Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loveis Wise (Viking Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, ages 5-9). “We are girls on the rise./Today, everyone’s eyes/Are on us as we make waves/Pave the way, and save the day. Today, we finally have a say.” With simple rhymes and lush illustrations, this book celebrates girls of all types, encouraging them to support and empower each other through difficult times. Girls are celebrated for being strong and brave enough to right wrongs in the world. “Because when one girl is on the rise,/It means everyone else is, too.”

Dream a Dress, Dream a Poem: Dressmaker and Poet Myra Viola Wilds by Nancy Johnson James, illustrated by Diana Ejaita (Harry N. Abrams, 32 pages, ages 5-8). This book-length poem encourages readers to dream, citing the dreams of Myra Viola Wilds, a Black woman who grew up in Kentucky before moving to the city to get an education. She became an accomplished dressmaker until the close work damaged her eyes. Myra didn’t give up on her creative dreams, though, turning from sewing to poetry and publishing a book of her poems in 1915. The back matter includes additional biographical information and a photo, and the book begins and ends with two of Myra’s poems.

Both of these poetry books celebrate following dreams and lifting each other up. Amanda Gorman’s work speaks to these themes in general terms, while Nancy Johnson James offers a story of a woman who succeeded despite multiple hardships and was supported by the Black community that helped publish her work.

Both of these books would be excellent for celebrating Black History Month; if you’re looking for more resources, I have recently updated my Black History book list.