Amoya Blackwood Is Brave is a sweetly illustrated book for beginning readers about being true to ourselves and taking up the space we deserve by Chantaie Allick. Released 15th April 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 40 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a simple and sweetly illustrated book. Young Amoya is a bit boisterous; she sings loudly, shines brightly, and raises her hand to answer all the questions in class. She is told to be quiet, don't put herself forward, don't take up so much space. As she gets more and more withdrawn and quieter, she finds she's making herself smaller and smaller. Her grandmother encourages her to shine as her authentic self. It's such an important message for youngsters, especially girls, probably even more so for young girls of color.

The text is simple and easy to read and the illustrations by Aaron Marin are full of small details, inviting readers to spend a while noticing small details. The art is colorful and kinetic... full of movement and action. The cast of characters are diverse (including a wide variety of ages, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities).

Although aimed at a younger (preschool - 2nd grade) audience, this is truly an all-ages book and adults will find lots to enjoy here as well.

Four and a half stars. It would be a good acquisition for public and school library and home use/gift giving. It would also be a good choice for a classroom reading circle or preschool story hour with a wide scope for discussion.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Nice story about self esteem, but I did not like the art style. Nonetheless, it should inspire and motivate kids to be themselves.

This picture book is about a boisterous little girl who has a larger-than-life personality until those around her tell her to calm down. Quiet yourself and be more meek, be more mild. She does as they tell her to, but she loses herself along the way. It’s grandma who says it’s OK to be who you are, and you should be who you are. That advice running through her brains she finds herself again and vows never go back to being small.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC!

This was a really cute children's book about embracing and loving yourself! The art style is bright and fun. My niece also was asking how Amoya was shrinking and growing, which gave me a good laugh. Silly kiddos, not understanding metaphorical stuff. But still, a nice read for kiddos!