Smithsonian's History Explorer

Home ยป The Colors of Us
More Sharing Services Share Share on email Email this Page Share on print Print

The Colors of Us


By Karen Katz

Reading Level: Early Elementary School, Late Elementary School
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Macmillan 1999
Seven-year-old Lena and her mother observe the variations in the color of their friends' skin, viewed in terms of foods and things found in nature.

Award Key

Caldecott Medal

Most distinguished American picture book for children (annually).

Coretta Scott King Award

Distinguished books by authors and illustrators of African descent which promote an understanding and appreciation of the American dream (annually).

Golden Kite Award

Outstanding examples of text, illustration, fiction and nonfiction (four awards annually).

Newbery Medal

Most distinguished contribution to American literature for children (annually).

Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award

Outstanding work of historical fiction published by a U.S. publisher set in the New World.

National Museum of American History

Verizon Foundation

Support for Smithsonian's History Explorer is provided by the Verizon Foundation