According to the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 18 percent of African American fourth-graders were proficient in reading. Prior studies have shown that there is a clear link between third-grade literacy and post-graduate success, individual earning potential, and high school completion. Children who are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade are more likely to drop out of high school and end up incarcerated. The education system is failing our children and it’s a matter of life and death.
As a middle school English teacher, I tell parents all of the time that a new school year isn’t a clean slate. Literacy standards build on one another. Each school year, students are expected to walk away with more complex and nuanced understandings of texts. With every school year that a child ends without reading on grade level, she falls further behind her peers.
I often tell my students that the only way to get better at reading comprehension is to read. Many of them believe that they don’t like to read, but I always tell them that they just haven’t read the right book yet.
Strong literacy foundations begin at home and they’re built early. You can prevent the likelihood of having a reluctant reader on your hands by reading to your child early and often and also, by exposing to them to books that they can relate to. Books in which they can see themselves. Representation matters.
For this reason, Black Girl Mom will be highlighting 5 books each month that were written with Black girls in mind via our #WhatBlackGirlsRead initiative. We will be highlighting books for infants/children, teens, and young adults. We can close the educational achievement gap, but the work begins at home.
If you wish to purchase any of the highlighted books, click on the corresponding cover image. If you would like to recommend a book to be featured, email us at blackgirlmomdotcom@gmail.com.
Hair Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry ($10.95, Amazon)
Hair Like Mine tells the story of a little girl who dislikes her curly hair because it’s different from the kids around her. Throughout her journey, she learns to embrace the beauty of individuality. In a world where European standards of beauty are constantly forced on our children, this is a timely book that will help your Black girl to recognize the beauty within.
Girl of Mine by Jabari Asim ($5.50, Amazon)
Girl of Mine is a sweet bedtime story of a father and daughter who share a special song before bed. This is one of my favorite books to read to my daughter. It was gifted to us by my co-worker Veronica. I cried the first time I read it.
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn ($6.95, Amazon)
Lola and the Library helps to cultivate a love for reading in children through the story of Lola, a little girl who visits the library every Tuesday with her mommy.
Homemade Love by bell Hooks ($7.99, Amazon)
Homemade Love teaches girls the necessary lesson that in life we make mistakes, but love and the power of family conquers all. This was the very first book that I purchased for my daughter so it will always be close to my heart . I saw it while out with my students on a school trip and instantly fell in love.
Same Difference by Calida Garcia Rawles ($6.99, Amazon)
Same Difference teaches children to appreciate the many shades of Black after cousins Lida and Lisa discover their physical differences. This is such a timely text as issues of colorism continue to run rampant in our community.
