Halima, Superhero Princess

"Halima, Superhero Princess," written by Emily Joof is a picture book that tells the story of best friends Halima, Astrid, and Maya. The girls are excited to have been invited to Alexis’ sixth birthday party. The friends do everything together and are thrilled to plan their outfits for the party theme: superheroes and princesses. None of the names the girls rattled off did not look like Halima. Halima felt sad and worried she wouldn’t be able to go to the party as someone strong and brave.

Pictured above is author Emily Joof

Mama reminds Halima that women who look like her are heroes in their own right, from Amanda Gorman to Shuri, from Mae Jamison to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. With so many fantastic role models to choose from, who will Halima represent for the birthday party?

Illustrator Åsa Gilland

Halima, Superhero Princess is a collaboration between Joof, an African-diaspora children’s author, and Swedish artist Åsa Gilland. Together, they bring to life a story of finding inspiration in talented, intelligent, and courageous Black women. For young readers and their parents, Halima’s story is a reminder of the rich and influential history and contributions of women of African descent. Knowing one’s culture and identity, children will understand that hurtful words cannot bring them down. There is a teachable lesson for young readers who do not share Halima’s background: sometimes people say unkind things they do not mean, but the pain is the same.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Manhattan Book Review.

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