Carter, Cynthia Jacobs and Ruth Chamblee. I Am I Can I Will: A guided journal of self-discovery for black girls. Illustrated by Steffi Walthall. New York: Workman Publishing, 2024.

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

Bold statements, compelling quotes, and thoughtful prompts lead young Black girls on a journey of ancestral wisdom and self-discovery in this beautifully illustrated guided journal.

I AM a voice for my people.  I CAN create my own opportunities.  I WILL live with hope.
 
These and other powerful mantras will enlighten, engage, and empower young Black girls to embrace their connection to a long, unbroken line of historical and contemporary Black women who have inspired people through the centuries and across continents. The courage, integrity, humanity, passion, and intellect that flows through the lives of these foremothers is each girl’s to discover, inherit, and enhance with her own accomplishments.
 
Meaningful quotes and biographies provide real-life examples of how readers can implement what they learn in their own lives. And guided questions and prompts lead girls through a process of self-reflection that acknowledges their own potential to inspire and lead.

Purchase I Am I Can I Will on Amazon – https://amzn.to/48CMl8i

My Kid Review

I was excited about the possibilities of I Am I Can I Will. No matter their ethnic heritage, girls need strong women to follow. Carter and Chamblee gathered mini-biographies of 35 black women and created a guided journal for girls. 

I wish that the subtitle didn’t specify black girls because I think all girls could benefit from some of the information in this book. One prompt especially stood out in this aspect “Have you ever been the only – or almost only – girl or black person at an event. How did that make you feel….” My husband and I for years worked on the Navajo Reservation at a small school. Our blond-haired, blue-eyed daughter was the only non-Navajo in her class for many years. As a mom I wish that the prompts (and the subtitle) had been more inclusive. 

Many of the women included are indeed good role models for girls. However, Christian parents will want to read this book with (or before) their girls as not all of the women live a life that exemplifies Christian values.

Because of the journal format and some of the women included, I Am I Can I Will is not a good fit for a K-12 Christian school library. As usual I do think parents and librarians should make their own decisions regarding this title.  

I received a complimentary copy of I Am I Can I Will. This is my honest review.

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