Austin Channing Brown is a gifted storyteller. By sharing her stories, the reader gets the opportunity to see through Austin’s eyes a world that they may or may not be familiar with. If you are an ally you will be enlightened as to non inclusive behaviors you may not have even thought about. This book brings you along on so many different experiences; some will make you smile, or stop and think, or awaken your righteous anger or possibly even make your jaw drop. It was a joy to read and hard to put down. It is a true gift to young girls of color and all of us rooting for a world where everyone is included and able to succeed.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

I'm Still Here (Adapted for Young Readers) is Austin Channing Brown's deeply personal memoir about growing up Black and female in America reimagined for young readers.

Sometimes, you read a book as an adult that you wish you and your peers had had access to when you were younger. This is absolutely one of those books. In telling these stories of her experiences as a child, Austin Channing Brown finds ways to make her stories relatable for young readers, to lead them to the parts of each recounting that are important to the themes of each story or important to take the time to consider in comparison to their own lives. She meets her audience where they are, treats them like they are young and growing but also treats them like they are capable of understanding and learning. This is a book I hope makes its way onto school reading lists and the shelves of both public and parents' home libraries, and ultimately into the hands of children who I know will grow into more kind, generous, and empathetic adults simply for having read this book.

This book is specifically aimed at Black girls and I think that's a beautiful thing. I definitely plan to get a copy for my daughter's bookshelves so she can read it when she's older. I love how the author talks to a younger audience without talking down to them.

I always love a book with short chapters and I think it can be especially important in a book aimed at younger readers. I thought the chapters here were easily digestible and just the right length. I actually think the book as a whole is the perfect length. There's a lot of good information but it goes by quick.

I think this will be a great resource for young Black girls dealing with both the struggles and the triumphs of just existing in the US.

P.s. the cover is gorgeous.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read. An adaptation of her memoir of the same name, the author writes to younger readers, sharing how race showed up in school, among friends, and other every day conversations. As children we often don't know how to name the aspects of the culture around us but we can feel them-often times in our bodies as the author describes. Though a book for young readers this is a book I wish I had when I was younger.

I'm Still Here tells the story of Austin Channing Brown and her experience growing up as a Black girl. This edition adapted for young readers shows an experience, that will be validating to some, eye-opening to others, and valuable overall.

I follow Austin Channing Brown on social media and have long been a fan of her political work. I really enjoyed her memoir and her thoughts on belonging in different settings. She made me think about the Black experience, and how her journey may look different than others' experience. I think a lot of young men and women would feel seen after reading her candid thoughts.

Overall, this was a quick read and while she is a political figure, this book focused more on culture, lived experiences, and the effects of racism and white supremacy. It made me want to be a better ally and I plan to recommend this to teens at my library.

I am preparing a unit for my 8th grade English students using multiple texts. This will go on my 'wish list' to teach.

I loved this so much. As an afro latine christian woman this book resonated with me so much. This is a great book for non-black people to read for understanding the experience of a Black woman.

A great book for young Black people, and for others to begin to understand their experience. Channing Brown is an excellent writer!

I'm Still Here (Adapted for Young Readers); Staying Yourself in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown was just as incredible and breathtaking as the original for adults. This is a brilliant book and should be in schools across the nation. A must haev for every library.

I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown is a generous resource and bibliotherapy tool for young people on a racial identity development journey. Austin is so vulnerable with her storytelling while sharing accounts from her own girlhood journey as she reconciles being a Black girl in America and the ways she coped with the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and discrimination. I enjoyed the structure of the book as she shares accounts from the different settings of her life including school, home life, and interpersonal relationships with friends. I know this is a resource young people need particularly at a time in our society when we are experiencing an adolescent mental health crisis.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!