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Black Girl Rising
This enduring anthem for Black girls celebrates their power, potential, and brilliance—for themselves and for the world.
You are a thousand curls
unfurling in your hair.
You are a thousand fists
standing proudly in air.
You are the song of swallows,
lifting sun as they sing—
breaking light with their beaks,
breaking sky with their wings . . .
Black girlhood is beautiful! In this deeply moving celebration and rallying cry, and in the face of the many messages that still work to convince Black girls that they should shrink themselves, hide their light, know their place, Brynne Barnes and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh reclaim that narrative: A Black girl's place is everywhere, and her selfhood is everything she can dream it to be.
With poignant, poetic prose and striking, color-drenched illustrations, this empowering picture book centers the inherent worthiness and radiance of Black girls that is still far too often denied. A love letter to and for Black girls everywhere, Black Girl Rising alchemizes the sorrow and strength of the past into the brilliant gold of the future, sweeping young readers of all backgrounds into a lyrical exploration of what it means to be Black, female, and glorious.
EMPOWERS AND INSPIRES SELF-LOVE: This uplifting anthem of Black brilliance shuts out invalidating messages and replaces them with unconditional assertions of Black girls' rights to be loved, to be inspired, and to exist fully in their power. Everything about Black girls deserves to be seen and celebrated—and this picture book provides a welcome opportunity for readers of all ages to do so!
MAKES A GREAT GIFT: From graduation to birthdays to other key milestones, this book makes a perfect present for consumers looking to celebrate, empower, and inspire the women in their lives—whether daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins, or friends.
EXCELLENT READ-ALOUD: Warm, loving sentiments paired with poetic prose and a light rhyme make this picture book a great choice to read aloud together at story time, bedtime, or any time. It's sure to become a fast favorite and inspire countless moments of parent-child connection.
Perfect for:
• Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
• Teachers and librarians
• Readers who loved Hair Love and Little Leaders
• The vast #WeNeedDiverseBooks community
• Anyone seeking books about Black joy, female empowerment, or Black history
• Gift-givers looking for a unique and inspiring book for the girls (or women) in their lives
You are a thousand curls
unfurling in your hair.
You are a thousand fists
standing proudly in air.
You are the song of swallows,
lifting sun as they sing—
breaking light with their beaks,
breaking sky with their wings . . .
Black girlhood is beautiful! In this deeply moving celebration and rallying cry, and in the face of the many messages that still work to convince Black girls that they should shrink themselves, hide their light, know their place, Brynne Barnes and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh reclaim that narrative: A Black girl's place is everywhere, and her selfhood is everything she can dream it to be.
With poignant, poetic prose and striking, color-drenched illustrations, this empowering picture book centers the inherent worthiness and radiance of Black girls that is still far too often denied. A love letter to and for Black girls everywhere, Black Girl Rising alchemizes the sorrow and strength of the past into the brilliant gold of the future, sweeping young readers of all backgrounds into a lyrical exploration of what it means to be Black, female, and glorious.
EMPOWERS AND INSPIRES SELF-LOVE: This uplifting anthem of Black brilliance shuts out invalidating messages and replaces them with unconditional assertions of Black girls' rights to be loved, to be inspired, and to exist fully in their power. Everything about Black girls deserves to be seen and celebrated—and this picture book provides a welcome opportunity for readers of all ages to do so!
MAKES A GREAT GIFT: From graduation to birthdays to other key milestones, this book makes a perfect present for consumers looking to celebrate, empower, and inspire the women in their lives—whether daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins, or friends.
EXCELLENT READ-ALOUD: Warm, loving sentiments paired with poetic prose and a light rhyme make this picture book a great choice to read aloud together at story time, bedtime, or any time. It's sure to become a fast favorite and inspire countless moments of parent-child connection.
Perfect for:
• Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
• Teachers and librarians
• Readers who loved Hair Love and Little Leaders
• The vast #WeNeedDiverseBooks community
• Anyone seeking books about Black joy, female empowerment, or Black history
• Gift-givers looking for a unique and inspiring book for the girls (or women) in their lives
40 pages, Hardcover
Published June 28, 2022
About the author
Brynne Barnes
7 books5 followersBrynne Barnes colors the world with her pen, writing stories, poetry, and songs. Her picture books are a celebration of all children everywhere, including the award-winning Colors of Me and Books Do not Have Wings. Michigan-born, she teaches English at Schoolcraft College and was honored at the State Capotol in a Special Tribute for her service as a Michigan author and educator in March 2021.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 19, 2022
Wish there was a list of all the women that were referenced
May 13, 2025
THIS. ONE. MADE. ME CRY! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
January 5, 2023
This was beautifully written! I enjoyed the poetry tremendously and the message is wonderful!
