A Princess Like Me

About the Book

“Mommy, how come most princesses don’t look like me?” With that tender question, a daughter voiced what so many little Black girls have felt when turning pages or watching the big screen. That moment became heartbreakingly real one Halloween night, when one of England Avi-Zuri Raphael’s daughters asked to have her face painted white—“like a clown”—so she could be a “real” princess. Her twin sister agreed, and in that instant, England’s heart broke. Her reply was filled with love, wisdom, and affirmation: princesses come in many shades, with curls, coils, locs, and braids—and their beauty shines from within. A Princess Like Me is a lyrical call-and-response between mother and daughter, celebrating the limitless beauty of complexions—espresso, cocoa, mocha, caramel, cinnamon, and champagne, to name a few—and affirming that true royalty is not found in mirrors, but in courage, brilliance, and compassion. The story first bloomed in 2006, inspired by England’s twin daughters who longed to see themselves in the fairytales they adored. England— later watched those daughters grow into proud University of Michigan graduates. For children seeking both reflection and direction, A Princess Like Me is mirror and map. Like a honeybee hidden in a garden, its message hums softly yet powerfully: THE CROWN HAS ALWAYS BEEN YOURS. ※

About the Author

England Avi-Zuri Raphael is a writer, creative, and human resources leader based in Detroit, Michigan. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University and is known for blending professional insight with storytelling that heals and uplifts. She is proud to be called “Matem” (IFYKYK)—or “Mommy” (never Mom or Ma—smile)—by her three children, even the two adults. Her twin daughters, now independent and fearless young women, have lived abroad in France, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan, and South Korea, immersing themselves in language and culture as they design bold lives on their own terms. Her son, ten years younger, is thriving in high school. A math whiz with wide-ranging interests, he once won two first-place trophies in his inaugural Taekwondo tournament, loves gaming, and is admired for his tenacious spirit as much as his curiosity. England says her children inspire her and remain her greatest teachers. While she may be the Queen Bee, they remind her daily—like honeybees—that brilliance is found in community, in persistence, and in the sweetness of creating a life that is truly your own. And always remember: a little bit of magic goes a long way. ※