Dear Little Black Girl
What’s inside...
The book 'Dear Little Black Girl' serves as an excellent morning affirmation or bedtime story for young black girls, providing a powerful message of confidence, uniqueness, and love. It aims to inspire, uplift, and empower little black girls to pursue and achieve their dreams.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
25 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the story of 'Dear Little Black Girl' make you feel about your own dreams and goals?
What are some strengths you see in the main character that you also see in yourself?
How do you think the main character handles challenges and what can we learn from her?
Can you think of a time when you felt really proud of who you are? What happened?
What is one big dream you have, and what steps do you think you could take to achieve it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a comfortable and quiet environment to discuss the book, showing your child that their thoughts and feelings are important.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, and share your own insights to deepen the conversation.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, no matter how small, to encourage their confidence and self-expression.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations in your child’s world, making the book's messages more relevant and impactful.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to show genuine interest and to keep the conversation flowing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s journey, 'Dear Little Black Girl' encourages young readers to embrace their unique qualities and be proud of who they are.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing their own characteristics and respecting differences in others, promoting a positive self-image and interpersonal respect.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The book illustrates the young girl overcoming personal and societal challenges, teaching children the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to face daily challenges, such as navigating schoolwork or social dilemmas, with determination and a positive mindset.
Example Lesson: Importance of Role Models
Explanation: Characters in the book look up to inspiring figures in their community, highlighting the impact of positive role models.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek guidance and inspiration from family members, teachers, or community leaders, helping them shape their own aspirations and values.
Example Lesson: Expression through Art
Explanation: The protagonist uses art to express her feelings and thoughts, underscoring the importance of creative outlets for emotional expression.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and engage in creative activities such as drawing, writing, or performing, which can be therapeutic and foster self-expression.
Example Lesson: Unity and Community Support
Explanation: The story showcases how a community comes together to support one another, emphasizing the value of collective strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of participating in community activities, offering help to others, and the impact of communal harmony on individual well-being.