Black Girl You Are Atlas

by Renee Watson and Ekua Holmes

Penguin /Kokila Publishing, 2024. ARC compliments of NetGalley/ Hardback

Renee Watson’s literary works demonstrate a synthesis of reminiscent, poetic, vocal dynamism as she brings to life the evolution of the Black girl. A self-proclaimed teaching artist, Renee’s love of writing and poetry developed at an early age as she grew close to the poems of Langston Hughes. Over the years, she has shared this love of words through peer mentorship, church events, school plays, artist in residency as well as her award-winning publications. As recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor, Renee Watson’s works have received acclaimed recognition for honoring the joy of Black girlhood.  

Ekua Holmes is an honored and distinguished visual artist hailing from Roxbury, bringing her lived experiences immersed in community of appreciation and love for the Black woman. Ekua’s life works include serving as an artist in residence, winner of a Caldecott Honor, John Steptoe, and Robert Siebert for her illustrations in other famed literary children’s books. This ode to Black girlhood is launched by Renee Watson’s ‘Where I ‘m From’ inviting readers to her world full of community, soulful vibes and a life giving spiel.

Mirroring Renee’s life through a semi-autobiographical stance, the collection embraces story through a variety of poetic style including haiku and free verse. From the definition of atlas to Sisterhood Haiku’s, Renee explores the joy and celebration of life as a Black girl, an individual with a marginalized voice but powerful possibilities.

What works: Black Girl You Are Atlas provides a concentrated lyrical arrangement of words succinctly tied to themes of self-fulfillment, perseverance, sisterhood, and hope for the future. Incorporating the collage artwork of Ekua Holmes captures the sense of community, demonstration of love and honor for the Black girl and woman.

What doesn’t work: [nothing]

Pass It OR Grab It? I recommend this book as a “Grab It”.   This book invites the reader into a private celebration of the essence of girlhood, black girlhood.