My Little Black Girl

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is feeling caught between two worlds or is facing the social and emotional fallout of choosing a path that others might view as a betrayal. It is a vital resource for teens grappling with the complexities of identity, especially when those identities are tied to systemic poverty and cultural expectations. The story follows Junior, a 14-year-old on the Spokane Indian Reservation who decides to attend a wealthy, all-white high school to seek a better education. It explores profound themes of grief, resilience, and the power of finding one's voice through art. While the humor and illustrations make the heavy topics accessible, the book contains raw depictions of loss and discrimination. Parents will appreciate its honesty in addressing the difficult choices young people make to pursue their dreams while staying rooted in their heritage. It is a deeply realistic, often heartbreaking, but ultimately empowering read for the 13-18 age range.