Multicultural series

In our graduate course on multicultural children's literature, we've been discussing the dearth of good series with main characters who are not Caucasian. Specifically, how about series featuring people of color--any ideas? Thanks!

Summer Professional Reading?

Now that we're into July, I'm starting (reluctantly) to think about the new school year. I'm looking for recent professional literacy publications to see what's new. What are you guys reading to keep sharp and prepare for the new year? I'm looking for recommendations for good reading/literacy books recently published.