Shine Bright

August 26, 2022

K-Gr 3-Imani is a confident, dark-skinned girl who loves skating, dancing, singing, and meeting new people, but when some kids at the park comment on her dark skin, Imani loses her sparkle. She goes home to her lighter-skinned older sister, Crystal, who gives her an explanation and a pep talk that make up the bulk of the book: "Your dark skin is beautiful! They aren't afraid of you. They're afraid of what they don't know. Your dark skin makes you shine." The subject and message are similar to Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, but the art is completely different, bubbly and cartoonish: Imani has the large, exaggerated eyes of an anime character and is likewise appropriately trailed by colored stars and swooshes. Text incorporated into the illustrations on posters and t-shirts trumpets "We matter" and "Black excellence." The overall message is upbeat, and Imani absorbs her sister's advice to "keep on...shining bright." VERDICT A positive message, delivered as mantra, from a young role model, this book has value for all communities.-Jenny Arch

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October 15, 2022
In this picture book from a teen designer and author, a young girl gets advice from her big sister on dealing with hurtful bullying. Imani is an active, dark-skinned Black child who loves dancing, singing, and skating. She also loves to introduce herself to others at the skate park. But when she hears the others--who include both light-skinned children and those of color--saying, "She's just so dark," she becomes sad and goes to her older sister, Crystal, for help. Crystal advises Imani to "shine bright" and persevere and offers words of encouragement that counter the ways the other children made Imani feel, both about her appearance and her abilities. Crystal shows Imani the beauty of her dark skin and demonstrates how much she is loved. The next time Imani goes to the skate park, she chooses to be her positive self. Rogers, 16, explains in the author's note that she drew on her own experiences with colorism to tell Imani's story. She makes it clear that this is a story for anyone who has been made to feel bad about some aspect of their skin color, and she uses her own success in modeling and fashion as an example of overcoming difficulties. Rogers handles a difficult topic with a deft touch, and Roe's colorful digital illustrations pair well with the decidedly upbeat tone of the text. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A straightforward and supportive work that tackles an important subject with warmth and optimism. (Picture book. 4-8)

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