Author: Lupita Nyong’o
Plot Summary: 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.
Posted In: beauty, Colorism, Cultural Myths, Race, Social and Political Philosophy

Discussion Questions

Sulwe’s mama tells her that real beauty begins with “how you see yourself, not how others see you.” What does real beauty mean to you?

What influences our definitions of beauty?

How do cultural myths and others’ stories influence our perception of ourselves?

What does it mean to accept ourselves?

How can our differences become our strengths?

Before discussions that might touch on social justice issues, read “Things to Think About.”