This book was powerful! From the beginning the girl is told to stay in her lane and to know her place in the world. Midway through, the book shifts to show her who she really is, the power she has, and what she is capable of. I love that Barnes references strong black female poets and authors in her own poem including Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Gwendolyn Brooks, Mari Evens, Alice Walker, Sonia Sanchez, and Zora Hurston. This is an incredibly uplifting book that can empower and inspire students. Fazlalizadeh’s paintings beautifully highlight diversity among black women throughout the book. I would highly recommend this Black Girl Rising. ( )