Magic Like That

By Samara Cole Doyon, Geneva Bowers

In this celebration of Black Girl Magic, a young girl finds confidence and excitement in the versatility of her natural hair and the way her different hairstyles reflect the natural world.

Description

Natural hair is magical, but magic isn’t easy. As a young Black girl patiently waits for her mother to finish her newest hairstyle, she wonders what stunning, majestic, awe-inspiring form her hair will take next!

With radiant illustrations by Geneva Bowers and beautiful, poetic text written by Samara Cole Doyon, Magic Like That will inspire young readers of all textures to believe in the beauty of their natural selves.

About the Creators

Samara Cole Doyon

Samara Cole Doyon is a second-generation Haitian American living in the state of Maine–a region of unceded Wabanaki / Abenaki territory where half the roots of her family tree reside. Her picture-book debut, Magnificent Homespun Brown, received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. You can visit her online at samaracoledoyon.com.

Geneva Bowers

Geneva Bowers illustrated the children’s books The Dragon Thief, Beyoncé: Shine Your Light, and Curls, among others. She won the 2018 Hugo Award for Best Fan Artist and a 2018 British Science Fiction Association Award nomination. A self-taught illustrator based in western North Carolina, Geneva loves manipulating color and adding whimsy with a touch of realism and calm. Visit her online at Genevab.com.

Reviews

  • * "A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Readers will revel in this glorious celebration of Black hair."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "This picture book celebrates the beauty and strength of Black hair, presenting it as a symbol of empowerment for young people."

    - Booklist

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781643790701
  • Publication Date Sep 07, 2021
  • Trim Size 10 × 9 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Poetry
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Science & Nature / General
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Biracial / Multiracial, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Dreams & Aspirations, Environment / Nature, Fiction, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Imagination, Mothers, Nature / Science, Poetry, Pride, Realistic Fiction
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading O
  • Reading Level 3
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 16
      Identity and Individuality
      Collection of 16 books: $274.20

      Under My Hijab

      This lovely book from the author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns invites readers to understand and appreciate the hijab and the Muslim women who decide to wear it.

      Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina

      Mismatched and fabulous Marisol McDonald celebrates her Peruvian and Scottish heritage.
      Bilingual English/Spanish.

      Zombies Don't Eat Veggies

      In this delightful debut by a talented husband-and-wife team, Mo Romero is a zombie with a deep, dark secret...

      The Electric Slide and Kai

      Kai is the only member of his family who can't get the dance steps to the Electric Slide right. But Kai is determined to bust a move in this fun and sweet celebration of African American families.

      Black All Around

      A young girl discovers all the wonderful and beautiful things around her that are black.

      Bein' with You This Way

      An African American girl and her friends play together and learn that despite their physical differences, they are all really the same.

      The Happiest Tree

      Meena is excited about the class play, a new and improved version of Red Riding Hood.

      The Palm of My Heart

      When children are encouraged to celebrate their lives -- their joys, their influences, their hopes -- the results are pure poetry.

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      Sparkle Boy

      Young Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is.

      When Aidan Became a Brother

      This sweet and groundbreaking picture book, winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother.

      I Remember

      An outstanding celebration of diversity and family: fourteen poets and sixteen illustrators of diverse backgrounds share memorable childhood experiences and reflect upon their different heritages, traditions, and beliefs.

      Magic Like That

      In this celebration of Black Girl Magic, a young girl finds confidence and excitement in the versatility of her natural hair and the way her different hairstyles reflect the natural world.

      Saltypie

      Saltypie is the sweet taste of Choctaw tears in this powerful picture-book memoir.

      She Was the First!

      A timely, inspiring picture book biography of the dynamic twentieth-century educator, activist, and politician Shirley Chisholm.

      My Magic Wand

      From bestselling Latina author Pat Mora comes a collection of poems celebrating a young child's growth and everyday experiences throughout the seasons of a year.

      460 in stock

    • 28
      African American English Collection Grades PreK-2
      Collection of 28 books: $351.60

      The Bus Ride

      With its inspiring introduction by Rosa Parks, The Bus Ride is a timely reminder for readers of all ages that no act is too small when it comes to confronting injustice.

      Magic Like That

      In this celebration of Black Girl Magic, a young girl finds confidence and excitement in the versatility of her natural hair and the way her different hairstyles reflect the natural world.

      Bein' with You This Way

      An African American girl and her friends play together and learn that despite their physical differences, they are all really the same.

      No Mush Today

      The sweet story a young girl who rebels against eating mushy cereal for breakfast every day by leaving her parents and baby brother to spend the day with her grandmother, then realizes home isn't so bad after all.

      Baby Flo

      This spirited biography introduces young readers to the early life of Florence "Baby Flo" Mills, an internationally renowned entertainer of the Harlem Renaissance era who began her career as a child.

      Rainbow Stew

      The sweet story of three children who spend a rainy day with their grandfather, picking fresh vegetables in his garden, and then cook and share a meal of healthy vegetable stew.

      The Hula-Hoopin' Queen

      A spunky African American girl has a hula-hooping competition with her friends in Harlem, and soon everyone in the neighborhood--young and old alike--joins in on the fun.

      Love to Langston

      This inspiring biography on Langston Hughes celebrates his life through poetry.

