Black girlhood. The Boogie Down Bronx. Black Music. All wrapped in a Black woman’s poetry. The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté is a poetry collection that celebrates all of the above while asking the question “When’d do Black girls stop being girls?

The poems touch memories of times when she felt nurtured and cared for by her mother and other times when she felt closed up in boxes created by society that she was expected to fold herself into. It functions as a memoir but the beauty interwoven between the words will have you thinking about your own experiences as a girl growing up.

I highly recommend this as a read for everyone, but especially for Black women. This is a great conversational piece for book clubs for Black women and Black girls. There is also a reading guide to support. The culture, music and experiences that Shanté mentions will resonate on some level with every woman.

Shanté is also a reader’s author, ie she gives you a references and research section at the end of the book. There are also footnotes on almost every page! I love the footnotes! You will walk away with a whole new TBR of books to go explore afterwards. The footnotes really made it unique.

For educators, if you teach creative writing there is lots to explore in Shante’s poetry collection. I would love to experiment with the “definition” poems with students as well as the poems that begin with a music lyric or song title. You could also challenge students to read one of the books recommended in the footnotes.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Unboxing of a Black Girl, the physical layout of the poem and words were also interesting. I’m actually listening to the audiobook now that it’s been released. It’s read by the author so if you can get both, I definitely recommend it. This book is a
journey of girlhood, culture and place. It’s about healing and breaking out of the box.

Oh and if you love hip hop…beware the earworms. NGL I was rapping and singing real low reading this in public.

Got my hands on Shante's poetry book from Page Street YA, and what timing! April, National Poetry Month, seemed perfect to dive in. I couldn't put it down—even sneaking reads at work! 📚🌟

"The Unboxing of a Black Girl" is direct, lyrical, and downright beautiful. It's a heartfelt ode to Black girls, navigating the tough waters of adulthood while holding onto innocence and resilience. Shante's words hit deep, exploring love, pain, and identity in a way that feels both personal and universal. 🖤✨

Reading it felt like Shante was speaking straight to my soul. Her bravery in tackling identity and culture is inspiring, creating a connection that's hard to shake. In a world where Black girls' stories often get sidelined, this book is a much-needed reminder of their strength and brilliance. 🌟💪

A must-read that's both heartfelt and relatable, taking you on a journey through life's complexities. I'll be recommending this gem to everyone! 🌺📖