For Our Daughters

PreS-Gr 3–Congolese British writer and poet Nyoko’s debut features encouraging verses—gently, indomitably voiced by Edwards—that also serve as a practical primer of empowering responses in an often-unfriendly world. While celebrating every child’s uniqueness—“that’s why you are remarkable”—Nyoko also realistically warns, “You’ll come across those who may not understand you.” To those who insist “‘You’re not special,’ tell them you are like the moon, among millions of stars but shining the brightest.” If skin color is questioned, “take them to the museum where the bronze sculptures of ancient queens reflect your skin tone.” If hair is deemed “‘too coily,’ proudly reply that your hair is like a magnificent crown.” And Nyoko wants children to remind detractors asserting “you can’t” of “exceptional women such as…Mae Jemison, and all who came before you and did the impossible.”