A free copy of this book was provided thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls.
Dates read: 01/10/21 to 06/10/21
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Word to describe: Informative
Genre: Children's Non Fiction
Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls is a collection of inspiring black women and children and their stories. Filled with beautiful illustrations, this book is a perfect guide to black excellence and young feminism. Rebel Girls have targeted this book to young black girls (or any colour, no discrimination in here folks!) to remind them that they are strong, powerful, and deserving of all opportunities in life. The stories told in this book are a celebration of black culture and its rich and fantastic history. Women, such as Sanité Bélair, a freedom fighter from the 1700s who valiantly fought against racism and slavery in Haiti, are given their chance to shine and spread their stories.
There were so many stories, women and children that I had never even heard of. This collection offers an insight into a history that my school failed to teach me. As part of UK Black History Month, learning, compassion, and understanding of the history of racism are at an all-time high. This book in the modern-day world is of the utmost importance. The stories in this collection spread positivity and hope for a new generation of women. It teaches these children to act fearless, independent, and successful. It preaches fighting for your rights and standing up for those around you who need protection from bullies, as well as its significance. Most of all, it shows children how their actions can affect others. With key themes of bullying, racism, and discrimination this book hits every point and encourages the fight against racism into a new generation.
Directed towards young girls, the message this book spreads reigns throughout. Regardless of colour, social standing, and gender identity the opportunities to succeed should be equal. It was heartbreaking to read that so many young girls are taught from a young age that they are inferior to their male counterparts and, therefore, cannot consider certain career paths. It is even more heartbreaking when you consider these women were told their race also affected their ability to succeed.
The only downside to this story is that I feel like the title does not match the finished product very well. Good Night Stories implies, at least in my opinion, that this book was to be filled with more than just a one-page summary on 100 women. I had hoped this story included in-depth tales about success and feminist women. There were areas where the book felt repetitive and it lost its originality because every story was exactly the same despite the different career outcomes. Whilst that is a good representation of what life is like for some people, it makes the book as a whole feel tedious. I had to take frequent breaks whilst reading as a result. I feel that, since the book is directed at young children, it would be difficult for a child to read in one sitting and still feel driven to turn the page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for a free e-book copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic was published on 28th September 2021.
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