Representation that Radiates Joy
The Magic in Changing Your Stars I Leah Henderson
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Journey back to 1939 Harlem in this time-travel adventure with an empowering message about believing in yourself and persevering.
Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane, a gifted dancer, is certain that he'll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school's production of The Wiz. But when a classmate overshadows him at auditions, a deflated Ailey confides in his Grampa that he is going to give up dancing. Not ready to give up on Ailey, Grampa shares a story from his past.
As a young boy, Grampa gave up his dreams of tap dancing even after the unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, encouraged him to perform. Robinson also gifted him a special pair of tap shoes. A curious Ailey tries on the shoes and is instantly transported back to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tap dancer and realizes it's his grandfather. Ailey thinks he can help the 12-year-old version of his Grampa face his fears, but he must tread lightly-if Ailey changes the past, can it affect his future, and will he ever make his way home? Featuring an all-Black cast of characters and many moments infused with Black culture and history, this is a time-travel adventure that has been waiting to be told.
Builds Confidence and Self-Love with Every Page
Builds Confidence and Self-Love with Every Page
We don’t just include diverse books — we center them. Every story we carry celebrates BIPOC voices and puts underrepresented protagonists front and center, ensuring every child can say, “That’s me.”
Authored by a BIPOC Creator — Real Representation, not Tokenism
Authored by a BIPOC Creator — Real Representation, not Tokenism
We intentionally seek out BIPOC and indie creators whose stories deserve to shine — building shelves you won’t find anywhere else.
Vetted by Educators and Families for Quality and Age-Fit
Vetted by Educators and Families for Quality and Age-Fit
Find the perfect book tailored to your child’s age, interests, and identity, making storytime meaningful and engaging.
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.
As a classroom teacher, I’d spent countless afternoons searching for stories where my students could see themselves and came up empty-handed. I was tired of books that treated diversity like a checkbox, or worse, turned childhood joy into trauma. So, I did what teachers do best — I built what was missing.
My best friend and I began curating, partnering with independent authors and BIPOC creators to source high-quality stories that celebrated identity and belonging. We turned our living rooms into libraries and our mission into movement.
In 2019, Stories of a Colorful World launched with a simple promise: no more token shelves, no more exhausting searches — just stories that reflect every child’s worth.
Today, our collection spans 300+ titles by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color authors — books that build empathy, pride, and confidence one story at a time.
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Curated for Every Stage
Our bookshop replaces overwhelm with ease: intentional, pre-vetted, and organized by what actually matters who your kids are becoming.
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Building Empathy & Cultural Pride
Each book is selected to stretch empathy, self-awareness, and cultural pride at every age and stage.
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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
Are your books good gifts?
Yes! We offer curated bundles by age and theme — perfect for birthdays, holidays, and classrooms.
Can educators order in bulk?
Absolutely. We support schools, libraries, and community programs — contact us for custom quotes.
Do you offer digital books?
Not yet, but we’re exploring options for classrooms soon!
Because when children see themselves in stories, they don’t just read — they rise.