Spring 2025

Lulu the One and Only

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

NCSS-CBC 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book

One of Bank Street’s 2021 Best Children’s Books of the Year

STARRED REVIEW! “Armed with her own unique power phrase—’I’m Lulu Lovington, the ONE and only!’—Lulu feels empowered to handle any questions that come her way…. This book does more than simply tell a single story of biracial experience: it talks about navigating everyday racism in sensitive, but frank, ways. This affirmation is just as important as the power phrase…. All children will benefit from this pitch-perfect discussion of race, identity, complexity, and beauty.”—Kirkus

Lulu loves her family, but people are always asking

What are you?

Lulu hates that question. Her brother inspires her to come up with a power phrase so she can easily express who she is, not what she is.

Includes a note from the author, sharing her experience as the only biracial person in her family and advice for navigating the complexity of when both parents do not share the same racial identity as their children.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-3159-1
$14.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2020
Publisher Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV081000, JUV039120, JUV039140
Dimensions 8 x 10
Features Awards, Note to adults, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Author: Lynnette Mawhinney

Lynnette Mawhinney, PhD, is professor of urban education at Rutgers University-Newark and affiliated faculty in Africana Studies. She is an award-winning author and scholar of six books.

Illustrator: Jennie Poh

Jennie Poh was born in England and grew up in Malaysia. She studied Fine Art at The Surrey Institute of Art & Design as well as Fashion Illustration at Central St. Martins. She lives in Surrey, England.

Awards

  • Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Runner-up, 2021
  • NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, Winner, 2021

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“This book does more than simply tell a single story of biracial experience: It talks about navigating everyday racism in sensitive, but frank, ways. This affirmation is just as important as the power phrase. . . . All children will benefit from this pitch-perfect discussion of race, identity, complexity, and beauty.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews