(1) K-3 Illustrated by Bryan Collier. Charles says in her appended note that this book, its companion All Because You Matter (rev. 11/20), and a planned forthcoming title are intended to "affirm, celebrate, and confirm the power and greatness that lie within all our children." Here, her poignant text addresses the Black girl featured in Collier's bold and expressive collage and watercolor illustrations. Both text and art share the rich legacies of Black and brown people whose contributions have helped shape fields of science, music, social justice, fashion, and food. The empowering images incorporate historical figures including Marian Anderson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (five brief bios are appended). A triumphant, encouraging tone permeates the messages to young people of color ("We are seeds, / you and me, / roots thick / with dreams / and stars / and possibilities"; "You are / brilliant, / extraordinary, / far-beyond-ordinary"), asserting recognition and illuminating possibilities for their future. Collier's visual imagery captures the narrative perfectly, suggesting wonderment, reflection, strength, and self-love. A glossary and author and illustrator notes conclude this celebratory offering.

Reviewer: Pauletta Brown Bracy | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) YA This timely and lyrical verse novel offers a heart-wrenching, unflinching look at the underbelly of the music industry and its exploitation of those who dream of making it big. Three best friends, all talented singers and girls of color who dream of a life outside of their small, mostly white Pennsylvania town, slip away to Newark and find their way into the orbit of Sean "Mercury" Ellis, the "King of R&B." Merc encourages their ambitions and takes them under his wing. His promises of fame and fortune not only fuel their dreams but also their insecurities, which Merc is able to capitalize upon as he begins to morph from a smooth, crooning mentor into a sinister, controlling abuser. Charles (Like Vanessa, rev. 3/18, and others) takes on the difficult topics of emotional manipulation, sexual exploitation, and abuse. These vulnerable young women's stories are, sadly, not uncommon [see also Tiffany D. Jackson's Grown, rev. 9/20, and Sharon G. Flake's The Life I'm In, reviewed on page 87], but their tight bond as friends continues to offer hope in the midst of sacrifice, broken promises, secrets, and lies. The writing at once urges readers to relish the verse and catapults them toward a breathless, satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(1) PS Illustrated by Bryan Collier. A richly illustrated affirmation for Black children--especially boys. An African American expectant mother and father eagerly await the arrival of their child, embracing him even as he grows in utero. On the first double-page spread, a full moon appears, composed of overlapping petal shapes that form a tapestry, a quilt--a visual motif that soon becomes colorful patterns and images of African American faces. The visuals throughout whisper of the family's African ancestry; the poetic text says, "You were dreamed of, like a knapsack full of wishes, carried on the backs of your ancestors as they created empires, pyramids, legacies." Charles employs the word matter effectively as both noun and verb, emphasizing that because this child is made up of matter from the universe, he matters. When the mother reads to her son in her lap, the text pays homage to Rudine Sims Bishop's framework, likening the book the pair is reading to a mirror in which the child can see the "same hair, same skin, same dreams." After touching on the racism that Black children face, this tribute announces its uplifting climax in Collier's loving illustrations of this brown-skinned child's face, boldly inviting the audience to see--really see--him in all his beauty. Stunning. Powerful. Timely. Illustrated inspiration at its best.

Reviewer: Michelle H. Martin | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(2) YA Afro–Puerto Rican teen Beatriz is torn between her desire to dance and her blood and chosen families in mid-1980s New Jersey. When the TV show Fame announces a casting call, she tries to balance "gang life" (chosen family) with her "dance life." Will she follow her dreams? Charles ([cf2Like Vanessa) presents a strong, smart, and sometimes snarky teenager whose family has developed mechanisms of survival in the face of abuse and injustice.

Reviewer: Sujei Lugo | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2019

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Claire Almon. It's 1895, and Mary Fields wants the stagecoach driver job she sees advertised around Cascade, Montana. Unfortunately, she has two strikes against her: she's black and female. (Driving a stagecoach, which can mean run-ins with thieves, is considered man's work.) Charles tells Fields's triumphant story with aplomb, and illustrator Almon captures the Wild West's earth tones and Fearless Mary's arms-akimbo determination.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) 4-6 Despite considering herself "too dark" and "too fat," eighth grader Vanessa dreams of following in the footsteps of her beauty-contestant mother, who left when she was a baby. Talented singer Vanessa gets her chance when her school holds its first-ever beauty pageant. Readers of Charles's debut novel will empathize with Vanessa's journey to earn the crown as she struggles to maintain friendships, develop self-confidence, and confront her family's demons.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018