Mary Can!

K-Gr 2–For the fictional heroine at the center of this story, Mary, a young Black girl, hearing “no” or “you can’t” is a frequent and unwelcome experience. In answer to the relatively banal wish (wearing mismatched shoes) to the grand (becoming an astronaut), variations on “you can’t” seem to follow her everywhere. When her teacher, a Black woman, tells her she can’t sing scales yet, Mary reflects on the determination of her mother and grandmother (both Black women), and determines to assert that she CAN. An author’s note at the end reminds young readers that sometimes hearing “you can’t” is for their own safety, but when it comes to one’s goals and aspirations, to dream big. This distinction—when “you can’t” is appropriate and when it isn’t—may lead to some confusion for very young readers but is a good jumping-off point for a conversation between children and their caregivers. The character of Mary is based on singer/songwriter/actress and first-time author Blige’s childhood experiences, and her celebrity status may be appealing to parents. Vibrant, brightly colored digital illustrations allow readers a peek inside a vivid imagination and enhance understanding of her emotions. When Mary is singing, musical notes float across the page, and when she is dejected, there is a noticeable lack of color.