I Like My Brown Skin Because…: Celebrating the Heritage of African American Children

Gr 4 Up—In response to her grandson's surprising question ("Does your brown skin ever make you sad?"), Davis has written a set of 12 engaging essays celebrating African American heritage. Titled with positive mantras, such as "I Am Beautiful," "I Am Brave," and "I Believe in Myself," the selections highlight African Americans who have made significant contributions to U.S. history. Readers will meet historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Daniel Hale Williams, and Ida B. Wells; sports stars like Jackie Robinson; and brave fighters like the Buffalo Soldiers. Each essay presents facts in an anecdotal style that is appealing. Accomplishments of Americans who are not black are also featured in many of the essays. Dramatic pencil illustrations are interspersed throughout the text along with photos and portraits of the individuals mentioned. Each essay ends by encouraging children to see how the people profiled can inspire their own lives. Messages of positivity abound, and opportunities for conversation are limitless.