Project Pen
Representation matters! The first two books in The Project Pen series are entitled "Me and My Hair" and "My Big Dream", with another one on the way. Our books are told from the perspective of a young Black girl named Rayne. She brings her readers along as she navigates through life and discovers who she is in relation to the world around her.
“One in five children and parents look for characters who are diverse, differently abled or break stereotypes.”
-Scholastic Kid’s and Family Report
Children learn who they are through their experiences and open conversations with adults who care; with this in mind, each book is created with a “Making Connections” page. This will allow for families and educators to have meaningful child-centered conversations around the themes of the book and beyond.
This story, so lovingly and beautifully written, resonates with me as I know it will with many big and little Black girls who yearn to see ALL their beauty reflected and celebrated, especially our hair. As our world country and community work collaboratively to eliminate systemic racism and the accompanying micro-aggressive behaviours, this will be a teaching tool for all parents to start a conversation with their children. Thank you Stephanie!”
Here is a story which is timely in its approach to an issue of importance to young girls . As a former classroom teacher and now working with young girls I know that much of their confidence and self esteem are focused on their hair. Rayne's experience read and discussed in a classroom setting will do much for understanding racial differences.
This is a great “real” story of the experiences of a young girl. It nicely represents how Black young girls navigate and negotiate the tensions and difficulties in their lives – in this case, what happens with their peers in schools.
The discussion questions are well thought out and will certainly bring out some of the key points that all students can contemplate as the interact with their peers of different racial backgrounds.