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Cultural pride at every age and stage.

Rick Riordan Presents: The Storm Runner, Book 1 I J.C. Cervantes

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A contemporary adventure based on Maya mythology from Rick Riordan Presents! Zane Obispo spends every day exploring the sleeping volcano in his backyard. "The Beast" as he calls it, is the one place where he can escape other kids, who make fun of him because he has a limp and walks with a cane.

After a twin-engine plane crashes into The Beast, a mysterious girl named Brooks shows up at Zane's doorstep, insisting that they meet at the volcano, where she will reveal a terrible secret. Zane agrees, mostly because beautiful girls like her don't usually talk to him. Brooks tells him that the volcano is actually a centuries-old prison for the Maya god of death, whose destiny is directly tied to Zane's. No way,

Zane thinks. He's just a thirteen-year old nobody, and destiny or no destiny, he wants nothing to do with any of it, especially some god of death. But Brooks opens his eyes to the truth: magic, monsters, and gods are real, and Zane is at the center of an ancient prophecy that could mean the destruction of the world.

Suddenly finding himself entangled in a web of dangerous secrets, Zane embarks on a quest that will take him far from home and test him to the very core. Feisty heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate.

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CURATED FOR AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION

Each book is thoughtfully selected to reflect diverse voices and empower children with stories that matter.

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

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!