Lulu the One and Only
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 to Readers from the author, sharing her experience as a multiracial person.
Lynnette Mawhinney, PhD, is professor of Urban Education at Rutgers University-Newark and affiliated faculty in Africana Studies. She helps to prepare future urban teachers for the classroom, and her academic research focuses on retention and recruitment of teachers of color and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in K-12 urban schools.
She is an award-winning author and scholar of six books. Her first children's book, Lulu The One and Only, received a starred review from Kirkus. She lives in New Jersey. Visit her website.
Jennie Poh was born in England and grew up in Malaysia (in the jungle). Pen and paper by her side at all times she loved drawing princesses and writing stories. At the age of ten she moved back to England and trained as a ballet dancer. After failing her art A-level Jennie decided the art world was definitely for her so she studied Fine Art at The Surrey Institute of Art & Design as well as Fashion Illustration at Central St. Martins.
Illustrating is the reason she gets washed and dressed in the morning. She loves drawing quirky beautiful girly stuff and works with ink, watercolor, collage, origami paper, pencils, and usually ends up wanting to bash her computer. Jennie lives in Surrey, England.
- One of Bank Street’s 2021 Best Children’s Books of the Year
- NCSS-CBC 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book
- Interviewed on The Children’s Book Podcast
A must have for both the home and school library, Lulu the One and Only opens the door to nurturing conversations about diversity.
—Good Reads with Ronna
The story addresses a difficult situation that children of mixed race families often face. The adorable illustrations highlight the love between Lulu and her family, and the inner strength and confidence that she gains by the end of the book.
—Babies to Bookworms
While I have read a lot of picture books that discuss identity and self acceptance, Lulu, The One and Only is the first picture book that provides mixed-race children with a tool to help them navigate their emotions and responses when asked inconsiderate questions. Lulu’s story is also a valuable resource for making young children understand what microaggressions are and to discuss how these statements were hurtful to Lulu and Zane.
—Beagles and Books
Lulu the One and Only is such an important book to share with young readers right now.
—Randomly Reading
I love the subtle nod to the historic Loving family in Lulu’s last name, and the inclusion of the abrasive questions and assumptions that many interracial folx are asked every single day. In the back is an author’s note with some tips about talking to children, and even more importantly, listening to biracial children. This book is absolutely wonderful, and perfect to keep in the classroom.
—The Tiny Activist
A wonderful book about race, identity, and kindness… Lulu finds her inner strength and models for readers that they can find their own power phrases, too.
—Imagination Soup
In light of all that is happening in our world, this book offers a perfect opportunity to open up discussions with your kids who may have seen things on the news or overheard conversations. Sometimes, as parents, it’s hard to know what to say or how to start a conversation about racism. Even though this book doesn’t hit on all aspects of racism, nor does it need to, it teaches our youngest readers how to be kind and accepting of everyone, no matter their skin color.
—Sincerely Stacie
Phenomenal. This upbeat and empowering tale is a loving gift to children of biracial and multiracial backgrounds.
—The Baby Bookworm
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 Reviews Starred Review
- Watch the author read Lulu the One and Only. Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.
- Three Ways to Support Your Biracial Child (PDF, 472KB)
