Black Girl You Are Atlas
Renée Watson author Ekua Holmes illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Penguin Young Readers
Published:13th Feb '24
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In this semi-autobiographical collection of poems, Renée Watson writes about her experience growing up as a young Black girl at the intersections of race, class, and gender. Using a variety of poetic forms, from haiku to free verse, Watson shares recollections of her childhood in Portland, tender odes to the Black women in her life, and urgent calls for Black girls to step into their power.
Praise for Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson; Illustrated by Ekua Holmes:
A USA Today Bestseller
A Kirkus Best YA Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best YA Book of the Year
A 2024 NPR Books We Love selection
A NEA Read Across America 2024-2025 selection
A Read With Jenna Jr Summer Reading List selection
An Evanston Public Library’s 101 Best Books for Kids selection
Chicago Public Library's Best Books of 2024
NYPL's Best Books of 2024
A 2025 NCTE Notable Verse Novel
CSMCL Best Books of 2024
Common Sense Media’s Best Books of 2024
★ “[A] moving, introspective poetry collection celebrating the possibilities of Black girlhood complemented by atmospheric mixed-media illustrations…A compelling ode to self-resurrection and Black sisterhood.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Brimming with vibrant, layered poetry and stunningly textured collage art, this ballad for Black girls is a must for all collections...The combination of poetry and collage art is exceptionally powerful and dynamic." —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “This poetry collection masterfully encapsulates Watson’s experience of Black girlhood and womanhood…The collaboration with Holmes, whose magnificent collages accompany Watson’s words, adds a visual dimension that also spans cultures and experiences. The result is a celebration of the complexities of, and the bonds formed through, Black girlhood and womanhood.” —The Horn Book, starred review
★ “Watson offers high-impact, widely accessible poems… a phenomenal poetry collection celebrating sisterhood, womanhood, Black culture and the power of family and friendship… Caldecott Honor recipient Holmes’ torn paper collage and mixed-media art is the perfect accompaniment… Shimmering with radiance.” —BookPage, starred review
"[A] semi-autobiographical collection that speaks to…the expansive experience of Black girlhood as it cycles toward womanhood via sharp and loving poetry. Accompanied by striking and vintage-feeling multimedia collage artwork… a tender ode to universal yearnings for safety, love, and justice, as well as a celebration of Black girlhood.” —Publishers Weekly
"Watson’s latest collection of poetry is a powerful mixture of free verse and short-form poetry…The poems are accompanied by Holmes’ breathtaking collage art." —Booklist
ISBN: 9780593461709
Dimensions: 205mm x 138mm x 12mm
Weight: 278g
96 pages