BLACK GIRLS

“Black girl, it’s your world!”

Whether they have blond curls, sport rainbow braids, or wear hijab, all Black girls are commemorated in this book. Furukawa’s peppy verse chronicles a host of activities at which the characters excel, from “shredding at the skate park” to “making magic in the wings” to “sending rockets into space” to creating with “paint, / pens, prose and poetry.” Collagelike mixed-media illustrations brim with joy, depicting Black girls of various abilities and hues. On a spread portraying a group of girls in a field of wildflowers, “Each shade bursts forth, / magnificent! Black beauty abounds.” Laudably, the book also amplifies diversity in family life (depicting kids “who live with foster parents, Abuela, single mother” or “with mom and dad, a few sisters, and a brother”). Black girls are urged to aim high. The book includes a spread of three girls cavorting in front of the White House and concludes with images of icons such as Bessie Coleman, Shirley Chisholm, Madam CJ Walker, Ruby Bridges, Misty Copeland, and Simone Biles—stirring inspiration for future leaders and a wonderful teaching moment for little learners. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An unapologetic exultation of Black girlhood.