Our Blackness is beautiful and diverse, our skin representing a variety of shades and hues, from light to dark and dark to light, a blending of ethnicities and cultures.  And yet there are conflicting ideals of beauty, as society pressures communities of color to conform to their expectations.  It’s taken us awhile to get to this positive Black is Beautiful messaging.  As I consider the diverseness of my own multicultural family, representing a blend of race, of physical features, of class, I remember the awkward middle school transition ranging from approximately 5th-8th grades into what we now call tween, and all the changes that come with that life stage.  Growth spurts, trying to develop a personal identity including a sense of style for clothing and hair, and navigating friendships… 

Here’s a great debut novel for tweens from United States debut author Alicia D Williams that tackles issues related to starting anew after moving, recognizing the impact of colorism and its impact on family relationships and racism embedded within social and societal beauty standards.  This relatable book will touch your soul and help encourage self-acceptance and beauty of the skin you’re in.  This is a must-read book I wish I’d had as a tween!  #BlackIsBeautiful

Awards include: Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe Award for New Talent (2020), Honor title for Newbery Award and Kirkus Prize (2020), and William C Morris Award finalist (2020).     

• ISBN-10 : 1481465805
• ISBN-13 : 978-1481465809

     

Kyra Hahn has worked in public libraries for 16 years.  When she’s not listening to audiobooks or writing, she spends her time doing research and advocacy work related to the United States Public Service Loan Forgiveness and student loan forgiveness programs.  Check out her Facebook group Librarian4PSLF.

#BlackIsBeautiful is curated by Shauntee Burns-Simpson.

Shauntee Burns-Simpson (MLIS) currently serves as the 2020-2022 President of BCALA. She is the Associate Director of School Outreach for The New York Public Library. An ambassador for libraries and Youth Librarian, President Burns-Simpson enjoys connecting people to the public library and its resources. She works closely with at-risk teens and fosters a love of reading & learning with her innovative programs. In addition to leading BCALA, she chairs the American Library Association Office of Diversity, Literacy, & Outreach Services (ODLOS) Committee on Diversity.