FOR OUR DAUGHTERS

Affirmations from mothers to their daughters abound in this pro-girl picture book.

The opening spread shows a brown-skinned mother, dressed in a beautifully patterned orange and yellow African print dress with matching head wrap, holding a darker-skinned infant. The two gaze into each other’s eyes. This image appears inside a golden frame, held aloft by hands that match the baby’s skin. Speaking in second person, an unseen maternal narrator tells the little one, “There are billions of people in this world, but they are not you. / That’s why you are remarkable.” Throughout, girls from different cultural backgrounds, with varying skin tones and hair textures, hear negative comments from others, while the motherly voice offers a comeback for each one. “If they sneer and say, ‘Your nose is too wide,’” the narrator says, “You must hold your head high and tell them / you are a reflection of your ancestors’ beauty.” This guidance will help Black and brown children facing common microaggressions. The advice will also make children from the dominant culture aware of the damage of these hurtful remarks. Incorporating deep, rich colors, Avelino’s personable images depict joyful girls overcoming discrimination and confidently moving through the world. Several illustrations also remind girls that family and ancestors can affirm their worth.

Will boost girls’ self-esteem while giving them concrete tools for thriving.