Black Girl You Are Atlas
What’s inside...
In 'Black Girl You Are Atlas,' Renée Watson shares a semi-autobiographical collection of poems that celebrates Black girlhood through the lens of her own experiences growing up at the intersections of race, class, and gender. Utilizing various poetic forms, Watson recounts her childhood in Portland, pays homage to influential Black women, and empowers Black girls to step into their power. The book features full-color art by Ekua Holmes and serves as both guidance and a celebration for readers, making it a significant gift to the community. It has been recognized as a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and a winner of the Walter Dean Myers Award.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when she faced challenges? What would you do in her situation?
What are some ways that the main character shows strength and courage?
Can you think of a time when you felt strong like the main character?
What dreams do you have for yourself and how can you work towards them?
How does the main character’s community support her? Why is having support important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster an empathetic environment by sharing personal stories or examples that relate to the character's experiences and emotions.
Encourage your child to visualize and describe scenes from the book, enhancing their understanding and connection to the narrative.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and self-belief, drawing parallels between the character’s journey and real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to illustrate or write about their dreams and discuss steps they can take to achieve them, mirroring the character's determination and resilience.
Highlight the role of community and family support as presented in the book, and relate it to your child's own support system, discussing how they can both give and receive support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Strength and resilience
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates perseverance and resilience against life's challenges, inspiring readers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face obstacles with courage and determination, helping them to overcome personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-love and acceptance
Explanation: The book emphasizes the value of self-acceptance and loving oneself despite external opinions.
Real-World Application: This reinforces positive self-esteem and encourages children to value themselves regardless of societal standards.
Example Lesson: Cultural pride and identity
Explanation: The narrative celebrates cultural identity and heritage, showing the protagonist embracing her roots.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own cultural background, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
Example Lesson: Community support
Explanation: The story highlights how community involvement can uplift and support individuals.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of being involved in their community and how supporting one another can lead to mutual growth and success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between characters, the book teaches the value of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing strong interpersonal skills and better relationships with peers by understanding and considering others' feelings.