Hello Meltingpot Readers,
This summer Babygirl (who turned eight in July) and I read some great books together. As usual, I always try to find books that feature diverse main characters. They don’t have to feature Black girls, but if they do, I’m extra happy. And I am always searching for books that feature Black girls who are full of magic instead of misery. Sadly, that’s not an easy task. Far too often, stories that center Black characters – even books aimed at young children – depict Black lives as one dark tragedy after another.
That’s why I was so excited about the three books Babygirl and I discovered this summer. Babygirl is eight but she’s not a super confident reader. She’s ready for chapter books, but still appreciates pictures in her stories. I hit the jackpot with these three books as they have compelling storylines AND great visuals. And two of the three books were truly accidental discoveries, in that we literally stumbled upon them when we were browsing on the Kindle I bought out of desperation because I accidentally left my pile of summer novels at home. (Lori in Spain for six weeks without a stack of books was totally no bueno.)
Mia Mayhem
Mia Mayhem is an eight-year-old girl who discovers she is actually a superhero who can fly and…talk to animals. Before this discovery, she just thought she was an ordinary girl with a penchant for being clumsy. Best part, her parents are superheroes too. Mia Mayhem is actually a delightful series that is narrated by Mia. It’s easy to read and the images are cartoonish and dynamic. Both Babygirl and I loved it. We zipped through book one and two and look forward to continuing on with the series.
Ada Twist And the Perilous Pants
Babygirl loved Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants. The book secretly teaches kids a lot about science with a silly story line that keeps kids entertained. Ada Twist started as a picture book, but now she and her science loving friends have chapter books so they can continue on with their science-fueled adventures. I wasn’t sure if Babygirl would enjoy the story, but she read this one herself and was cackling all the way through.
The Unicorn Rescue Society
Funny thing, someone told me about a unicorn themed podcast but it turned out, it wasn’t a podcast. It was a book series. And it is amazing! The Unicorn Rescue Society is made up of a little white boy named Elliott, his best friend, Uchenna, who is Black, and the zany Peruvian, Professor Fauna. The goal of the Rescue Society is to protect the world’s mythical creatures – unicorns, dragons, chupacabras – from harm. The chapters are short and easy to read, there are great black and white illustrations and the author drops some good lessons about science and nature. Best part, it’s a series so when we finish the first book, we’ll definitely move on to the next ones. Check out the trailer and try not to fall in love with Elliott and Uchenna.
Like I said, Babygirl and I really enjoyed these books this summer. And I think anyone who loves stories full of fun-loving, adventurous, female characters will love these books too. Let me know of any other titles you think Babygirl and I would enjoy. We’ll add them to our collection.
Peace!
Comments
2 responses to “Meltingpot Mondays: 3 Great Kids Books Full of Black Girl Magic”
Thanks for these suggestions, Lori. I’ve added them to the to-buy list for the MLK Library (for those who live near White Plains NY, go to http://www.mlkwestchester for more info.)
Here are some books from our library I thought your daughter and others might like, Lori (some might have been recommended by you in the past and we bought them):
Nikki Grimes: Make way for Dyamonde Daniel (book 1 in a series)
“Dyamonde, a third grader, has “wild-crazy hair,” is “skinnier than half a toothpick” and is more than equal to the challenge of entering the crowded field of confident grade school heroines.”—New York Times
Dyamonde Daniel may be new in town, but that doesn’t stop her from making a place for herself in a jiffy. With her can-do attitude and awesome brain power she takes the whole neighborhood by storm. The only thing puzzling her is the other new kid in her class. He’s grouchy – but Dyamonde’s determined to get to the bottom of his attitude and make a friend.
Joanne Hyppolite: Seth and Samona
A quiet Haitian-American boy and the wildest girl in fifth grade are accomplices in every adventure, until Seth decides that he has got to stop Samona from entering the Little Miss Dorchester pageant. Winner of the second Marguerite de Angeli Prize.
Angela Johnson (author of a Coretta Scott King Honor picture book):
Maniac Monkeys on Magnolia Street
Welcome to Magnolia Street, where Charlie has just moved into her new home. It isn’t long before Charlie’s exploring, meeting all of her new neighbors, and getting herself into trouble. This collection of interrelated short stories is a true delight, perfect for newly emerging independent readers. Both girls and boys will cheer for this spunky girl as she takes on Magnolia Street and blossoms day by day.
