Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl: Essays

I am seen. I am really her. I Black Girl. (Yes, Black Girl is a verb here.)

Amena Brown's new nonfiction book, Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl, flawlessly blends true storytelling, humor and culture. She shares the wisdom gained from being raised by Southern Black women and supported by a community of Black women that hold her down to this day. There are stories about natural hair, attending an HBCU, meeting iconic celebrities, boob sweat, life lessons learned from RHOA and more. 

Trust when I say you will relate! Just look at the cover and you can tell from the recognizable box braids that this book is for you. I am an annotation girlie and my advance readers' copy is full of highlighted passages, funny quotes and scenarios that I added my own commentary to in the margins. For example, I noted that I make the mac and cheese in my family too. This is an honor, y'all! I still use Queen Helene facial scrubs and masks. No other product leaves my skin glowing and pores unblocked. I could practically smell the Pink Oil Moisturizer through the page as I read along.

Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl: Essays are joyful, reaffirming and so Black-ass. *in my Jill Scott voice* Amena Brown did an excellent job writing about Black girls in a celebratory fashion. We are a whole world with unspoken understandings. 

Happy Pub Day to Amena Brown! Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl: Essays is officially on shelves.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl: Essays
Author: Amena Brown
Published: June 2026
Pages: 317
Edition: Galley
Genre: Cultural Essays
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