Dear Black Child

by Rahma Rodaah, Lydia Mba (Illustrator)

Overview

In the spirit of I Am Enough, this is a moving and lyrical tribute to and affirmation of Black children around the world—by an exciting new author and illustrator team.

Dear Black Child,

We are here to remind you of your glory…

An inspiring love letter to Black children from all cultures, this book is a celebration of their beauty, joy, and resilience.

Dear Black Child is a story of self-acceptance, love, and empowerment for Black immigrant children and families of the diaspora around the world and features joyful and vibrant illustrations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063091979
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	09/27/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	137,112
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Rahma Rodaah was born and raised in Hargeisa, Somaliland. At the age of eight, her family immigrated to Canada where she still resides today. She is a mother of four children and enjoys reading and coming up with silly bedtime stories. She is also the author of two self-published picture books and firmly believes that children need to be able to identify themselves in the books they read. You can visit her online at www.rahmarodaah.com.

Lydia Mba was born in Madrid, Spain. Her mother is Spanish and her father is from Equatorial Guinea. She attended ESDIP, earning a degree in Illustration. She enjoys creating warm, colorful illustrations that tell stories with diverse characters and strong women. You can visit her online at lydiamba.com.

Editorial Reviews

Through a series of light-filled illustrations, the book stresses that there is space for Black children to become explorers, take center stage, and celebrate their heritage. Rodaah and Mba address Black children’s need to feel safe and accepted within their larger communities, the lack of African American representation in history books, and microaggressions they may experience, but they also remind children that they are loved…. A rousing affirmation that Black children belong.” — Kirkus Reviews

“This upbeat and inspiring missive [is] a triumphant mirror book for Black children everywhere, providing encouragement, validation, and joy.” — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

10/01/2022

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.—Jenny Arch

School Library Journal

2022-06-08
A group of Black students find support in each other and in their community as they grow into their greatness.

“Dear Black child,” begins this story. As a narrator tells readers to “take up as much space as you can,” “stand in your own light,” and “form your own band,” Black children are depicted lying sprawled on the grass, taking part in a school play, and performing music. Through a series of light-filled illustrations, the book stresses that there is space for Black children to become explorers, take center stage, and celebrate their heritage. Rodaah and Mba address Black children’s need to feel safe and accepted within their larger communities, the lack of African American representation in history books, and microaggressions they may experience, but they also remind children that they are loved: “You are worthy. You are enough. You belong. This space was created for you.” The bright artwork matches the inspiring tone of the text. The illustrations employ a vibrant palette that helps readers connect with the children in the story. Mba depicts Black children who range in skin tone and body types; children with disabilities are featured prominently. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A rousing affirmation that Black children belong. (Picture book. 4-9)

Kirkus Reviews