LoveReading Says
The authors of this excellent book have been friends since school and the book grew out of their own experiences of life as teenagers, the things they wish they’d known or been told. They write as if they are addressing younger sisters, recognising the extra challenges their readers will face growing up as Black girls, and that makes this an extraordinarily direct, authentic and empowering guide. There are chapters on subjects such as identity, friendship and understanding your body, as well as on hair, make-up and feeling your best, plus an excellent section on managing your finances. Quotes, anecdotes and advice from other influential Black women is included too, making the book even more effective and inspiring, and establishing a wider sense of community. “My wish is that this book can be the safe space you turn to when you need inspiration or comfort” says Natalie A. Carter in her introduction and the book is all that, and more.
Andrea Reece
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Grown: The Black Girls' Guide to Glowing Up Synopsis
Your big sis in book form, Grown is the ultimate fully illustrated guide to navigating life as a Black teenage girl.
With a foreword from the inimitable Spice Girl Melanie Brown and contributions from inspirational Black women such as Diane Abbott MP, Dorothy Koomson and Candice Carty-Williams and illustrations from Dorcas Magbadelo, Grown is a celebration of Black British girlhood that will empower teens everywhere.
Being a teenager and trying to understand who you are and what you stand for is hard. Period. But if you're a Black girl and don't always see yourself represented in the books you read, the films you watch, the adverts you see or the history you're taught, it can be even tougher. Grown: The Black Girls' Guide to Glowing Up was written with one thing in mind sis. You.
From understanding identity to the politics of hair to maintaining squad goals to dealing with microaggressions to consent to figuring out what career you might want, Grown has got your back. Natalie A. Carter and Melissa Cummings-Quarry, founders of Black Girls' Book Club, share stories - the wins and the Ls - and offer honest, practical advice that will show you how to own your choices. To live your truth without fear. To be grown on your own terms without limits or apologies.
Grown. It's a mood. It's a mindset. It's a mantra. It's a lifestyle. It embodies everything that makes us who we are.
About This Edition
Melissa Cummings-Quarry & Natalie A Carter Press Reviews
Thank you for being the baddest in the literary game, knowing and loving us Black girls - Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie
Such a loving and warm guide and ode to black girls, I am so happy the younger generation have this in their lives - Bolu Babalola, author of Love in Colour
Grown feels like so much more than a book. It feels like a friend, a mentor and a manual for living your best life. Melissa and Natalie have created something very special with this. Hug it close, keep it near and pick it up whenever you need a boost. This is an absolute masterpiece - Dorothy Koomson, author of I Know What You've Done
A book for anyone who is or has ever been a young woman with a whole load of questions about the future. A bible of collective wisdom from one generation to another - Stylist
Written by Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie A. Carter, Grown is an indispensable book for Black girls who are sailing through those stormy teenage years - or about to. With their wonderful big sisterly vibe, Grown: The Black Girls' Guide to Glowing Up leaves the reader feeling like the authors truly have their back - BookTrust
Grown is a celebration of Black British girlhood that will empower teens everywhere - Pride
Grown is a guide but it is also much more. Its execution feels like receiving knowledge from your big sister or older friend - Bad Form Review
Grown is the book that will warm and affirm you, like a hearty bowl of soup that also makes you feel seen. This is a true ode of love to Black girlhood - Big Black Books
Grown is a vital resource and should be stocked not just in book shops but school and public libraries - The Tiger Tales
The writers of this book understood the assignment. This book will be a blessing to many Black girls in need of support, encouragement and empowerment - A Pash for Books
This book needs to be available for girls from all backgrounds, because it is extremely valuable - The Candid Bookclub
If I had this book when I was a teenager I'm sure I would understand womanhood much more! This is a book that EVERY Black woman needs - Cilla Ohene
This book should be essential reading for Black British girls - Dess Reads
This book really gets it! Packed with empowering chapters covering self love, skin care, hair care, friendship, money, religion, family advice, politics and so much more. We love the bold, affirming illustrations too - Ruby's Reads UK