July 17, 2022
This one presents illustrations and authors, text to inspire and demonstrate the potential of every child, but specifically a girl child. In fact, a Black girl child. BLACK GIRL RISING is written by Brynne Barnes and illustrated by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.
From the glowing cover art and expression, a lyrical, rhyming text embeds single name references to Black female icons in many fields. Lines issue challenges to the "girl" being addressed. A half-mocking voice mirrors phrasing that would have been used across centuries, confrontations directly issued to intimidate and belittle anyone who was getting "uppity", acting as if they were/might be talented, capable, beautiful, and in so many ways valuable! A sort of "Who do you think you are?" attack. As the names roll across the pages, so do the images, the every-Black-girl possibilities, including a variety of skin and hair tones and types, features, body shapes, and cultural dress. Expressions, too, are wide-ranging, not simply dreamy-eyed and positive. The illustrations and color pallet provide effective showcases for these variations, including the less-often seen images of "blue-purple, black-ruby-sapphire tones".
Throughout all stanzas and double-page spreads there is strength, rhythm, and musicality that uplift while firmly anchoring the characters in sure-footed confidence. Various lines also blend Black-culture vocabulary in powerful patterns and unexpected ways:
"from your skin, your lips, your freckles, you're fade,
your fro, your naps, your dreads, your braids,
your blowout, your kinks, your twists, your waves,
your coils, so free and unafraid.
Who gave you a CROWN so wonderfully made?"
As I so often say, (many) picture books will find purpose and appeal across a wide range of ages. This would make an ideal gift book for a young girl about to enter school, or having a recital or performance of some kind, celebrating a landmark birthday, or even graduating. Just imagine the many generations of Black youth who received the time-honored SEUSS book for graduation instead of this. It's about time, I say. As for upper grade literature classes, use this to identify the remarkable array of authors mentioned and locate the words or references to iconic lines or titles or themes. For this lovely picture book my only suggestion would have been to provide that reference list in a single page back matter, citing full names and titles referenced
Please check it out and share it. And PLEASE DO not think it is "only" for Black audiences.
Please. All children need diverse books, and diverse images about others.
From the glowing cover art and expression, a lyrical, rhyming text embeds single name references to Black female icons in many fields. Lines issue challenges to the "girl" being addressed. A half-mocking voice mirrors phrasing that would have been used across centuries, confrontations directly issued to intimidate and belittle anyone who was getting "uppity", acting as if they were/might be talented, capable, beautiful, and in so many ways valuable! A sort of "Who do you think you are?" attack. As the names roll across the pages, so do the images, the every-Black-girl possibilities, including a variety of skin and hair tones and types, features, body shapes, and cultural dress. Expressions, too, are wide-ranging, not simply dreamy-eyed and positive. The illustrations and color pallet provide effective showcases for these variations, including the less-often seen images of "blue-purple, black-ruby-sapphire tones".
Throughout all stanzas and double-page spreads there is strength, rhythm, and musicality that uplift while firmly anchoring the characters in sure-footed confidence. Various lines also blend Black-culture vocabulary in powerful patterns and unexpected ways:
"from your skin, your lips, your freckles, you're fade,
your fro, your naps, your dreads, your braids,
your blowout, your kinks, your twists, your waves,
your coils, so free and unafraid.
Who gave you a CROWN so wonderfully made?"
As I so often say, (many) picture books will find purpose and appeal across a wide range of ages. This would make an ideal gift book for a young girl about to enter school, or having a recital or performance of some kind, celebrating a landmark birthday, or even graduating. Just imagine the many generations of Black youth who received the time-honored SEUSS book for graduation instead of this. It's about time, I say. As for upper grade literature classes, use this to identify the remarkable array of authors mentioned and locate the words or references to iconic lines or titles or themes. For this lovely picture book my only suggestion would have been to provide that reference list in a single page back matter, citing full names and titles referenced
Please check it out and share it. And PLEASE DO not think it is "only" for Black audiences.
Please. All children need diverse books, and diverse images about others.
