Brown Girl, Brown Girl

This powerful and hopeful picture book-inspired by the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris-celebrates brown and Black girls and is magnificently illustrated by a Caldecott Honor-winning artist.

Brown girl, brown girl, what did you see?

A world that sees my skin before it sees me.

Based on a viral poem by Blaxican poet and activist Lesle Honore, and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Cozbi A. Cabrera, this moving journey through the past, present, and future of brown and Black girls is a celebration of community, creativity, and joy-and offers a reminder of the history that inspires hope, and the hope that inspires activism.

"An uplifting book for brown and Black girls about endurance, growth, and looking forward to the future--and for those hoping to see themselves reflected in and celebrated in the pages, it's a reminder to stay true to yourself and love yourself for who you are."--Booklist
"Sweetly empowering; readers will come away with the feeling that brown girls around the world will one day become just as inspiring as the women they look up to and admire.... This gorgeously illustrated poem celebrating and elevating brown girls is a solid choice for picture book collections."--School Library Journal
A Southern Independent Booksellers Association (SIBA) "Read This Next" Kids List Pick
✭ "Honoré's verse highlighting the strength and heart of Black and brown girls comes alive in this picture-book collaboration with Cabrera.... The illustrations intertwine softness and boldness with page after page of brown girls belonging, a visual togetherness that both honors and bridges individual and generational difference.... Warmly, brilliantly welcoming--and not to be missed."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Honoré's energetic poem-turned-picture book debut offers a contemplative call-and-response-style ode to brown girls everywhere.... In scene after scene, striking painterly acrylics by Caldecott Honoree Cabrera picture brown girls of myriad hair textures and skin tones joining together to dance, play, and stand tall."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Lesle Honore is a Blaxican poet, activist, and author. She hopes that through her work she can help give voice to people of all ages and backgrounds who are often silenced and unheard and feel invisible. Born and raised in Gardena, California, she remains deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of her father, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and her mother, who was born in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Lesle lives in Chicago with her three phenomenal children: Sage, Solomon, and Scarlett. She believes that HBCUs, tacos, and gumbo can save the world.

Cozbi A. Cabrera is the author and illustrator of Me & Mama, which received a Coretta Scott King Honor and a Caldecott Honor, and My Hair Is a Garden. Her illustrated titles include Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade, Most Loved in All the World by Tonya Cherie Hegamin, Stitchin' and Pullin' a Gee's Bend Quilt by Patricia C. McKissack, Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes, and Beauty, Her Basket by Sandra Belton. Her handmade cloth dolls (munecas) are collected all around the world. She lives in Illinois with her husband and daughter.

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