      Poems in the Attic

      Award-winning poet Nikki Grimes presents a tender poetry collection where a young girl learns about her mother, the child of an Air Force serviceman.

      Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree

      The true story of the famous writer, who as a young girl, learned about hope and strength from her mother.

      Up the Learning Tree

      Henry Bell is not allowed to learn to read and write. In fact, most enslaved children, like him, are severely punished if they are even caught with a book.

      The Jones Family Express

      For as long as Steven can remember, Aunt Carolyn has traveled around the world, and she always sends him postcards from the places she visits.

      Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

      A biography of African American jazz virtuoso Melba Doretta Liston, a pioneering twentieth-century trombone player, composer, and music arranger at a time when few women, of any race, played brass instruments and were part of the jazz scene.

      Knockin' On Wood

      An inspirational biography of Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates (1907--1998), an African American man who overcame the hardship of losing a leg at age 12 and went on to become a world-renowned tap dancer.

      Black All Around

      A young girl discovers all the wonderful and beautiful things around her that are black.

      Sweet Potato Pie

      In this fictional story set in the South in the 1920s, an African American girl and her family sell Mama's sweet potato pies at the Harvest Celebration to raise money and save their farm.

      Singing with Momma Lou

      A young African American girl helps her grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, regain some of her memories.

      Rainbow Joe and Me

      A girl learns the power of imagination from her blind neighbor.

      Destiny's Gift

      Destiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound.

      Allie's Basketball Dream

      Allie's story of self-determination is one that young athletes, both boys and girls, will recognize. Perfect for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of practicing and playing hard, Allie's Basketball Dream is a spirited tribute to perseverance.

      A House by the River

      A young girl learns her rickety, old house by the river is stronger than the fiercest storm because it is fortified by love and family.

      Janna and the Kings

      Saturdays are special for Janna. That's when she and Granddaddy spend the whole day together.

      Christmas Makes Me Think

      An African American boy considers the meaning of giving and sharing and comes to understand the true spirit of Christmas.

      DeShawn Days

      In this uplifting story told in verse, a young boy living in the inner city projects tells about his hopes, fears, and dreams.

      The Palm of My Heart

      When children are encouraged to celebrate their lives -- their joys, their influences, their hopes -- the results are pure poetry.

      Saturday At the New You

      A girl spends the day at her mother's hair salon, a neighborhood gathering place.

      David's Drawings

      A shy young African American boy makes friends in school by letting his classmates help with his drawing of a bare winter tree.

      Sunday Shopping

      Every Sunday night a young girl and her grandmother go on an imaginary shopping trip in this delightful picture book.

      3830 in stock

    • 28
      Juneteenth Webinar Collection
      Collection of 28 books: $420.60

      The Palm of My Heart

      When children are encouraged to celebrate their lives -- their joys, their influences, their hopes -- the results are pure poetry.

      Magic Like That

      In this celebration of Black Girl Magic, a young girl finds confidence and excitement in the versatility of her natural hair and the way her different hairstyles reflect the natural world.

      Stone River Crossing

      From the award-winning author of How I Became a Ghost, a tale of unlikely friendship and miracles. When Martha Tom helps Lil Mo and his family escape from the plantation across the river, it's just the beginning of a Choctaw adventure of a lifetime.

      Step Right Up

      A biography of William "Doc" Key, a formerly enslaved man and self-trained veterinarian who taught his horse, Jim, to read, write, and do math, and who together with Jim became a famous traveling performance act and proponent for the humane treatment of animals around the turn of the twentieth century.

      Ira's Shakespeare Dream

      The inspiring biography of Ira Aldridge, a Black actor who overcame racism to become one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century.

      It Jes' Happened

      The inspiring biography of self-taught (outsider) artist Bill Traylor, a former slave who at the age of eighty-five began to draw pictures based on his memories and observations of rural and urban life in Alabama.

      Seven Miles to Freedom

      The true story of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who commandeered a Confederate ship during the Civil War and escaped with his family and crew to freedom.

      Love Twelve Miles Long

      A moving story about young Frederick Douglass and his mother, who walks twelve miles at night from a nearby plantation to visit him.

      In the Time of the Drums

      Mentu, an enslaved child, learns about the culture of his people from his grandmother, Twi in this Gullah folk tale of an insurrection at Teakettle Creek.

      Etched in Clay

      The acclaimed biography-in-verse about the life and times of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with short poems during the years leading up to the Civil War.

      Going Back Home

      More than half a century after her family moved North to find a better life, artist Michele Wood returned to the South to see and experience the land where her ancestors lived, struggled, and thrived.

      Midnight Teacher

      This historical fiction picture book reveals the unknown story of Lilly Ann Granderson, an African-American teacher who risked her life to teach others during slavery.

      Hammering for Freedom

      The inspirational story of William "Bill" Lewis, a hardworking blacksmith who slowly saved his money and bought the freedom of each and every member of his enslaved family.

      Sweet Music in Harlem

      Searching his Harlem neighborhood for his uncle's missing hat, an energetic African American boy unintentionally creates an exuberant gathering of the neighborhood's jazz musicians for a magazine photograph; a fictional story inspired by Art Kane's historic photograph of jazz greats, Harlem 1958.

      In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall

      In this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African American writers, fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace.