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For a Girl Becoming (Volume 66)
Transformative moments in the cycle of life are a time for acknowledgment, a chance to guide a child’s path in a positive and loving direction.
Swirling images laden with both myth and personal meaning illustrate this unique, poetic tale of the joys and lessons of a girl’s journey through birth, youth, and finally adulthood. Within these colorful pages, family and community come together in celebration of her arrival, offering praise, love, and advice to help carry her forward through the many milestones to come, and reminding her always of how deeply she is cherished. It is a reminder, too, of our abiding connections to the natural world, and the cyclical nature of life as a whole.
With its rich, symbolic artwork and captivating language, For a Girl Becoming is the perfect gift to recognize a birth, graduation, or any other significant moment in a young woman’s life. Not only for children, this lively and touching story speaks to that part in each of us who still stands at the door of becoming.
Swirling images laden with both myth and personal meaning illustrate this unique, poetic tale of the joys and lessons of a girl’s journey through birth, youth, and finally adulthood. Within these colorful pages, family and community come together in celebration of her arrival, offering praise, love, and advice to help carry her forward through the many milestones to come, and reminding her always of how deeply she is cherished. It is a reminder, too, of our abiding connections to the natural world, and the cyclical nature of life as a whole.
With its rich, symbolic artwork and captivating language, For a Girl Becoming is the perfect gift to recognize a birth, graduation, or any other significant moment in a young woman’s life. Not only for children, this lively and touching story speaks to that part in each of us who still stands at the door of becoming.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2009
1 person is currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Joy Harjo
108 books2,037 followersBio Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is a member of the Mvskoke Nation. She has released four award-winning CD's of original music and won a Native American Music Award (NAMMY) for Best Female Artist of the Year. She performs nationally and internationally solo and with her band, The Arrow Dynamics. She has appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, in venues in every major U.S. city and internationally. Most recently she performed We Were There When Jazz Was Invented at the Chan Centre at UBC in Vancouver, BC, and appeared at the San Miguel Writer’s Conference in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her one-woman show, Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light, which features guitarist Larry Mitchell premiered in Los Angeles in 2009, with recent performances at Joe’s Pub in New York City, LaJolla Playhouse as part of the Native Voices at the Autry, and the University of British Columbia. Her seven books of poetry include such well-known titles as How We Became Human- New and Selected Poems and She Had Some Horses. Her awards include the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas, and the William Carlos Williams Award from the Poetry Society of America. She was recently awarded 2011 Artist of the Year from the Mvskoke Women’s Leadership Initiative, and a Rasmuson US Artists Fellowship. She is a founding board member and treasurer of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Harjo writes a column Comings and Goings for her tribal newspaper, the Muscogee Nation News. Soul Talk, Song Language, Conversations with Joy Harjo was recently released from Wesleyan University Press. Crazy Brave, a memoir is her newest publication from W.W. Norton, and a new album of music is being produced by the drummer/producer Barrett Martin. She is at work on a new shows: We Were There When Jazz Was Invented, a musical story that proves southeastern indigenous tribes were part of the origins of American music. She lives in the Mvskoke Nation of Oklahoma.
Joy Harjo was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is a member of the Mvskoke Nation. She has released four award-winning CD's of original music and won a Native American Music Award (NAMMY) for Best Female Artist of the Year. She performs nationally and internationally solo and with her band, The Arrow Dynamics. She has appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, in venues in every major U.S. city and internationally. Most recently she performed We Were There When Jazz Was Invented at the Chan Centre at UBC in Vancouver, BC, and appeared at the San Miguel Writer’s Conference in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her one-woman show, Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light, which features guitarist Larry Mitchell premiered in Los Angeles in 2009, with recent performances at Joe’s Pub in New York City, LaJolla Playhouse as part of the Native Voices at the Autry, and the University of British Columbia. Her seven books of poetry include such well-known titles as How We Became Human- New and Selected Poems and She Had Some Horses. Her awards include the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas, and the William Carlos Williams Award from the Poetry Society of America. She was recently awarded 2011 Artist of the Year from the Mvskoke Women’s Leadership Initiative, and a Rasmuson US Artists Fellowship. She is a founding board member and treasurer of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Harjo writes a column Comings and Goings for her tribal newspaper, the Muscogee Nation News. Soul Talk, Song Language, Conversations with Joy Harjo was recently released from Wesleyan University Press. Crazy Brave, a memoir is her newest publication from W.W. Norton, and a new album of music is being produced by the drummer/producer Barrett Martin. She is at work on a new shows: We Were There When Jazz Was Invented, a musical story that proves southeastern indigenous tribes were part of the origins of American music. She lives in the Mvskoke Nation of Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 30, 2019
Muskogee-Creek poet and musician Joy Harjo returns to the world of children's books with the lyrically-told, beautifully-illustrated For a Girl Becoming. An extended poem addressed to a young woman on the edge of transformation, of some unnamed rite of passage, it celebrates the day the girl's spirit came into the world, the day her family and friends "urgently gathered" to welcome her, bringing the gifts of both her mother's and father's houses. Adjuring her not to forget where she came from, or who she is, to be a human being to "grieve with the grieving, share joy with the joyful," someone who builds "a strong path with beautiful and truthful language," it concludes, like a benediction: "You are here to bless."
