You Are More Than Magic - by Minda Harts (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When you're a girl of color, figuring out how to find your voice and make sure everyone around you can hear it is essential. CEO and bestselling author Minda Harts knows--she's been there. And she's ready to walk you through it all with her own stories of success and the missteps that helped her grow--from running for high school student council when she was barely tall enough to reach the podium, to starting her own company, The Memo LLC, that helps women of color advocate for themselves and their careers. ... With lots of practical advice and real-life anecdotes, as well as questions for reflection and further resources, this book is all about finding your own unique path to success--at school, at work, at home, and beyond. Success is far from magical, but you've already got the tools you need to figure out your next best moves. And your stand-in big sis Minda is here to help you every step of the way!"--Inside front jacket flap

Book Synopsis

"Every parent of a Black or brown girl should buy this book, read it to their child, and pass it along to the other parents in their circle."--Evette Dionne, National Book Award longlisted and Coretta Scott King honor-winning author of Lifting as We Climb

Perfect for graduation gifts and other transitional milestones, this guide is for girls of color looking to find their voice and claim space as they prepare for high school, college, and their careers, from the bestselling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table.

When you're a girl of color, figuring out how to find your voice and make sure everyone around you can hear it is essential. CEO and bestselling author Minda Harts knows--she's been there. And she's ready to walk you through it all with her own stories of success and the missteps that helped her grow--from running for high school student council when she was barely tall enough to reach the podium, to starting her own com­pany, The Memo LLC, that helps women of color advocate for themselves and their ca­reers. Now she's here to hype you up and be real with you about:

- Building your squad: what to look for in a friend, finding mentors, and setting boundaries for healthy relationships
- Saying what you mean without saying it mean: prepping yourself for self-advocacy, negotiations, and tough conversations
- Leaning into courage: affirming yourself, dealing with no's, and speaking up even when you feel like the "only one"

With lots of practical advice and real-life anecdotes, as well as questions for reflection and further resources, this book is all about finding your own unique path to success--at school, at work, at home, and beyond. Success is far from magical, but you've al­ready got the tools you need to figure out your next best moves. And your stand-in big sis Minda is here to help you every step of the way!

Review Quotes

A Higher Heights Chisholm Summer Reading List selection!

"A love letter to Black and brown girls and an acknowledgement of the real work it takes to make magic."--Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will find plenty of affirmative messages and exhortations to do their best."--Booklist

"Every parent of a Black or brown girl should buy this book, read it to their child, and pass it along to the other parents in their circle. . . . Black and brown girls are finally getting their time in the sunshine, and it's quite a joy to see Minda Harts shining an even brighter light on the sheer beauty of Black and brown girlhood."--Evette Dionne, National Book Award longlisted and Coretta Scott King honor-winning author of Lifting as We Climb

"This book is challenging, inspiring, beautiful and actionable. It is exactly what Black and brown girls need as they struggle to find their voice, especially in those moments when they don't feel magical, because it creates a safe space between the pages to prepare them for the road ahead."--Delores Druilhet Morton, CEO, Step Up

"Minda Harts brings the wise and compassionate cheerleader so beloved by readers of The Memo and Right Within to young girls of color . . . From reminders to reflect on the 'Future You' to candidly sharing her own growth and lessons, Harts creates a necessary playbook for girls of color to achieve their full potential. You Are More Than Magic is the guide I wish I had growing up!"--Ruchika Tulshyan, author of Inclusion on Purpose and CEO, Candour

About the Author

Minda Harts is the bestselling and award-winning author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table as well as Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace. She is a highly sought-after speaker and thought-leader, frequently presenting on the topics of advancing women of color, leadership, diversity, and management. Minda is an assistant professor of public service of NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the founder of The Memo LLC, a career development company for women of color. In 2020, Minda was named by LinkedIn as the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace. She has a weekly career podcast for women of color, titled Secure the Seat. You Are More Than Magic is her first book for teens.