Grown: The Black Girls' Guide to Glowing Up

by Melissa Cummings-Quarry, Natalie A. Carter

Grown. It's a mood. It's a mindset. It's a mantra. It's a lifestyle. It embodies everything that makes us who we are.

Being a teenager and trying to understand who you are and what you stand for is hard. Period. But if you're a Black girl and don't always see yourself represented in the books you read, the films you watch, the adverts you see or the history you're taught, it can be even tougher. Grown: The Black Girls' Guide to Glowing Up was written with one thing in mind sis. You.

From understanding identity to the politics of hair to maintaining squad goals to dealing with microaggressions to consent to figuring out what career you might want, Grown has got your back. Natalie A. Carter and Melissa Cummings-Quarry share stories - the wins and the Ls - and offer honest, practical advice that will show you how to own your choices. To live your truth without fear. To be grown on your own terms without limits or apologies.

With a foreword from the inimitable Spice Girl Melanie Brown and contributions from inspirational Black women such as Diane Abbott MP, Dorothy Koomson and Candice Carty-Williams and gorgeous illustrations from Dorcas Magbadelo, Grown is a celebration of Black British girlhood that will empower you to live your very best life.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, ebook

First published September 30, 2021

Reviews

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm well aware as a 30 something white woman, I am not the books target reader.
However, as a secondary school teacher I feel it's important to read books such as this to get a more in depth idea about my pupils. I think that everyone - no matter what their race, age or gender would get a lot rom this book - even if you're not the target demographic.It's eye-opening.

There is A LOT of information within these pages, and at times it was a little overwhelming. I had to read this book in short chunks so I could fully digest everything. I certainly learnt a lot and I'm sure that younger females of colour would adore this. The journal prompts in this book are also a great addition.

[Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I needed as a teenager and the book I’m glad to have as an early adult

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not the target audience for this book but this was beautifully written, insightful and non-judgmental, and the quotes were chosen well.

[Jo The Black Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Being grown comes at a cost."

Even thought this is aimed at teenagers and young adults, at my ripe old age of 31, 'Grown' still opened my mind and engaged my mind with each topic that was explored. I think the main reason for this is because we and the previous generations have this expectation that our lives must follow a precise blueprint. A deviation from this expectancy is sometimes the greatest blessing. Natalie & Melissa @bg_bookclub broke it all the way down to guide young girls (and "Grown" women) to their highest purpose.

Grown incorporates various themes such as; Colourism; Finance; Intersectionality; Religion & many many more. I adored the open spaces for written activities alongside the beautiful illustrations throughout.

I love a book that is relatable and makes me think about my past, present and future self. 'Grown' did that. Especially chapter 6 - Love Language. Like many others I grew up forcibly going to church every Sunday, having beliefs that to some degree that I saw as been forced down my throat, especially regarding the expectations of women. Not to forget, being forced to attend an all girl school to limit the interactions between the opposite sex - pretty laughable now. I definitely think that if my mum had not been so guarded and unapproachable to sex and relationships then a lot of my decisions would have been better growing up. This is another reason why I rate 'grown' highly! This guide will give young girls a room to question, understand & rethink their choices without the worry.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

GROWN is a much-needed and well overdue book in my opinion. It's the first non-fiction book I've read that addresses the very real issues facing Black British teen girls. Yes, it covers deep stuff like racist microagressions but also self-care, money management, religion and education/careers. The writing style is warm, loving, funny and accessible - like a knowledgeable big sis in book form. I particularly loved the thought-provoking writing prompts throughout the book as they encourage young readers to apply the advice to their own lives. GROWN was written with Black girls in mind at every step of the way and it truly shows. It's a masterpiece and I wish I had it when I was a teenager!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few chapters of this book are pretty universal, I think, about the growing up as a black girl and the experiences that are tied up in that. Towards the second half of the book, it is much more geared towards the target audience - young black girls - and became less relevant to me, an adult woman. However, I do think the ideas in these beautifully illustrated pages are incredibly important. Before I was even close to finishing the book I recommended it for two different preteen black girls on my orbit as I strongly believe this is a book that will greatly benefit them.

If I have a daughter, best believe I'll give this to her.

[Angie Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I originally ordered for myself, pre booked 9mths in advance. Then my play-neice converted to Islam, and I thought this would be a great addition to her care package. What a labour of love this book is. Brilliant delivery throughout, with engaging content to really think over, bring forth discussions amongst us elders and the newbies. So yes, i ha e a copy among my spiritual books and guides, and will be offereibg copies for all the'peng black girls/women' in my networks.

Nao "Life is beautiful"

[19HyltonR]

This book was really interesting it was educational and the writing was really provoking. I really like the first hand details and passages there were. Each story from a famous figure was really interesting and thoughtful. This book would appeal to a young audience, teengagers mostly.

[Baddie kaloga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I hate reading but when I saw this book it catch my eyes straight away. The best book ever, I feel like this book understand me more then myself ❤ it's book that I always want