Crowned

A folktale and fairy-tale collection that encompasses retold Western stories, African American and African diaspora tales, and original entries. The first third of this anthology, "Childhood Reimagined," consists of fairy tales from European traditions that highlight the beauty of Black characters. The original storylines remain largely intact, but these new versions make space for nuanced examinations of the genre, such as in "Goldi, the Girl with the Golden Locs," in which an indulged, petulant child learns from a bear family about moderation and appreciation. "Our Stories Retold," the volume's middle section, presents African and African American tales, from the familiar ("John Henry, the Steel Drivin' Man") to ones that may be new to many readers ("Aku, the Sun Maker"). In the closing section, "New Classics: Our Stories," readers encounter entries that combine contemporary pop-culture references with a fairy-tale lens and ones that present being different as something beautiful. The real highlight is the visual artistry of the photography, which showcases Black children in imaginative outfits and settings--for example, an ethereal Little Mermaid and Hansel and Gretel wearing an Ndebele-influenced take on Bavarian-style clothing. As springboards for further reading and exploration, readers may wish for source notes or context on the stories' cultures of origin as well as the inspirations for the clothing and adornment. Vibrant photography and dynamic storytelling combine in this affirming and celebratory volume. (photography credits, model credits) (Fantasy. 8-12)

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