Little Black Girl (Oh, the Things You Can Do!) by Kirby Howell-Baptiste
A Review By: VJH
An empowering and joyous picture book by actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman) that instills confidence and encourages little Black girls to reach for their wildest dreams, adapted for audio.
This inspiring audiobook celebrates all little Black girls, the power of community, and the joy and hope of being a child.
In beautiful, lyrical text actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste tells the story of one Black girl and her limitless potential as she pursues her dream of robotics. Determined to have her robot ready for the school fair, getting everything done in time won’t be easy, but this little Black girl knows she is destined to shine and is not going to let anything hold her back from achieving her dream. With bright, bold plans in mind she begins to sketch and build her robot. The joy she has pursuing her passion is infectious and she has a community of strong women around her, encouraging and supporting her as she lives out her dream.
You have sparks in your brain and fire in your heart.
You can decide where to stop and where to start.
You were born unique. None of us are the same.
Your only job: Make them remember your name.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2022
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): Kirby Howell-Baptiste
This story inspires and encourages little Black girls.
This was a beautiful ode to little Black girls. There are so many Black children who do not have anyone to teach them and instill self-confidence in them, children who may feel left out or different because they may dream a different dream. Well, this story speaks all of these attributes into little Black girls. It perfectly emphasizes the importance of pride, strength, courage, and staying true to themselves. It was an insightful, inspiring and meaningful poem encouraging Black girls that they can become anyone and do anything they dream, to never allow anyone to discourage that dream and for a child to hear these uplifting words gives them courage and determination that could change their lives forever.
As an adult, I felt empowered listening to these inspirational words and would encourage parents, teachers and anyone who loves a child, to listen to this with their children because it is essential that little Black children learn how uniquely special and important they truly are.
The author did a very nice job narrating this short story.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? None