Harjo's beautiful poem affirms the love of family and community for the girl (and through her, the reader), assuring her that she will have guidance and support in her life journey, and gently reminding her of those things which are most vital to a well-rounded life. Mercedes McDonald's accompanying illustrations are simply gorgeous, with deep, vivid hues, and dreamlike composition. As Debra Frasier, author of On the Day You Were Born , notes in her comment on the back cover, For a Girl Becoming is truly a blessing! I wish I knew some young woman approaching a milestone in her life - a graduation, a first journey away from home - that I might give her a copy. I will certainly keep it in mind, for future use!
Harjo's beautiful poem affirms the love of family and community for the girl (and through her, the reader), assuring her that she will have guidance and support in her life journey, and gently reminding her of those things which are most vital to a well-rounded life. Mercedes McDonald's accompanying illustrations are simply gorgeous, with deep, vivid hues, and dreamlike composition. As Debra Frasier, author of On the Day You Were Born , notes in her comment on the back cover, For a Girl Becoming is truly a blessing! I wish I knew some young woman approaching a milestone in her life - a graduation, a first journey away from home - that I might give her a copy. I will certainly keep it in mind, for future use!
December 12, 2009
A couple of favorite parts:
"Now, breathe.
And when you breathe, remember the source of the gift of all breathing."
"Clean your room.
May you always have a home: a refuge from storm, a gathering-place for safety, for comfort."
"And you are here to bless."
Mom, you want this book like yesterday.
"Now, breathe.
And when you breathe, remember the source of the gift of all breathing."
"Clean your room.
May you always have a home: a refuge from storm, a gathering-place for safety, for comfort."
"And you are here to bless."
Mom, you want this book like yesterday.
May 22, 2025
Truly incredible art swirls and dances across each page, to illustrate poetic words of a family's wishes for their new daughter as she grows.
February 13, 2025
With tender, heartfelt words and deep, sweeping illustrations, For a Girl Becoming is a beautiful prayer for the life to come of a newly-born baby girl. Generations of family celebrate her arrival and a blessing unfolds in verse as we follow her through her journey.
This book struck chords in all the best places. As a parent of my own daughter, I felt the echoes of my own wishes for her in its language. The illustrations by Adriana García in this upcoming edition enhance the text with incredible majesty, rich imagery, and a fragrance of the mystical as it guides your eye across its pages. I was moved by its beauty and the effortless way the graphics and poetry all wound themselves together in a perfect work of art, and heart.
Thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
5 stars
This book struck chords in all the best places. As a parent of my own daughter, I felt the echoes of my own wishes for her in its language. The illustrations by Adriana García in this upcoming edition enhance the text with incredible majesty, rich imagery, and a fragrance of the mystical as it guides your eye across its pages. I was moved by its beauty and the effortless way the graphics and poetry all wound themselves together in a perfect work of art, and heart.
Thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
5 stars
February 25, 2022
Gorgeous illustrated poem that would be the perfect gift for a daughter or granddaughter, a new what being welcomed into the world, or an excellent variation on the “Oh the Places You Go” kind of a thing for a young woman graduating from high school or college. Joy Harjo is the poet laureate for a reason, and this poem is an excellent example. Mercedes McDonald’s illustrations add even more value.
April 27, 2025
What a beautiful and heartfelt journey that feels like coming home. Joy Harjo’s words wrap around you like a song, while Adriana Garcia’s artwork brings every emotion to life.
The story follows a young girl as she grows, surrounded by family, nature, history, and love. Every page feels like a celebration of culture, connection, and becoming. The ties to the earth, ancestors, and community are woven so naturally into the story that you can feel not just the weight and beauty of it all, but also the embrace of the family, but also of the larger community.
Though I’m not Indigenous, and I come from a Latine background with roots in Taíno and African cultures, this resonated with me so deeply. More than just a song or a poem it felt like remembering of deeply rooted memories of our ancestors and lineage and peoples. It’s for children to start connecting with their roots, but also for adults to remember or come back those connections.
