Here at Tea, we love our books – though the power of a good story, they give us a different way to “travel”, using the magic of words and illustrations to transport us to new worlds. Books open our minds to different cultures, perspectives, experiences and ideas – and keep us curious and connected.
Here’s what Tea team members (and their kids) are reading for Black History Month, and beyond.
Carmen, Wholesale Account Manager & Mother of Two
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table By Jacqueline Briggs Martin & illustrated by Eric-Shabazz Larkin
This book is always at the front of our bookshelf because I like that the main character, Farmer Will Allen, brings together urban life and rural life in a way that celebrates his heritage as well as life today. This story shows how you can grow beautiful, wonderful things in the most unlikely places and how this urban garden brings a community together.
Christina, Email Marketing Associate & Aunt of 4
Hair Love By Matthew A. Cherry & illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Hair Love is the perfect tribute to the special bond that exists between daughters and their father. It’s also a great story about self-love and acceptance of oneself that teaches black girls from a young age that their kinks and curls are beautiful in their natural form.
Emily, Creative Director & Mother of a Three Year Old
If Dominican Were a Color By Sili Recio
In preparation for my trip to the Dominican Republic, I found two great books to read with my daughter that celebrate the Caribbean-Black-American diaspora: the first is called If Dominican Were a Color by Sili Recio. It celebrates Black and brown beauty alongside the landscape, traditions, and texture of the Dominican Republic.
Islandborn By Junot Díaz
The second is Islandborn by Junot Díaz. The illustrations by Leo Espinosa are stunning. The story focuses on Lola, who was born in the Dominican Republic but immigrated to the US when she was a baby. She interviews other Dominicans who live in her neighborhood and they share their favorite memories of the island with her: bats as big as blankets, mangos so sweet they make you weep, music and dancing everywhere. I love how this book celebrates Lola’s imagination, curiosity, and connection with her community. I also read Díaz’s award-winning book The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao as an adult accompaniment to Islandborn.
Margie, Fashion Director & Mother of Two
Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson
My 15-year-old daughter recommends Brown Girl Dreaming: Jacqueline Woodson’s life so beautifully written in verse. And I recommend Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes is so Inspiring, hilarious, and badass.
Kim, Marketing Director & Mother of Two
You Matter By Christian Robinson
You Matter is a poetic reminder that we are all connected and we all make an impact on each other and the world around us. My daughter loves the charming, colorful illustrations and I never get tired of this book’s important lesson: yes, you matter!
Don’t Touch My Hair By Sharee Miller
Don’t Touch My Hair teaches us about setting personal boundaries and using your voice. I hope my own daughters are inspired by Aria’s courage to speak up, communicate her feelings and ask for what she needs – good advice for any age!
