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.
“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
“The illustrations are colourful, vivid, and cheerful, reflecting the joy and hope of the text.” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials, Highly Recommended
“A powerful, honest affirmation of belonging that is striking in its poeticism.” —Quill & Quire, starred review
“In a world where they’re often overlooked, Nicole wanted to put Black girls front and centre. She also wanted to send them some love.” —Montreal Gazette
“Originally written as a spoken word piece, Dear Black Girls begs to be read aloud. It practically jumps off the page as it movingly explores all the possible ways of looking at what it means to be a Black girl in 2021.” —The Globe and Mail
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.
