“I wanted to tell people that you can be whatever you want to be,” says 8-year old author Trinity Anderson of Black Girl Magic Sprinkles.
The story of Black Girl Magic Sprinkles is about a little black girl aspiring to become a teacher but is discouraged because she cannot find any who look like her. With her magic sprinkles, the little girl can transform into anyone she wants to be!
Writing and publishing a book was always on the Andersons’ to-do list and the COVID-19 quarantine allowed the venture to flourish. Chaunetta Anderson and her daughter Trinity joined forces to self-publish their first book. Stumbling on her daughter’s adventure, creativity and desire to be a teacher like her, the two decided to create a children’s book.
Filled with Trinity’s ideas and sentiments, Black Girl Magic Sprinkles features Trinity and her little sister in more ways than one. The 8 year-old created the story line and jar of sprinkles!
Trinity contributed her imaginative ideas that stemmed from an ongoing deeper societal discussion about diversity and inclusion.
When Trinity’s twin brother finally found a black janitor at Tuscarora Elementary, the revelation sparked the basis for the book and added its depth.
“I finally found a black person in my building! That works there! We only see parents or the kids, we never see anyone who actually works there!”
These exclamations shaped the story development and message. Allowing children to see adults in careers and roles with whom they identify makes all the difference in childhood aspirations and ambitions. Representation significantly impacts how a child maneuvers professionally into adulthood.
“So I asked him like ‘my did it bother you? That you didn’t see anyone and he said, no I never really thought about it.’ But it was cool to see. He said that he was cleaning [but] he didn’t care. It was just cool to see a guy who looked like him working.”
One of the most important aspects of the book was ensuring that the girls were accurately depicted. Trinity and her younger sister were drawn as the characters by Georgia illustrator, Nana Melkadze. It was essential that as African-American girls, their culture, hairstyles, and skin tones shared resemblance.
Black Girl Magic Sprinkles is available for purchase online through BGM Books, and in 40,000 retailer locations. It can also be purchased on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. In addition to books, BGM sells personalized lip balms and face masks.
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Photo Credit: MK McKenna