Tag: diversity
5 Children’s Books I LOVE: written by Black Female Authors

5 Children’s Books I LOVE: written by Black Female Authors

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To follow up on my last blog post, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to diversify the children’s book industry, and one group of authors who have made a significant contribution to this effort are black female writers. In the video below, I will share with you five such authors and their wonderful books:

“Dream Big, Little One” by Vashti Harrison is at the top of my list of children’s books written by black female authors because it is a wonderful tribute to the accomplishments of black women throughout history and encourages young readers to dream big and become whomever they aspire to be.

The prenatal nutritionist and certified breastfeeding specialist in me is OBSESSED with this book that highlights the benefits of breastmilk. I read this to my daughter when I was expecting my second child and I felt like it truly illustrated all the ways I would be sharing this “Magical Milk” with her new baby brother. This book is an absolute gem for all breastfeeding and pumping mamas. Also given the stats that show how black women have the lowest breastfeeding rates in North America, this book does an amazing job at aiming to tear down those barriers to breastfeeding in the black community and illustrate wonderful examples of how breastmilk is used.

This heartwarming book tells the story of a young boy who wants to be just like his dad when he grows up. As they spend time together, the boy learns about his father’s daily routine and the values that guide his life. Through stunning illustrations and relatable characters, this book celebrates the special bond between father and son and the importance of positive role models in a child’s life.

Shenika Paris, Kyra Milan Brown, and Kali Brown have created a book that empowers young girls to love themselves, their hair, and all their unique qualities. Through interactive step-by-step hair tutorials, the book promotes self-love and confidence. I wish I had this book growing up, I’m sure it would have encouraged me to appreciate and embrace my kinky kurls at a young age!

This heart warming book is a celebration of working moms everywhere! All moms can relate to how hard it can be to leave their kids to go to work, run errands or even at bedtime. We’ve all needed to provide our child with some reassurance when it’s time to separate. In this story, a Mom collects some simple words that she and her child can repeat whenever they are missing each other or feeling overwhelmed.

Always with you,
always with me,
mommy and child,
together we’ll be.

 

 

These five children’s books written by black female authors offer a diverse range of stories and perspectives that are sure to capture the hearts and minds of young readers. These authors have brought their unique experiences and voices to the world of children’s literature, creating works that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.

Are there any children’s books written by black women you would recommend? Please share it in the comments!

 

Have a lovely day,

Kalifa Rodriguez M.Sc., RD, CBS

Author of Eating These Foods Makes Me…
Expanding Horizons: Why Celebrating Black Authors During Black History Month Matters

Expanding Horizons: Why Celebrating Black Authors During Black History Month Matters

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We’ve all heard the saying, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Well, this is why I decided to become a children’s book author:

As a child who loved reading, I often craved stories with characters I could relate to, who looked like me or who had similar experiences or backgrounds as me…but most books read at school or that I found in libraries had characters that looked nothing like me. Thank goodness times are changing and I can readily offer my kids books written by black authors who showcase narratives and characters they can identify with, still we have a long way to go.

Black authors in Canada – worldwide really – have historically been underrepresented in the literary field, and there is ongoing work to increase visibility and representation for Black voices and perspectives. This includes initiatives to support Black writers, publish their works, and provide opportunities for them to connect with audiences; that being said, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black individuals, including Black authors.

Celebrating Black authors during this month helps to shine a spotlight on their works, increase visibility, and bring recognition to their voices and perspectives in literature. It also serves as a platform for the promotion of diversity and inclusivity in the literary world. Hopefully, by raising awareness and advocating for greater representation and diversity, we can create a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape for Black Canadian authors.

 So here are five ways you can support black authors during Black History Month (or any other time of the year):

  1. Buy books written by black authors: This is the most direct way to support black authors and help them earn a living from their work. You can purchase books from online retailers or local bookstores that carry works by black authors.
  2. Share and promote books on social media: If you have read a book by a black author that you enjoyed, consider sharing it on social media and recommending it to your friends. This helps to increase the visibility of these authors and their work.
  3. Review books on platforms such as Goodreads or Amazon: Writing a positive review can help to bring attention to the book and the author, especially if you have a large following on these platforms.
  4. Support black-owned bookstores: Buying books from black-owned bookstores is a great way to support both the authors and the stores themselves. These independent bookstores often carry a wider selection of works by black authors and can help to promote diversity in literature. For example, check out HoneyBooks a local NDG bookstore that is Black and Female Owned!
  5. Attend events featuring black authors: If you have the opportunity to attend a book signing, reading, or other event featuring a black author, consider going. This is a great way to show your support and hear from the author in person.

