Lupita Nyong’o Draws from Personal Experience with New Picture Book Project About Colorism

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers announced Thursday that Nyong’o’s picture book,“Sulwe,” will come out next January. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o is working on a picture book.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers announced Thursday that Nyong’o’s “Sulwe” will come out next January. According to the publisher, the Kenyan actress’ debut book will be a story about “colorism,” the favorable treatment given to people with lighter skin. Sulwe is a 5-year-old girl from Kenya coming to terms with her dark skin. The book’s illustrator is still to be determined.

Nyong’o said in a statement that the book would draw on her own experiences of being “taunted” about her skin.

Nyong’o won a best-supporting actress Oscar for “Twelve Years a Slave.” Her other credits include “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and the upcoming “Black Panther.”