Children who live in poverty or are part of a minority group often lack suitable role models. De’Shawna Yamini counters this in If She Can Do It, I Can, Too! De’Shawna presents brief introductions to twelve highly successful African American women. This will appeal to young girls of all races and nationalities. The fact that several of these women are involved in STEM makes this book even more valuable. This is an excellent resource to inspire children to let nothing hold them back from becoming whatever they want to be. The women in this book have run the race and won. They overcame hardships and discrimination. They blazed the trail for others to follow. Let your children know that these women are cheering them on to success.

De’Shawna Yamini uses both lyrics and prose to highlight the different examples of success. What do an astronaut, a mathematician, a politician, and an aviator all have in common? In If She Can Do It, I Can, Too!, you will find these African American women all overcame many obstacles on their path to greatness. None of them had superpowers. They were just ordinary women who did not let their circumstances stop them from becoming all they could be. Children need to see that others have faced hardships and were able to overcome them. This book reminds me of one of my favorite hymns I heard in the 1960s: “We Shall Overcome.” This book offers real encouragement! I highly recommend it to all children.

There are examples of great talent and excellence that children can imitate. Both in the past and in recent times, many Black women have proved their worth by doing extraordinary things. Learn about some of these amazing women in If She Can Do It, I Can, Too! by De’Shawna Yamini. In this beautiful picture book, children will meet exceptional women who have made their mark in medicine, politics, and the arts. Young readers will discover what they have achieved through verses and short, clear descriptions. These wonderful women will encourage children to follow their dreams.

Often it is enough to set an example for children to give them hope that they can get what they want in life. I am sure If She Can Do It, I Can, Too! is a book that will touch the hearts of many young readers and encourage them to give of their best. There is a lot of high-quality material in this book, and the characters De’Shawna Yamini describes make it possible for children to choose positive role models. These women have made a difference in various disciplines, so it will be easy for every child to find their favorite (or favorites) among them, depending on their inclination. I really hope our young readers are inspired to bring out their potential as these great women did. I recommend If She Can Do It, I Can, Too! to all children (especially girls) who want to keep dreaming and being inspired by great examples from the past. If they made it, you will too.