The art is stunning, vibrant, and full of soul. Every detail pulls you deeper into the story. Even if you're not familiar with Native symbolism, the book welcomes the reader with grace and respect.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows a young girl as she grows, surrounded by family, nature, history, and love. Every page feels like a celebration of culture, connection, and becoming. The ties to the earth, ancestors, and community are woven so naturally into the story that you can feel not just the weight and beauty of it all, but also the embrace of the family, but also of the larger community.
Though I’m not Indigenous, and I come from a Latine background with roots in Taíno and African cultures, this resonated with me so deeply. More than just a song or a poem it felt like remembering of deeply rooted memories of our ancestors and lineage and peoples. It’s for children to start connecting with their roots, but also for adults to remember or come back those connections.
The art is stunning, vibrant, and full of soul. Every detail pulls you deeper into the story. Even if you're not familiar with Native symbolism, the book welcomes the reader with grace and respect.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2025
I rarely leave reviews, but For a Girl Becoming moved me to make an exception. The illustrations by Mercedes McDonald are absolutely breathtaking. Page after page, I found myself pausing just to take them in before even reading the text.
I'm not a particularly spiritual person, but there’s something about the story... maybe its attention to generations, to horses, to the small yet symbolic things that carry meaning, that quietly stayed with me. The language is poetic without being distant, and it speaks to growth, heritage, and becoming in a way that feels honest and sentimental.
I don’t have children, but if I did, this is the kind of book I’d want to read with them. It respects the intelligence and emotional depth of both child and adult. A rare and beautiful work.
I'm not a particularly spiritual person, but there’s something about the story... maybe its attention to generations, to horses, to the small yet symbolic things that carry meaning, that quietly stayed with me. The language is poetic without being distant, and it speaks to growth, heritage, and becoming in a way that feels honest and sentimental.
I don’t have children, but if I did, this is the kind of book I’d want to read with them. It respects the intelligence and emotional depth of both child and adult. A rare and beautiful work.
August 7, 2025
From the U.S. Poet Laureate comes a picture book that celebrates the birth of a little girl. From the birth itself and the baby in its “spirit house,” to those that gathered to celebrate your birth, to the gifts given to you by the halves of your family. Breathe and walk, remembering the source of your breath, the source of your walking and running. Horses ran the land when you were born, remember. It’s impossible to encapsulate Harjo’s poem with any clarity. It is the celebration of a birth, the speaking to all of us about where we came from, and a thunder of a poem. The illustrations by Garcia flow on the page, forming horses, children, families and weaving an interconnection.
A great book for a baby gift and one that celebrates the poetry of life. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
A great book for a baby gift and one that celebrates the poetry of life. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
February 22, 2026
Joy Harjo has written a beautiful poem welcoming a new baby girl into the world. Relatives come to visit and bring gifts, both physical and spiritual. The child is encouraged to acknowledge the source of all the gifts, the gift of breathing, laughing, tears, dreaming, and others. To give, and help, and do, and praise, and grow.
Beautiful illustrations accompany Harjo's poem. Intended for a Native American child, with many references to medicine plants, nature, and cultural illustrations; however, any child would find strength, belonging, and happiness in the pages of this book. It would make a wonderful baby gift as well.
Beautiful illustrations accompany Harjo's poem. Intended for a Native American child, with many references to medicine plants, nature, and cultural illustrations; however, any child would find strength, belonging, and happiness in the pages of this book. It would make a wonderful baby gift as well.
October 14, 2020
I knew nothing about this author until I read a poem by her in the book, "How to Eat a Poem". I googled her and found out all kinds of interesting things about her, including the fact that she is Native American and that she had written this book (among others!) that I was able to check out from the library. The text is beautiful AND the illustrations are absolutely wonderful. This would be a perfect gift to give to a young woman in your circle of family and friends. You will probably want to keep a copy for yourself, too!
January 12, 2025
Instant tears. This is a beautiful book/poem to share with your child. It made me want to share it with my mother too.
I'm a huge fan of inspiring, advice for life, type poems and this one is perfect. It will definitely meet the right audience of young Native mothers. Though I hope that non-Native mothers can find power in the words as well.
The illustrations combined with the words create stunning imagery befitting of the illustrator's talent.
I'm a huge fan of inspiring, advice for life, type poems and this one is perfect. It will definitely meet the right audience of young Native mothers. Though I hope that non-Native mothers can find power in the words as well.
The illustrations combined with the words create stunning imagery befitting of the illustrator's talent.
May 8, 2025
A beautiful poem of welcome, blessing, and motivation to live well, with yourself and with others. The illustrations are stunning.
