Identity
Girls develop a positive sense of self, cultural pride, belonging, and purpose as the foundation for literacy.
Join the Interest ListBlack Girl Literacy Read. Write. Speak. Shape the world.
Her story belongs at the center.
A culturally responsive literacy experience for Black girls ages 8–12 that strengthens reading and writing while affirming identity, voice, creativity, community, and leadership.
BLACK GIRLSARE READERS.BLACK GIRLSARE AUTHORS.
Literacy is more than a test score.
It is the power to understand the world, name your experience, tell your story, and imagine what comes next.WHY BLACK GIRL LITERACY
Girls read differently when they can find themselves in the story.
Black girls deserve literacy experiences that recognize their language, culture, intellect, questions, beauty, histories, and dreams as assets.
Our program moves beyond adding diverse books to a traditional reading experience. We use culturally responsive texts, conversation, writing, mentoring, digital storytelling, and community connection to help girls grow as skilled readers, confident writers, critical thinkers, and powerful communicators.
THE FRAMEWORK
Four pillars connect literacy to identity and liberation.
Our program is informed by the Black Girl Literacy Framework developed by educator and researcher Dr. Kimberly Parker.
Literacy
Girls strengthen reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, vocabulary, and communication through culturally responsive instruction.
Community
Girls experience reading and writing within a supportive community that values their voices, stories, and ways of knowing.
Advocacy
Girls learn to challenge stereotypes, examine systems, speak with clarity, and use literacy to create change.
THE PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
Books open the door. Girls take the learning further.
Book Clubs
Monthly reading and discussion centered on Black authors, Black girl protagonists, and stories that expand identity and possibility.
Writing Workshops
Guided opportunities to write, revise, receive feedback, and recognize that each girl has something meaningful to say.
Digital Storytelling
Girls use media tools to author and share their own stories instead of only consuming stories created by others.
Mentoring
Trusted women encourage reading lives, strengthen confidence, and connect literacy to college, careers, leadership, and community.
Community Literacy
Book drives and partnerships with schools and libraries make reading visible, social, accessible, and celebrated.
WHAT GIRLS DEVELOP
A stronger reading life and a stronger sense of self.
Reading comprehension and critical thinking
Writing fluency and authentic voice
Positive racial and cultural identity
Confidence discussing complex ideas
Digital storytelling and media literacy
Leadership through literacy and advocacy
THE BLACK GIRL BOOKSHELF · AGES 8–12
Books where Black girls get to be fully human.
These stories make room for Black girls to be joyful, curious, complicated, adventurous, funny, courageous, and still becoming. Let her interests and reading comfort guide the first choice.
01
Family · Friendship · Everyday Joy
Ways to Make Sunshine
Meet Ryan Hart, a spirited fourth grader learning how to make sunshine even when life changes around her.
A welcoming place to begin02
Sisterhood · Identity · Growing Up
Twins
A vibrant graphic novel about twin sisters learning who they are together and apart as middle school approaches.
Great for graphic-novel readers03
Fantasy · Courage · Black Girl Magic
Maya and the Rising Dark
Maya discovers that the strange things she sees are real and that saving her father may require becoming the hero.
For fantasy and adventure fans04
Family · Change · Sisterhood
Love Like Sky
Georgie navigates a newly blended family while discovering what love, loyalty, and sisterhood require.
A tender family-centered read05
Truth · Justice · Family
From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Zoe investigates whether her incarcerated birth father was wrongfully convicted while pursuing her own dreams.
Best for mature middle-grade readers06
Voice · Advocacy · Friendship
A Good Kind of Trouble
Twelve-year-old Shayla learns that standing up for what is right may mean breaking rules she once trusted.
For readers ready to find their voice07
History · Mystery · Courage
The Parker Inheritance
Candice follows clues through her town's history and uncovers a story of injustice, courage, and family legacy.
For mystery and puzzle lovers08
History · Sisters · Community
One Crazy Summer
Three sisters spend the summer of 1968 in Oakland, learning about their mother, themselves, and a changing world.
A powerful historical-fiction choiceFAMILY READING TIP
Do not worry about choosing the “perfect” level. Read the first chapter together, listen to the audiobook while following the printed text, or alternate between independent reading and reading aloud.
FREE RESOURCE FOR GIRLS & FAMILIES
The Black Girl Family Reading Guide
Use this simple guide with any book to turn reading time into identity-building conversation, family connection, and creative action.
READ TOGETHER · TALK TOGETHER · CREATE TOGETHER
Four Moves for Meaningful Family Reading
Choose a book by a Black author or featuring a Black girl at the center. Read aloud, read side by side, or take turns.
Before Reading
What do you notice about the title and cover? What might this story understand about you? What do you already know about the topic?
During Reading
Where do you see strength, joy, courage, or creativity? What feels familiar? What would you ask the main character?
After Reading
Whose voice mattered most? What did the character learn about herself? What does this story make you want to know, say, or do?
Create Together
Write a new ending, record a family story, make a character playlist, create a book review, or illustrate the scene you remember most.
THE 20-MINUTE FAMILY CHALLENGE
Read for 10 minutes. Talk for 5 minutes. Create or write for 5 minutes. Repeat three times this week.
Girl: One thing this story helped me understand about myself is…
Family: One strength we noticed in her reading, thinking, or voice is…
FOR FAMILIES
You do not have to be a reading teacher to raise a reader.
01Let her choose. Choice builds ownership and helps reading become part of her identity.
02Talk beyond recall. Ask what she thinks, notices, questions, and connects to her life.
03Celebrate her voice. Listen for her ideas before correcting every word or sentence.
04Make reading visible. Let her see family members reading, writing, researching, and telling stories.
05Protect the joy. Every reading moment does not need to become a quiz or assignment.
2026–2027 PROGRAM INTEREST
Interested in Black Girl Literacy?
Families can express interest for a girl ages 8–12. Schools, libraries, churches, community centers, and youth-serving organizations can request a local program or partnership.
Completing this form places you on the interest list. It does not guarantee enrollment or confirm a program site. Our team will follow up with available formats, dates, locations, fees or sponsorship information, and the next enrollment step.
Share Your Interest
Tell us whether you are seeking family enrollment, a host-site partnership, or a volunteer opportunity.
Receive Program Details
We will send the options available for your location, the program schedule, and participation requirements.
Complete Enrollment
If a suitable opportunity is available, we will provide the formal registration or partnership materials.
A READER. A WRITER. A THINKER. A LEADER.
Her voice belongs in the story and in the world.
Help us create literacy spaces where Black girls are seen, supported, challenged, and celebrated.