With its emphasis on the passing down of generational knowledge, this book is perfect for a quiet story time read aloud between parent and child or a gift for a young woman beginning a new stage of life. I can also see it being used with older students as an example of illustrated poetry.

I think there's something beautiful about being a woman, and I think there's something beautiful about experiencing the shared experiences of that, while at the same time experiencing it through the voice and words and hope of Joy Harjo.

A triumph of both image and text. Harjo's moving poem celebrates the spirit and life of a Native American girl from the time she is born, through her youth and adolescence, and into her adulthood. She emphasizes the generational, cultural, and environmental ties which keep the girl, regardless of how she grows or how her life changes, forever tied to the great universal cycle.

Garcia's stunning illustrations match the tone of the text to a T; the brilliant motion and color of each spread conveys the wonder of the natural world, of life, and of our connections to one another.

I would recommend this beautiful book to anyone, but I think it would be especially appreciated by older readers--this is one of those picture books I think many adults who might enjoy it will miss out on based on the assumption that picture books = only for kids!

With a beautiful blend of Harjo's poetry and García's absolutely stunning illustrations, this book is nothing short of perfection. For a Girl Becoming follows the life of a young Native girl, chronicling how the ancestors guided her to Earth, how she's loved and treasured right from the start, and how she grows and changes through life's many challenges.

The imagery here, through both words and art choice, is pure magic; the power and strength of hundreds of horses, the warmth and comfort of a loved one's hands, the ever-present rainbow shining despite the rain. This book is encouraging and filled with such love, like being wrapped in a hug.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an electronic ARC from W. W. Norton & Company through NetGalley.
Beautifully illustrated story of a young girl's birth and hopes for her as she grows to adulthood. The poetry is beautiful but is difficult to read on some pages. The artwork is gorgeous and appears to be 3D on the pages. A lovely book to remember heritage.