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Raya in her room surrounded by crayons, glitter, a telescope, and some crackers with cheese.
Raya loved sparkles, sneakers, science, and snacks.
: Raya’s curls shining in the sun while another child looks on with a puzzled face. Raya looks unsure.
One sunny day at the park, a kid said, "Your hair is so puffy. Why don’t you make it flat?"
Raya watching tall kids play dress-up in crowns and long dresses.
Later, someone else pointed and said, “You’re too short to be a princess!”
Raya sitting near the dance corner while other kids twirl around.
And at school, a whisper floated by: “You’re not skinny enough to be a ballerina.”
Raya frowning at her reflection.
Raya looked in the mirror. Maybe she needed to change.
Raya wearing a headband, holding a brush, with curls springing right back up
She tried flattening her curls. It didn’t feel like her.
Raya wobbling in costume ballet shoes, holding the wall for balance.
She tiptoed like a ballerina. Her toes were tired!
Raya standing on books, arms stretched, slightly off balance.
She stood on her tippy toes to be taller. Still Raya-sized.
Auntie sitting beside Raya in bed, soft lighting and cozy blankets.
That night, Titi Abri tucked her in. “Why the long face, bug?”
Titi Abri brushing a curl off Raya’s forehead as they smile at each other.
Raya told her everything. Titi Abri smiled and said, "Raya, your curls, your size, your sparkle—it's all you. And you look just right.”
Raya posing in front of the mirror with joy.
Raya looked in the mirror again. She saw her hair, her eyes, her legs, her light. And she smiled.
Raya beaming on the playground, mid-twirl, with other kids joining in.
The next day, Raya wore glittery sneakers and fairy wings. She twirled, ran, and laughed. And she whispered to herself, “I look just right.”