Cultural pride at every age and stage.
Weirdo I Tony Weaver Jr.
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A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
A People Magazine Best Book of the Year
A Best Graphic Novels for Children (BGNC) Reading List Nominee
From rising star Tony Weaver, Jr. comes a middle-grade graphic novel memoir about an awkward preteen who loves all things geeky but struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt, perfect for fans of Jerry Craft's New Kid.
Eleven-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, anime, and video games, and idolizes the heroic, larger-than-life characters he finds there. But his new classmates all think he's a weirdo. Bullied by his peers, Tony struggles with the hurt of not being accepted and tries to conform to other people's expectations. After a traumatic event shakes him to his core, he embarks on a journey of self love that will require him to become the hero of his own story.
Weirdo is a triumphant, witty, and comedic story for any kid who's ever felt awkward, left out, or like they don't belong. An adolescence survival guide that will give every reader the confidence to make it to the other side.
Praise for Weirdo:
"I've been singing the praises of Tony Weaver Jr. for years, and here, I'm proud to say, he's given me one more reason to do so. Weirdo is more than a graphic novel about bullying or misfits. It's a blinding light of a tale about a boy who fights to become himself. About an oddball who finds wonder in his own weirdness. It's a reminder that we all have a place. And people. And some of us have a particular point of view on the world. I'm so happy Tony is using his to bring such palpable joy, love, and imagination to it." -Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Look Both Ways
"Tony's Heartfelt story reminds us Why Embracing Individuality Radically Defies Obstacles." -Jerry Craft, 2020 Newbery and Coretta Scott King Book Award winner for New Kid
"Weirdo empowers readers to celebrate their own identities and offers hope to find the crew that will love you for all of your magnificent quirks!" -Jarrett J. Krosoczka, National Book Award finalist for Hey, Kiddo
"Weirdo is a powerful story filled with empathy about the effects of bullying and how we can attempt to cope with it." -Dan Santat, 2023 National Book Award Winner for A First Time for Everything
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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.
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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
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!