The book presents a series of vignettes following young Black girls as they enjoy all the pleasures that come with the color brown.  Whether spending time with family and friends, by themselves, inside the house or enjoying nature, each girl takes notice of the beautiful, changing brown hues around them.   The colorful adjectives used throughout the poem to describe the myriad feelings that the color evokes (from excitement to peace to wonder) are then paired with the girls’ physical features, underscoring their connection to the color in their own lives.  Positive affirmations of said features amongst themselves and their family members abound through the text.

Written by Samara Cole Doyon

Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Published by Tilbury House Publishers 

A 2021 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Honoree

• ISBN-10 : 0884487970
• ISBN-13 : 978-0884487975

Annelisa J. Purdie is a senior children’s librarian with the New York Public Library.  She graduated with her MLIS degree from St. John’s University, and works in Harlem.  Her work includes an emphasis on history, STEM and the arts as a means of sparking innovation and establishing a sense of pride among members of the community.  Annelisa coordinates interactive children’s programs and literacy initiatives, and works with educators and various other community partners in servicing the children of New York City.  

#BlackIsBeautiful is curated by Shantee 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.