“Molly Morningstar: A Doll for Me” is not only a relevant and important diverse picture book but also a relatable and entertaining story. It allows children of color to see themselves in the main character, who addresses her situation head-on, takes charge, and comes to a resolution on her own. The author brings her real-life experience as a mother, a person of color, and an educator to this debut picture book.
Author Andrea Coke addresses diversity and representation in such a reverberating way that resonates with children and people of diverse backgrounds. Using something as simple as a doll that most people take for granted, Coke shows readers both young and old the power of diversity and inclusion. The illustrations penned by M Fernanda Orozco further show children the lack of inclusion on toy store shelves and displays, in realistic color and graphically crisp images.