October 4, 2022
The art is beautiful, but this picture book is mainly for upper elementary readers and older. The book uses reverse psychology and heavily emphasizes negative, abstract messages, such as the idea that a girl should dim her light, never take up space, and be quiet and subservient. An older reader can anticipate the positive trajectory of the book, knowing that the rhetorical questions are tongue-in-cheek and that the author will counteract them with positive ideas later, but this could confuse little children because of their concrete thinking and lack of life experience.
The book also refers to a number of different historical figures without introducing them in the text. I expected that a note at the end would explain who these women are and why they are historically significant, but there wasn't one. Because of this, the many references in the book will only be meaningful to someone who is already aware of these women's contributions to society and Black culture.
This book will most likely appeal to older girls and adult women who relate to the negative messages from their own lives and will appreciate the later emphasis on Black women's dignity and strength. However, so much of the book repeats put-downs and negative ideas that I wouldn't recommend this for a typical picture book audience. Young children need to build a healthy sense of self-esteem, and this can involve naming and calling out racist ideas they have been exposed to, but this book is full of abstract, demeaning concepts that few innocent young children will be aware of yet. Even if a parent clearly explains to their child that these things aren't true, I don't think it's helpful to read them out loud, especially not repeatedly.
However, people who are old enough to understand reverse psychology and relate to these negative abstract ideas will probably enjoy the book very much, and it would make a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member, especially at a milestone like a graduation or getting a new job. This book could be very special and touching for an adult woman, even though I don't think it's appropriate for little kids.
The book also refers to a number of different historical figures without introducing them in the text. I expected that a note at the end would explain who these women are and why they are historically significant, but there wasn't one. Because of this, the many references in the book will only be meaningful to someone who is already aware of these women's contributions to society and Black culture.
This book will most likely appeal to older girls and adult women who relate to the negative messages from their own lives and will appreciate the later emphasis on Black women's dignity and strength. However, so much of the book repeats put-downs and negative ideas that I wouldn't recommend this for a typical picture book audience. Young children need to build a healthy sense of self-esteem, and this can involve naming and calling out racist ideas they have been exposed to, but this book is full of abstract, demeaning concepts that few innocent young children will be aware of yet. Even if a parent clearly explains to their child that these things aren't true, I don't think it's helpful to read them out loud, especially not repeatedly.
However, people who are old enough to understand reverse psychology and relate to these negative abstract ideas will probably enjoy the book very much, and it would make a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member, especially at a milestone like a graduation or getting a new job. This book could be very special and touching for an adult woman, even though I don't think it's appropriate for little kids.
March 31, 2025
This is a short and impactful book. Yes, this is technically a picture book, but I think it is better suited for teens and adults. I wish I could have the pages of this book on a loop in a frame- it's so inspiring and uplifting. The way this book makes me feel about being a black woman is a feeling I think everyone deserves. I wish there was a book, a piece of art, a movie, etc... that praised and represented what it is to be ___ to whoever needs it. I'm glad I picked this book and will reread it whenever I feel the need.
I'm not a big quoter, but my favorite lines from this book are, "your fro, your naps, your dreads, your braids..." It speaks to me and every black woman I've ever known, though there is more to it.
Highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates the celebration of one's culture, whatever that may be, and to those who appreciate black or African American representation.
I'm not a big quoter, but my favorite lines from this book are, "your fro, your naps, your dreads, your braids..." It speaks to me and every black woman I've ever known, though there is more to it.
Highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates the celebration of one's culture, whatever that may be, and to those who appreciate black or African American representation.
August 13, 2022
This was all a bit too abstract and requires too much background knowledge, I think, to really be a picture book for young kids...but it may work for upper elementary and up, and then they could also learn about the women mentioned. Another reason I don't think it would be good for the very young is that the first half of the book or so is quite negative (it is tongue in cheek/setting up to say how all that is wrong but little kids may not get that or may stop listening before the positive starts).
Anyway, overall a lovely book but not my favorite in this genre.
Anyway, overall a lovely book but not my favorite in this genre.
January 27, 2023
I loved this, it was very much a poem. But, I agree with another reviewer that I would’ve loved to see a list or reference at the end so that I could teach my daughter about all of these women in the book references.
Also, I recommend us for a child who’s older than three or four because while the words are easy to understand, the first half of the book is a general theme of “you’re supposed to dull your shimmer” and younger kids, including my daughter, won’t really understand that this is more like sarcasm.