Remember, by showcasing the talents and experiences of Black authors, we are able to broaden our perspectives, deepen our understanding and celebrate the richness and diversity of black history and culture.

I’d love to hear about who are some of your favourite black authors? Have you read any new books written by black authors this Black History Month? Please share in the comments below!

Until next time,

Kalifa Rodriguez M.Sc., RD, CBS

Author of the award-winning book Eating These Foods Makes Me…

 
Congrats! You’ve WON!

Congrats! You’ve WON!

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I want to wish Heather and Julie from Ontario, Ca. as well as Genevieve from Alberta, Ca. a heartfelt congratulations on being randomly selected as the 3 winners of the Goodreads Giveaway who will be receiving a brand new copy of my book Eating These Foods Makes Me…

There were over 300 entries, wow! Thank you so much to all who entered the giveaway and have shown genuine interest in my book. I look forward to any feedback you may have and I’d love to connect with you at any point in the future. Feel free to message me on my FB page Kalifa Rodriguez Books, IG @The.Nutrition.Connection, or my website www.KalifaRodriguezBooks.com

Blessings,

Kalifa Rodriguez M.Sc, RD, CBS
​Author of Eating These Foods Makes Me…​
Why Diversity and Inclusivity Is Important in Children’s Literature

Why Diversity and Inclusivity Is Important in Children’s Literature

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It was Multicultural Children’s Book Day last Friday January 28th and it got me thinking about how truly important diversity and inclusivity is in the books available to our children. In fact research shows that by the tender age of 2 years old children already start noticing social differences such as race. Diversity in children’s literature is so important, especially for kids who identify with different communities. These books allow children to “find themselves” within the pages and it validates their place in this world. It is about ensuring all our kids feel seen and included in activities, especially one as important as reading!

Let’s clarify: what is a multicultural book?

According to https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/ diverse & multicultural books include those that:

  • Books that contain characters of color as well as main characters that represent a minority point of view.
  • Books that are written by an author of diversity or color (such as myself) from their perspective.
  • Books that share ideas, stories, and information about cultures, race, religion, language, and traditions. These books can be non-fiction yet still entertaining and informative.
  • Books that embrace special needs or even “hidden disabilities” like ADHD, ADD, and anxiety. For example, Eating These Foods Makes Me… features a character with special needs and embraces children with “hidden disabilities” like ADHD.
  • Books that show IBPOC readers what is POSSIBLE–like in my book there’s a black female teacher with dreads, there’s also a Muslim child modestly dressed in a hijab practicing gymnastics.

 

Why choose children’s books that celebrate diversity ?

I remember growing up and feeling frustrated by the lack of books, toys and dolls that looked like me. As a child you don’t really understand these thoughts and begin to harbor subtle feelings of inferiority and estrangement that can last a lifetime. Our kids inadvertently start to compare themselves to those they more frequently see books written about. However, books with diverse characters aren’t only meant for IBPOC readers, they help to develop kindness and empathy in all readers! These books help our children learn respect for all identities, something we desperately need in today’s world.

If you share my mission to raise awareness for kid’s books that celebrate diversity, you can do your part today by sharing the word about your favorite children’s books and #elevatemelanatedvoices by supporting authors of color, as well as requesting them at your child’s school, local libraries and day camps.  Together we can raise our #ownvoices and #readyourworld by demonstrating how much #representationmatters.

Kalifa Rodriguez M.Sc, RD, CBS
​Author of Eating These Foods Makes Me…​

p.s. Let’s connect on social media! You can follow my FB page Kalifa Rodriguez Books or IG @the.nutrition.connection and for more health related videos check out my YouTubeChannel. Want to share this blog post with a friend? Simply copy this URL and send it to them!

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