Review By Gabrielle
Don’t miss this incredible children’s book!
Favourite Quote:
“You are a strong story that’s worth being written
and read
and lived proudly.
So get to it.
Start now.
Dream big.”
Goodreads Synopsis:
Conceived of as a letter to her younger self, Because You Are captures Jael Richardson’s insightful lessons about growing up, being joyful and loving yourself as a young Black girl. By exploring what inner beauty means, this story inspires children to recognize and build their self-worth, to dream big and to make a difference in the world. These lessons are brought to life on the page with lively and tender illustrations by Nneka Myers.
I can’t say enough good things about this absolute stunner of a book. This should be required reading for every child. Jael’s words are at once inspiring and affirming and I couldn’t get enough.
Canadian writer Jael is a sought after speaker on the importance of diversity in Canadian storytelling. As the Founder of the remarkable Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), she has already done much to contribute to the field. This book continues that legacy. In it, we see a young Black girl being encouraged to become her best self, simply by being herself. It reads like a letter Jael is writing to her younger self and to young Black girls everywhere. And while young Black girls might be the audience this book is aimed at, I would say there is value in Jael’s words for children of any cultural background, they are that powerful.
Nneka’s illustrations are a perfect compliment to Jael’s writing. They have a dreamy quality about them that seem almost magical.
Thank you HarperCollins Canada for the ARC in return for an honest review.
