When Black Girls Dream Big

PreS-Gr 3–“I AM DOPE,” a young Black girl immediately announces, “A descendant of African kings and queens/ Magnificent and majestic, that’s me.” She reminds and repeats, “WHEN I DREAM BIG, I can do anything.” Inspirational proof lies with historical, cultural, contemporary heroes—a dozen Black women pioneers, including Katherine Johnson, Sojourner Truth, Michelle Obama, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Maya Angelou. “I am living the dreams of my ancestors.” The enhancing audio—regally narrated by Moore—is clearly intended as a complementary read-along featuring a second narration with page-turns to follow the printed book, vividly illustrated by Robert Paul, Jr., whose art expands Moore’s words with scenes of responsibility and kindness (planting trees, visiting elderly, feeding the less fortunate). Paul also adds a 13th progenitor, Harriet Tubman, who holds a guiding light and extends her hand to readers.