Lola at the Library

By Lili Sandler, A Mighty Girl Senior Research Intern

As a final tribute in our celebration of Black History Month this year, we’re sharing ten of our favorite picture books featuring little Mighty Girls girls of color for the youngest readers. This is only a sampling of what’s available on the site; there are so many fabulous picture books for babies, preschoolers, and beyond with diverse protagonists that we couldn’t possibly highlight them all in one blog post!

It’s never too early to share a love of reading with little ones, and going to the library is one of the best ways to accomplish that goal! With Anna McQuinn’s book, Lola at the Library, your little one will learn to look forward to visiting the library just like Lola does. With bright, vibrant illustrations courtesy of Rosalind Beardshaw, this book is not only a delight to read, but a delight to look at as well.

Another book sure to be a hit with babies and toddlers is Rachel Isadora’s Peekaboo Morning. Every toddler loves to play peekaboo, and they’ll have such fun following the active and adorable protagonist of this story going through her morning, playing peekaboo with her mommy, her daddy, her puppy, and more! This is one of those books your child will want to read again and again. Continue reading → Continue reading

By Lili Sandler, A Mighty Girl Senior Research Intern

On this day in Mighty Girl history, acclaimed singer and civil rights pioneer Marian Anderson was born in Philadelphia in 1897. Her musical talent was evident from a young age, and her parents did everything they could to encourage her musical pursuits. Anderson was only 6 when she began performing with the Union Baptist Church, where she was often referred to as “baby contralto”.

Her family was unable to afford piano lessons, so little Marian taught herself to play starting at the age of 8. Dedicated to her church choir, she would rehearse all of the parts to the every song, performing them for her family until they were just right. Her community was so impressed with her commitment that they raised enough money to pay for private lessons with a well-known vocal instructor. Continue reading → Continue reading

By Lili Sandler, A Mighty Girl Senior Research Intern, and Katherine Handcock, A Mighty Girl Communications Specialist

Nearly every child, girl and boy alike, loves to play with dolls in one of the many forms a doll can take. One child might prefer an action figure, or paper dolls, while another may choose a baby doll to care for and cuddle. Some children prefer a whole family of dolls to act out scenarios in a doll’s house, while others might like a doll designed to portray a favorite character, fictitious or historical. Regardless of what kind of doll a child likes best, one thing is certain: every child should have the opportunity to play with a doll that looks just like her.

And so, in this A Mighty Girl Spotlight post we’re highlighting dolls representing girls of African descent as part of our celebration of Black History Month. That said, there’s bound to be a doll in this list or in our main doll collection that would appeal to any Mighty Girl, from birth to adulthood, regardless of ethnicity! Continue reading → Continue reading