Black Girl in the Middle: Five Transformative Practices to Make Schools Better for Black Girls

By Melody M Hawkins

Take your opportunity to help her soar.

During the critical developmental period of the middle school years, Black girls--who sit at the intersections of racism and sexism--often face unique challenges that can hinder their academic and personal growth. Revealing the systemic barriers Black girls experience, Black Girl in the Middle equips teachers with research-backed practices to foster meaningful connections, address biases, and advocate for their students′ holistic development.

Drawing on research and years of experience as an award-winning educator, author Melody Hawkins introduces five core practices that have been shown to catapult middle school students toward greater confidence and success. This guide enables middle school educators to:

Foster inclusive classrooms and genuine empathy rooted in an understanding of Black girls as whole individuals Define goals, apply evidence-based practices, and measure impact using the BELIEF Framework Advocate for the unique needs of Black girls while building their confidence and leadership skills

Whether you're a middle school teacher, mentor, counselor, or community advocate, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to ensure Black girls are fully seen, celebrated, and supported to thrive.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1071982125
• ISBN13: 9781071982129
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Corwin Publishers
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.