I’m a Pretty Little Black Girl by Betty K. Bynum is the newest in our series of mixed race book reviews.
At first glance, it appears that this book is not really for biracial or multiracial kids. But going with the one drop rule in American culture, the term ‘Black’ refers to all racial mixes who are part black.
The book’s illustrations are lovely.
Full of images of little girls doing what they love- playing, running, skipping, holding hands. Being who they want to be and loving who they are.
All the girls are different shades with different hair colours and textures. My girls love choosing which ones they think they look like. One girl has her hair in braids, one in ponytails, another with her curls out and proud and still another with straight black hair. All show the diversity of girls-whatever their racial background.
That’s why we read it as “I’m a Pretty Little Girl” and skip the ‘black’. Because it’s really about the diversity of girls, about being proud and loving each and every one regardless of difference.
The girls are depicted running, skipping, jumping, helping, singing and being artistic as it follows one girls’ day at school with her friends. Then it ends with each girl fulfilling a dream of what they want to be when they grow up- showing a diversity of choices available.
I can’t recommend it more. Even just for the images. It’s lovely.
