Book Title: RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait

Author: Surayyah Fofana

Illustrator: Eliana Rodgers

Publisher: Larue PR LLC

Number of Pages: 34

Genre: children’s, illustrated

Release Date: September 23rd 2021

Goodreads Synopsis:

When RayRay gets a class assignment to do a self-portrait, she’s excited. That is, until she gets to her hair.Suddenly, RayRay realizes that her hair isn’t like anyone else’s she knows . . . not even her family’s.

Determined to find out whose hair she has, Ray Ray sets off on a quest to learn who she really is.

Can she find an answer in time to finish her self portrait?

My Review:

5/5 stars

* I would like to start off by thanking Kosi Harris of KH PR for being so kind to send a copy of RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait, as well as having the opportunity to interview author Surayyah Fofana.

I knew I would enjoy this book just from reading the dedication page. Anyone who has experienced not belonging to a specific standard marches to their own drums will for sure enjoy this book.

This book follows RayRay, who, for an art project, must create a self portrait. As she creates her self-portrait, she is suddenly aware that her hair is unlike anyone else’s and immediately stops her drawing.

RayRay seeks out her family to try and gain and understanding about who she is and who she inherited her curly hair from. She does this in order to feel some sense of belonging. RayRay ends up learning, loving and excepting that all the combined differences and cultures from her family make her unique and individual. That all of these differences can make something beautiful. 

I loved the message in this story and how the author ended up basing this story on her own experiences growing up with “ a full head of phenomenally curly hair” (about the author). I personally have accepted my curly wavy brown hair, even though I grew up straightening my hair and always wanting to have blonde, poker straight hair.

Anyone could easily relate to this story as so many people nowadays struggle with accepting ones differences and what makes them unique. People can also empathize and understand what RayRay goes through. I would absolutely recommend thus book.

Make sure to check out my interview with Surayyah Fofana below!

Interview with Surayyah Fofana:

Quotablebooks1: What was your inspiration behind RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait. 

Surayyah: In my experience as a young woman of color, I’ve often found it hard to feel seen. For so much of my life, race and diversity have been viewed as supplemental topics of discussion, not the urgent, crucial ones that they are. Growing up in a black, white, Jewish and Muslim home has forced me to confront a lot of adversity. I’ve come to realize that multicultural backgrounds are often viewed as unconventional, and even abnormal. I knew that the feeling of being an “outsider” was not just something I experienced. In reflecting upon my childhood, I realized that the thing I wanted most was to see families like mine represented in a way that depicted them as normal, and worth celebrating. I wanted to help other young kids, especially those who’ve felt ostracized for simply being themselves, celebrate what makes us different. Ultimately, RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait is my attempt at redefining what it means to be “unconventional” and showcasing and activating the importance of diverse representation. 

Quotablebooks1: What is your favorite genre to read and why?

Surayyah: My favorite genre to read is definitely fantasy. I’ve always loved Greek mythology and other types of literature that have allowed me to escape from reality, and venture into a new world. 

Quotablebooks1: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Surayyah: Writing has always been central to who I am, but I haven’t always viewed it as a career path. Growing up, writing started off as more of a passion. In my eyes today, it has evolved into a vehicle to tell my story. Now it seems to be fundamental to who I am. 

Quotablebooks1: What were the challenges?

Surayyah: One thing I really had to be cognizant of was the way I told my story. I was constantly obsessing over whether my personal experience was compelling and even digestible. But after many rewrites, and a lot of feedback I realized that the element of personal experience is what made my story meaningful and authentic. 

Quotablebooks1: Since you are both a children’s author and student, do you have any advice to students who wish to become an author? 

Surayyah: The minute you start writing you are an author! Despite what others may think, your work is extremely valued and meaningful. Continue experimenting and creating until you find what works for you! Your voice is needed, and I encourage you to challenge yourself and think deeper!

Thanks again to both Surayyah and Eliana for the incredible book and to Kosi Harris for sending me this book!

About the author:

Surayyah Fofana:

Surayyah “RayRay” Fofana is a 16 year old high school student, activist, dancer and writer with a full head of phenomenally curly hair. RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait is her first ever children’s book. It’s based on her own experience as well experiences of families and children with varied racial, ethnic and/or religious backgrounds. Surayyah is interested in raising awareness around all things tied to race, culture and diversity and creating a better, more inclusive world. She hopes this book can give readers an honest, warm and welcoming idea of a diverse home, much like the one she has grown up in. www.rayrayseries.com, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayraytellsstories


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