Shark Teeth; Black Girl You Are Atlas

I love stories that explore resilience, self-discovery, and the power of identity.

Both of these books, in their own way, center around Black girlhood—its struggles, its strength, its joy. Shark Teeth tells the story of a girl who refuses to let the world devour her, learning to fight back when life takes a bite out of her. It’s about standing up for yourself, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Meanwhile, Black Girl You Are Atlas is a poetic masterpiece that honors the complexities of being a Black girl—celebrating sisterhood, love, and the weight of history we carry. Paired with Ekua Holmes’ stunning collage-style art, it’s a book that feels like an embrace, a reminder of all the ways we are whole even when the world tries to tell us otherwise.

Reading these back to back reminded me how much representation matters—not just seeing yourself on the page, but feeling understood in the emotions and experiences woven through the words. Whether it’s fiction or poetry, these books offer young readers (and adults, too) a powerful reminder: our stories matter, our voices are strong, and we are always worthy of taking up space.