My Beads and Me


Children - Preschool
30 Pages
Reviewed on 12/06/2022
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

Mya, the main character in My Beads and Me by Amber T. Bogan, knows that her colorful hair beads are so much more than just ornaments for her braided hair. They are there to help her remember her traditional roots, which teach her that she can be and do anything that she wants in life, be it an acrobat, a doctor, an astronaut, or whatever her heart desires. This allows an imaginative Mya, with the help of her beads, to travel back in time or go jetting to places around the world and even venture into outer space. These magical beads also serve to remind her to enjoy activities with friends, bake, eat ice cream or be musical through their clicking and clacking sounds. They will always be her perfect companion throughout the day, when she shines, and when she's in bed for a good night's sleep.

African history shows the use of hair beads to signify social status and in the modern-day world, it can also be a form of cultural, artistic, or even political expression. Through the eyes of Amber T. Bogan's imaginative little character, Mya, this tradition is something that not only sparks creativity but also gives her a positive self-view that empowers and gives her the hope to believe in herself. They help fuel her imagination, confidence, and optimism, leading to self-discovery and the ability to face the unexpected. The brilliant and colorful illustrations by Karla Bivens look so lively and energetic in a style that completely enhances the story and makes it appealing to young readers. Together with the narrative, the artwork helps portray a sense of amazement and self-affirmation that a child like Mya gets from her beautifully beaded hair. My Beads and Me's simple and rhythmic language, along with its attractive layout, makes this a fun and stimulating read for children; this is a highly recommended read-along.