Also, I recommend us for a child who’s older than three or four because while the words are easy to understand, the first half of the book is a general theme of “you’re supposed to dull your shimmer” and younger kids, including my daughter, won’t really understand that this is more like sarcasm.
December 26, 2024
This my be the most empowering book I have read in a long time. Brynne Barnes and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh celebrates the potential and passions available with identifying themselves and the characteristics of their hair, their voice, their skin tone, and their strengths and the spirits of those who rose before them. (The only issue I have with the book is there is not back matter to further understand the connections of the names in the story.) This feels like a song or a prayer or an anthem and the illustrations are so very special that they beg to be shared.
June 28, 2022
Beautiful painting that illustrates the powerful poetic voice. The transition from bright to dark to bright again shows the struggles Black girls face and is a must read so all can see the struggles they have faced and to provide inspiration and motivation to keep moving forward. My favorite quote was the end: "Shake off your ashes, girl,/crack open the stark night./ This new day is yours to make, to take, girl./ Take wing-/ and ignite." Thank you Chronicle books!
January 8, 2023
This book is highly inappropriate for young readers! We were gifted this book for our toddler and after managing to get through it, we contemplated donating it but ultimately threw it away. I have never thrown away a book in my life but this is not a book that should be read to young children or circulated in daycare/elementary/middle schools. I cringe at the thought of an impressionable 7 year old picking this up and internalizing the initial messaging.
May 31, 2022
This was good--a true ode to Black girls in the same vein as Hey Black Child. The art especially the backgrounds were a little abstract for my taste but work well with the poetic texts. Lots of nods to famous Black women like Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston and many more that were not as obvious to me in a quick read through. Not sure it's feminist content per se but very good.
September 15, 2022
Like some other reviewers, I have mixed feelings about this book. The poem and the oil painting illustrations are gorgeous, but I feel like the poem doesn't work for a picture book. It starts off with all the negative messaging that young black girls get (don't be strong, don't stand out, etc.), which gives the poem the upward trajectory--it rises--but it may be too abstract for younger readers.
January 15, 2023
I liked the texture and colors of all the illustrations. Very poetic and had a good rhythm that kept you going until the end. I think this would be a nice book to read to children and also have as a lesson accompany it. Where they would look at the strong black women references and learn about what they did alongside reading it.
March 14, 2023
3 stars (I liked it)
Beautiful illustrations! As far as the text goes, this review says pretty much exactly what I was thinking about the book so instead of repeating, I will just link it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beautiful illustrations! As far as the text goes, this review says pretty much exactly what I was thinking about the book so instead of repeating, I will just link it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 5, 2023
Welcome to a poem -- to me, more like a hymn -- of praise to black girls.
Illustrations by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh elevate the words even higher.
FIVE STARS to her, and also to author Brynne Barnes.
Illustrations by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh elevate the words even higher.
FIVE STARS to her, and also to author Brynne Barnes.
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February 12, 2024Amazing illustrations with lots of colors and details. This book has a rhyming sing-song tone to it, making it interesting and captivating to read. Great for a classroom to celebrate people of all backgrounds. Women empowering.
August 29, 2024
This beautifully written and illustrated book is amazing. As a teacher, it is so important to share these stories and beliefs with all children. How wonderful when a child can see themselves in a book.
June 8, 2025
I really liked how lyrically magical the book felt. Brynne Barnes words are powerful and hopeful. I like the illustrations as well. Tatyana Fazlalizadeh art is magnificent. They were done in oil and acrylic paint on gesso board.
July 6, 2022
Beautiful poem.
July 29, 2022
4.5 stars.
August 10, 2022
gorgeous. i wish there had been back matter to detail some of the women mentioned, but it's otherwise perfect.
August 10, 2022
Uplifting poetry, with joyous illustrations throughout.
September 3, 2022
Absolutely beautiful!
September 5, 2022
Powerful words and role models in this one. Loved it!
October 11, 2022
4 stars for this poem - an ode to Black girls everywhere - my regret is that not all the mentioned Black women are identified
October 19, 2022
I enjoyed this very much. The poems were gorgeous, as was the message this sends.
June 20, 2023
Beautiful!
December 31, 2023
12/30/2023 ~ Beautiful poem and illustrations. As others have noted, I wish there were some backmatter naming the women depicted in some of the illustrations.
August 28, 2026
Shine Black Girl!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews