FICTION

Dear Black Child

by Rahma Rodaah (text) & illus. by Lydia Mba
Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins/. Sept. 2022. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780063091979.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–Black children (and the occasional adult) with various skin tones, hairstyles, abilities, and body types populate this upbeat and inspiring missive. The language is poetic and metaphorical (“Let your name be your flag. Say it loud and say it proud. Wave it until it’s woven in their mind”), and the illustrations uplifting. There are classroom and library scenes as well as outdoor settings, and a final spread shows the cast of characters in royal blue graduation caps and gowns, diplomas in hand. Below the final line, “This is just the beginning,” four children seem to be dancing and high-fiving in the grass, their shadows stretching long before them in the sunset.
VERDICT A triumphant mirror book for Black children everywhere, providing encouragement, validation, and joy.
Reviewed by Jenny Arch , Oct 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

I Hear You, Mountains
by George, Kallie
BOOKS

I Am a Courageous Cub
by Chaim, Shoshana
BOOKS

The Long Way Around
by Nesbet, Anne
BOOKS

Lola
by Arenas Valenti, Karla
BOOKS

The Sherlock Society
by Ponti, James
BOOKS

Dead Girls Don’t Say Sorry
by Ritany, Alex
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?