With tender, heartfelt words and deep, sweeping illustrations, For a Girl Becoming is a beautiful prayer for the life to come of a newly-born baby girl. Generations of family celebrate her arrival and a blessing unfolds in verse as we follow her through her journey.

This book struck chords in all the best places. As a parent of my own daughter, I felt the echoes of my own wishes for her in its language. The illustrations by Adriana García in this upcoming edition enhance the text with incredible majesty, rich imagery, and a fragrance of the mystical as it guides your eye across its pages. I was moved by its beauty and the effortless way the graphics and poetry all wound themselves together in a perfect work of art, and heart.

Thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

5 stars

With a beautiful blend of Harjo's poetry and García's absolutely stunning illustrations, this book is nothing short of perfection. For a Girl Becoming follows the life of a young Native girl, chronicling how the ancestors guided her to Earth, how she's loved and treasured right from the start, and how she grows and changes through life's many challenges.

The imagery here, through both words and art choice, is pure magic; the power and strength of hundreds of horses, the warmth and comfort of a loved one's hands, the ever-present rainbow shining despite the rain. This book is encouraging and filled with such love, like being wrapped in a hug.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A triumph of both image and text. Harjo's moving poem celebrates the spirit and life of a Native American girl from the time she is born, through her youth and adolescence, and into her adulthood. She emphasizes the generational, cultural, and environmental ties which keep the girl, regardless of how she grows or how her life changes, forever tied to the great universal cycle.

Garcia's stunning illustrations match the tone of the text to a T; the brilliant motion and color of each spread conveys the wonder of the natural world, of life, and of our connections to one another.

I would recommend this beautiful book to anyone, but I think it would be especially appreciated by older readers--this is one of those picture books I think many adults who might enjoy it will miss out on based on the assumption that picture books = only for kids!

This may be one of the best children's books I have read in quite a while. Stunning visuals and the story is incredibly moving and heartwarming. Beautiful representation for Natives everywhere.

Thank you to Norton Young Readers and NetGalley for a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

This book is beautiful - with illustrations that are not only STUNNING but also deeply meaningful. It serves as a beautiful tribute to Native American heritage, thoughtfully highlighting the profound generational connection to the land, nature, and the people who carry forward their traditions. We LOVE representation - Native children, in particular, will find themselves seen and celebrated in a way that is both authentic and empowering.

The narrative follows the journey of a young girl from the moment she is born into adulthood, weaving together themes of ancestry, a deep connection to the natural world, and how deeply rooted her identity is in the land and the culture that surrounds her. The illustrations use intricate and rich imagery to convey complex ideas and emotions. While some of the symbolism and cultural concepts might be unfamiliar to those who have not exposed themselves to Native American traditions, it offers a valuable opportunity to learn and explore these beautiful traditions in a respectful and meaningful way. Although the book is recommended for children aged 4-8, teens and even adults will love this as well.

For a Girl Becoming is a beautifully illustrated poem that serves as both a blessing and a guide for a young girl as she journeys through life. Joy Harjo’s lyrical verse emphasizes the deep connections between the girl and the natural world, her family, her ancestors, and her community, reminding her of the responsibilities and magic that come with these ties. Paired with Adriana Garcia’s striking illustrations, the poem celebrates growth, belonging, and the power of relationships in shaping one’s path.

As a new mom to a daughter, this book resonated with me in a way it might not have before—I could feel the weight and warmth of its message more deeply. Harjo’s words are thoughtful and powerful, offering wisdom that feels both deeply personal and universal. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, adding depth and emotion to the journey. It’s a lovely and meaningful book, one that would make a great gift for any young girl standing at the threshold of her own becoming.