Black girls

PreS-Gr 1--The ultimate "If you can dream it, be it," picture book for little Black girls everywhere. With depictions of various skin types (including vitiligo), body shapes and sizes, and hair colors and textures, this book is a wonderful exercise in representing all Black girls no matter their location, interests, or familial circumstances. "Black girls, a field of wildflowers--ombre beiges, golds, and browns. Each shade bursts forth, magnificent! Black beauty abounds." The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and demonstrate the link between the everyday girl playing outside to the extraordinary women who led the way. Parents and teachers may recognize, and utilize, the opportunity to share the legacies of Ruby Bridges, Madame C.J. Walker, Mae Jamison, Shirley Chisolm, Bessie Coleman, and others. VERDICT Told in rhyme with a consistent beat throughout, this book makes for an excellent addition to any read-aloud collection for young students.--Jennifer LaBurre

"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. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.