s book lover! I’m Kanika.
I searched everywhere for children’s books that reflected my students-books, where kids of color were the main characters and not the sidekicks or background. When I say representation, I mean real, joyful, everyday stories written by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) authors who’ve lived them. I honestly couldn’t find enough, so I created a bookstore that could.
After families discover our collection, they often say how badly they wish they had books like this when they were kids. See what it’s like when a child opens a book and sees themselves as the hero, and you can finally get what you needed too.
-
Curated for Every Stage
Our bookshop replaces overwhelm with ease: intentional, pre-vetted, and organized by what actually matters who your kids are becoming.
-
Building Empathy & Cultural Pride
Each book is selected to stretch empathy, self-awareness, and cultural pride at every age and stage.
-
Stories They’ll Return To
Our books are revisited again and again, with age-appropriate themes that build emotional intelligence, identity, and curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY FOCUS ON BIPOC AUTHORS AND CHARACTERS?
Focusing on BIPOC characters and authors is vital because children’s books shape how kids see themselves and the world. For too long, children of color have been underrepresented, leaving them feeling unseen and undervalued during crucial developmental years.
By highlighting authentic BIPOC voices, we empower kids to embrace their identities, build self-esteem, and develop a love of reading. These diverse stories also help all children grow in empathy and confidence, while making it easier for parents and educators to find meaningful, representative books. Every child deserves to see their story matter.
WHAT AGES OR GRADE LEVELS ARE YOUR BOOKS FOR?
Stories of a Colorful World curates books for a wide range of ages, from babies and toddlers (board books) to older children (young adults), ensuring options for every stage of reading.
HOW DO YOU SELECT THE BOOKS YOU CARRY?
We carefully research, source, and test every book to ensure it offers quality, authentic representation, and engaging stories that help children grow into confident, lifelong learners. Our selection includes titles from both traditional publishers and independent authors, giving you access to a wide and meaningful range of books.
Each book we carry must pass a simple but powerful checklist:
- Am I proud to give this to my child?
- Does this story reflect us or expand our view of others?
- Would I recommend this to another conscious parent or teacher?
- Does it feel like something we’ll keep, not just consume?
This approach ensures that every book on our shelves is one we truly believe in—stories that inspire pride, empathy, and lasting value for families and communities.
DO YOU OFFER SUGGESTIONS FOR SPECIFIC INTERESTS OR READING LEVELS?
Absolutely! We’d love to help you find the perfect books tailored to your child’s interests and reading level.
Just reach out anytime on the contact page for personalized recommendations, order support, or to inquire about community partnerships book fairs and bulk orders.
DO YOU HOST BOOK FAIRS?
For sure! Hosting book fairs is one of our favorite things to do. We offer both in-person and virtual book fairs. Right now, our in-person fairs are available in the NY, NJ, and CT area, but we can host virtual fairs anywhere in the US.
Feel free to contact us for more details—we’d love to bring the joy of diverse stories to your community!
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Currently, we do not offer international shipping. We’re focused on serving customers within the U.S. but hope to expand our reach in the future. If you have any questions or need recommendations, please feel free to reach out!