Dear Black Girls

Dear Black girls all around the world, this one is for you — for us. Dear Black Girls is a letter to all Black girls. Every single day poet and educator Shanice Nicole is reminded of how special Black girls are and of how lucky she is to be one. Illustrations by Kezna Dalz support the book’s message that no two Black girls are the same but they are all special—that to be a Black girl is a true gift. In this celebratory poem, Kezna and Shanice remind young readers that despite differences, they all deserve to be loved just the way they are.

Shanice Nicole is a Black feminist educator, facilitator, writer, and (out)spoken word artist. She believes that everyone has the power to make change and dreams of a freer world for us all. Learn more about her work at shanicenicole.com.Kezna Dalz is a multidisciplinary Black artist from Montreal. She cares about representation, and portrays the beauty of womanhood, teenadult angst, and the worst of pop culture using vibrant colours. You can find more of her work at www.teenadultt.com.

ISBN: 9781999058838
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
Publisher: Metonymy Press
Published: February 08, 2021

"A a powerful, honest affirmation of belonging that is striking in its poeticism." — Quill & Quire, starred review "A love letter to Black girls everywhere, the beautiful poetry and illustrations in this book are a celebration of Black girl magic." — Huffington Post “Dear Black Girls is a much-needed manifesto for these times, and the book I needed, though I didn’t know it, when I was a girl myself. Honest, beautifully illustrated and poignant, this book stands to improve any shelf that it finds a home on.” — Robyn Maynard, author of Policing Black Lives, State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present, and parent “Dear Black Girls will be an inspiration to little and grown girls everywhere. The text is gently uplifting, self-affirming. Each page celebrates the uniqueness of Black girls through illustrations showing full features and the rainbow hues of Blackness." — Bonnie Farmer, elementary school teacher and author of Oscar Lives Next Door ”Essentially a love letter to Black Girls — Shanice writes short, poetic letters in Dear Black Girls that show us how to love, appreciate, honour and protect the legacy and beauty of us, Black Girls. A book with positive and encouraging affirmations. Vivid and charming illustrations add to the beauty and vibrancy of the book.” —Alicia Gabbidon, librarian "Dear Black Girls is a children’s book that positively affirms Black girls’ racial identity. Through Dalz’s elegant illustrations and Nicole’s brilliant narration, Black girls see their beauty, intelligence, and strength. It is a must read for young Black girls who question their self-worth and for all children to know the power of Black girl magic. Every school and public library should have Dear Black Girls in their virtual library or on a bookshelf." — Charlotte Reid, retired educator