I think this could be a wonderful gift to a newborn girl to read to them as they grow, or it could be a great gift to give to a girl as they start or graduate high school, or begin the journey into adulthood. Admittedly, it would be best for a Native American child and, more specifically, someone who lives on the Pacific coast
I think this could be a wonderful gift to a newborn girl to read to them as they grow, or it could be a great gift to give to a girl as they start or graduate high school, or begin the journey into adulthood. Admittedly, it would be best for a Native American child and, more specifically, someone who lives on the Pacific coast
June 24, 2025
Just gorgeous.
Adriana Garcia’s magnificent illustrations take Joy Harjo’s words to another level, and emphasize the determination of this child’s community to guide her towards kindness and empowerment and resilience.
If you’ve read the 2009 edition, illustrated by Mercedes McDonald, and think you can pass this one by since the words are the same, please reconsider!
I’ll be shocked if this doesn’t get some love at the 2026 Youth Media Awards.
Adriana Garcia’s magnificent illustrations take Joy Harjo’s words to another level, and emphasize the determination of this child’s community to guide her towards kindness and empowerment and resilience.
If you’ve read the 2009 edition, illustrated by Mercedes McDonald, and think you can pass this one by since the words are the same, please reconsider!
I’ll be shocked if this doesn’t get some love at the 2026 Youth Media Awards.
February 17, 2026
Joy Harjo never fails me in providing the most beautiful words to describe the most beautiful moments. Adrianna Garcia's artwork captures the essence of the poem and draws the reader into every moment between the birth of the baby girl to her young adulthood. This was truly a spectacular read; however, I would recommend this for an older audience maybe 3rd grade and up so that they can appreciate the context of the narrative.
December 21, 2022
This book tells of the story of the birth of a baby girl coming from an indigenous family. I am not someone who read a lot of picture books but this book was very sweet and had beautiful pictures. It didn't really connect with me that much but it was really cute and I think would be a good book for the right audience.
May 6, 2025
This is a beautiful poem about the blessing of a new child while sharing important teachings. The line "Praise and give thanks for each small and large thing. May you grow in knowledge, in compassion, in beauty" has stuck with me long after I read it.
This would be a wonderful gift for any new baby girl in your life.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This would be a wonderful gift for any new baby girl in your life.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 5, 2026
I guess it's the same book I read. It isn't Vol. 66, and doesn't have same cover, but title is same.
The one I read is children's book. It's also a poem, but it has illustrations to go with it. Anyway, it's so beautiful. It's written for her baby girl, who's just being born. It gave me the chills, so touching.
The one I read is children's book. It's also a poem, but it has illustrations to go with it. Anyway, it's so beautiful. It's written for her baby girl, who's just being born. It gave me the chills, so touching.
February 6, 2018
Truly a gem! This book is one I highly recommend on reading. The beautiful words expressed are those we wish for any child growing as the words hold great wisdom, prayers, truth and love.
Wonderful illustrations <3
Wonderful illustrations <3
February 11, 2025
I think there's something beautiful about being a woman, and I think there's something beautiful about experiencing the shared experiences of that, while at the same time experiencing it through the voice and words and hope of Joy Harjo.
Thanks for the ARC
Thanks for the ARC
April 15, 2025
For a Girl Becoming (Volume 66) (Sun Tracks)
For a Girl Becoming (Volume 66) (Sun Tracks)
by Joy Harjo
The hopes and wishes of a mother. The dreams and future of a society. Beautiful pictures showing the ideals of childbirth and life.
For a Girl Becoming (Volume 66) (Sun Tracks)
by Joy Harjo
The hopes and wishes of a mother. The dreams and future of a society. Beautiful pictures showing the ideals of childbirth and life.
March 27, 2018
Generous in spirit, gentle in tone, and full of grace. I wish I could share this with 13 and 14 year old girls. I'd love to hear them write in response.
September 20, 2020
Stunning!
March 14, 2025
A blessing to read, a blessing to share, a blessing to bestow upon those women and girls in your life. The imagery within is gorgeous and evocative of the words spoken.
May 14, 2025
I read the version with illustrations by Adriana Garcia.
Joy Harjo is a gift to humankind.
this book is a celebration so why did I cry while reading?
Joy Harjo is a gift to humankind.
this book is a celebration so why did I cry while reading?
Read
May 16, 2025Absolutely gorgeous, both words and paintings.
Read
May 20, 2025Just beautiful, in every way. The version I read was illustrated by Adriana Garcia, but Goodreads doesn’t have the cover for that. Highly recommended picture book.
June 1, 2025
Absolutely a beautiful read! A treasure!
June 6, 2025
If I ever have a daughter (or son tbh) I’m reading this to them ❤️
June 9, 2025
Really lovely, beautiful illustrations.
June 14, 2025
Beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating the birth and life of a native girl.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews