I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids

by Nyasha Williams, Sóf'ya Glushkó (Illustrator)

An empowering alphabet book of affirmations to inspire and remind black children of their inner power, strength, and worth.
From A is for Afro, to J is for Justice, to R is for Rally, this alphabet book offers affirmations featuring Black children and role models to help children nurture and embrace their authentic selves and to enjoy the magic of childhood.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, African American, Social Justice, Mental Health

56 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[Marti (Letstalkaboutbooksbaybee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book

[Dax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gorgeously illustrated and the paring text is wise, inspirational, and the exact content this world needs!

[Lindsay - Library Associate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dedicate this book to all Black children
to remind them of their worth.
You are irreplaceable, needed, and beloved.
You are enough. Your life matters.

[Teonna Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Affirm Me is an book of encouragement and celebration for Black children. It is a call for Black children to believe in their own power. Each letter of the alphabet is filled with encouragement, reminders, affirmations and more. It teaches Black children to be proud of their textured halo and that their opinion matters. It encourages them to take action, be inquisitive, and help others. It is a reminder on the importance and need for Black children to follow their dreams, that they are a part of a global community, and that they are enough and important. This picture book is filled with many gems for readers of all ages.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dedication captures this important book succinctly: "I dedicate this book to all Black children to remind them of their worth. You are irreplaceable, needed, and beloved. You are enough. Your life matters."

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! We need more books like this.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, empowering book for youngsters that identify as Black.

[Melly Mel - Shelf_ishly_lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AFFIRM ME by @writingtochangethenarrative
I was so touched when Nyasha reached out wanting to share her beautiful and inspirational ABC book with me.
(Swipe to see pictures of inside - its sooo gorgeous!)

This gorgeous book is geared to affirm and uplift black children and “remind them of their worth.” Her message throughout this beautiful book to black children is clear:

“you are irreplaceable, needed, and beloved. You are enough. Your life matters.”

While I am a white women, I do work in child welfare where racial disparity and disproportionality is evident. I let Nyasha that I appreciate her gifting me this book as I am always looking for resources for black and racialized children that honours their identity and value and offers places where they are reflected as the systems do not. I will be passing this gift forward to our children and families in the hopes that I can help spread her message of love and celebration of black culture and holistic identity. Thank you so much Nyasha @runningpressbooks & @hbgcanada

[PACL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal. It truly is The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids. I love that the illustrations capture the true uniqueness of all black people. The words ARE inspiring. They are empowering. They build pride in physical features and ancestral roots. They connect Black children to communities, like HBUC's. Another thing I really appreciate about this book is that it captures much of today's modern history, sprinkled throughout the illustrations. That's an incredibly thoughtful touch and a great addition for today's generation to read and share with their children.

Thank you, Nyasha, for helping build Parenting Across Color Lines "Little Diverse Library"! As a parent and teacher of multicultural students, it's SO great to see a book featuring and written by a BIPOC author. Fingers crossed we will see more of these!!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely book that is almost spiritual in its affirmation of Black children. Because it leans into the affirmative/spiritual stance, there were places in the book that could have been expanded on (such as the meaning and significance of HBCUs, for example) with some detailed backmatter.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Jackie Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and sweet book.

[Nancy Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY well done and I learned what HBCU stands for (pardon my whiteness).

[Kate Tilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork is gorgeous in this book. I love the powerful affirmations kids can choose from

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

No matter the age, it's hard to resist a book filled with affirmations and reminders of just how important and unique someone is. In this colorful picture book for young readers, they will find images and text that make them feel proud to be Black. Each letter of the alphabet is followed by identification with something of significance and then a small lesson about its importance. From A is for Afro to L for Leader, P for Pride, and Z for Zen, the pages encourage mindfulness, awareness, and empowerment. Most of the messages ring true and will make youngsters and their adults smile in recognition and pride, but I wondered a bit about the choice of H is HBCU. Maybe it's just ignorance on my part, but I wonder how many young readers will know what those initials stand for. Maybe they should have been identified in the text or as a footnote on the page, especially since there's a reference to teachers, and in universities, those are typically called professors. Still, this book will surely achieve its goal, and its messages of positivity will counteract some of the negativity that surrounds Black children and Black identity. If I had a child, I might share this title with him/her every night at bedtime, hoping those affirmations would seep into his/her slumbers every night.

[Kristen Berthiaume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever noticed how some ABC books seem a bit forced and strangely worded? This is not that! Ms. Williams has written a lovely book with language that flows through 26 unique affirmations - one for each letter of the alphabet! The pictures are beautiful and complement the text perfectly. This book covers topics from HBCUs and taking a knee to take a stand, to practicing mindfulness and protecting our earth from pollution and climate change. This book centers Black joy and celebration, empowering Black and Brown children who read it to love and embrace themselves. I Affirm Me clearly sends the message imprinted on its back flap - “You are strong. You are powerful. You are beautiful. You are worthy.” A must have for your child’s library!

[Alyssa Haton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration is a great book to include in a kindergarten classroom library. It reviews the alphabet while also introducing positive affirmation statements for each letter. The simple text and bright illustrations help young learners build confidence, celebrate their identity, and practice self-love. This book is perfect for morning meetings or SEL lessons and helps create a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

[Elizabeth Tirado]

From an early childhood education perspective, this book is an excellent resource for promoting social-emotional development, identity formation, and cultural awareness. It encourages children to recognize their own strengths, practice self-affirmation, and appreciate the unique qualities they bring to the world. The ABC structure also supports letter recognition, vocabulary building, and literacy development, making it both educational and empowering.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love ABC books. There is so much we can express by focusing on an alphabet of terms. This book by Nyasha Williams is joy and hope and spirit all wrapped together. Illustrations by Sof'ya Glushko are simply spectacular! These paintings and words will help students who need it feel seen and learn much about being their own true selves.

[Hailey Muncy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyasha met with my class virtually to discuss her experience being an author while she was creating this book. My students were incredibly moved by this experience and many claimed they wanted to be an author someday. Inspired by this story, we created an ABC book all about our school and classroom community. I Affirm Me has been a classroom staple ever since then.

[Shonda Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my son almost two years again and we finally read it. Gosh, this book is such an affirmation of love of self, family and community. We enjoyed the book. Honestly, anyone working toward self healing or development can get this book and read a new letter each day. It’s impactful to the mind, body and spirit for children and adults.

Well done!

Shonda Moore

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses the alphabet to promote positive affirmations that celebrate Black identity, resilience and self confidence. Each letter reinforces pride and empowerment.
This book could be great for morning meeting time, reading a letter each day and allowing students to find their affirmations throughout. Students could create their own affirmation using this book as well.

[Caidence Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very similar to the other ABC book I read, I also LOVED the pictures in this one, they had a much softer tone to them compared to the other book. I feel like this book is made for younger readers and it is less informational than the other one.

[Children's Literature Centre at FSU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book for young African American readers to remind them that they are special. This a an excellent diversity book to include in your classroom library.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this alphabet of all the ways Black is beautiful

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel that M is for Melanin is an option that flows better for a read aloud.

[Michi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the messages in this book. It feels authentic and not pretentious at all.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/24/2023 ~ Possibly most effective as a one-page-per-day read aloud. Some of the affirmations will lead to meaty & important conversations.

[Abby Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this and adored the illustrations.
Read it to my caucasian grandchild and the only letter that didn't work was A for Afro. We just said like mommy's hair.

[Gina Soldano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and empowering book for young children. The engaging illustrations and encouraging text are a treasure to share with a child you care about. Highly recommend!