2. When Mules Flew on Magnolia Street (more short stories about Charlie)
Wendy Graham: My Weird Mother
In this very first book of the My Weird School Daze series, A.J. and the gang are graduating! But the out-of-control PTA president is turning the whole thing into a huge ceremony, complete with fireworks, a petting zoo, and a flyover by the Blue Angels! Why is moving up to third grade such a big deal? And what could possibly go wrong?
Perfect for reluctant readers and word lovers alike, Dan Gutman’s hugely popular My Weird School chapter book series has something for everyone. Don’t miss the hilarious adventures of A.J. and the gang!
Claudia Mills: Izzy Barr, Running Star
Izzy Barr is the star athlete of the third grade: she hits home runs on her softball team and is one of the fastest runners in her class. But at home, her half-brother, Dustin, seems to be her father’s favorite athlete—why else would her dad go to all of his games and miss so many of hers? Izzy pretends that she doesn’t care, but as she, her friends Annika Riz and Kelsey Green, and the rest of their class are gearing up for class field day, she can’t help but hope her dad will be there to cheer her on in the big race against her rival, Skipper Tipton. Dad doesn’t make it to field day, but when he realizes how important it is to Izzy, he and all of her friends and family are there to watch her participate in the citywide 10K run.
Melissa Thomson: Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-up (part of a series)
Keena Ford doesn’t mean to be a troublemaker, but sometimes things get out of hand. Lucky for her, it’s the beginning of the second grade and Keena’s got a clean slate. So when her new second-grade teacher, Ms. Campbell, mistakenly thinks it’s her birthday and brings in a huge chocolate cake, Keena realizes that she’s gotten herself into a sticky situation. She knows she has to tell the truth, but it’s not easy to turn down her very own birthday cake and a chance to wear a sparkly crown. How will Keena get out of this mess?
Valery Wilson Wesley: Willimena Rules! (A series.)
Martha Freeman:
1. If You’re Going to a March.
“If you’re going to a march, you’re going to want a sign”—and this inspiring handbook, which introduces children to the world of action and activism.
As more and more children attend the growing number of marches across the country, this cheerful guide serves as a great reference tool and conversation starter for youthful participants. Inspired by author Martha Freeman’s own experiences, this picture book addresses many of the questions kids might have: What should I wear? How will I get there? Where will I be able to go to the bathroom? Is it okay to dance? (Yes, it is!). All the while the text stays focused on the fact that the right to assemble is a Constitutional part of our life as Americans . . . whatever our political point of view.
2. Who Stole Grandma’s Million Dollar Pumpkin Pie?
Eleven-year-old sleuths Alex Parakeet and his best friend, Yasmeen, are on a new case–a yummy one. The only copy of a valuable recipe has disappeared from the Parakeet kitchen days before Alex’s father is scheduled to appear on a TV cooking show. Since word has gotten out that a celebrity chef will be filming a “tailgate” special from the college’s parking lot before the big Thanksgiving weekend game, plenty of locals are plotting to get on TV. Could a neighbor or even a friend have gone so far as to steal the recipe, hoping to get Mr. Parakeet’s spot?
3. Who Stole Uncle Sam
Two eleven-year-old sleuths crack a case about the disappearance of a baseball coach in this humourous and offbeat middle-grade mystery, third in Martha Freeman’s popular series. After their last success, Alex and Yasmeen made a pact to stop solving mysteries. However, when Alex’s baseball coach, a patriotic war veteran nicknamed Uncle Sam, goes missing, it’s hard for the young detectives to resist. Soon the two are tracking down clues involving porta-potties, lawn care chemicals, and secret baseball scouts. Will Alex and Yasmeen get to the bottom of the mystery before the summer is over?
Ann Cameron: Gloria’s Way
Gloria is best friends with Julian and his little brother Huey, and she has as much to say as they do. There’s the parrot that ruins the Valentine for her mother; Huey’s dog, who needs to be cured of his squirrel obsession; and what happens when classmate Latisha tricks Gloria, Julian, and Huey-but they don’t know until it’s too late! Fans of Ann Cameron’s best-selling chapter books about Julian and Huey will love Gloria, too.
What great suggestions, Barbara! Thank you so much for adding them here!