Urban Education Policy student DaQuan Brown has released his second children’s book, Just For Her.
The book is described by DaQuan as “a heartfelt, alphabet-themed children’s book written as a poetic love letter from a parent to their daughter.” Moving from A to Z, each page imagines a girl in a future career through playful rhymes, whether that be an actor, a neuroscientist, a therapist, or a zookeeper. DaQuan says the story reminds girls “that she can become anything she dreams of as long as she stays kind, grows at her own pace, and follows her heart.”
Just For Her follows DaQuan’s first book, Just Like You!: ABC Edition, which offered meaningful career representation centering Black and Brown boys. After receiving many messages from families asking for a similar book centered on girls, DaQuan felt compelled to create a companion text that would meet that need.
He explains that the idea fully took shape during a summer spent at Brown University, where the time and environment allowed him to write with clarity and purpose. What excites him most about this project is its emotional heart, particularly the way it highlights the bond between mothers and daughters and offers an affirming presence in Black classrooms and communities. Though not formally part of a series, DaQuan views Just For Her as a natural sister project to his first book and a continuation of his commitment to celebrating possibility, identity, and joy for all children.
DaQuan points to both Morehouse College and Brown University as foundational to his work. “At Morehouse, I learned the importance of representation, purpose, and community, which naturally influenced the heart of my storytelling,” he said. At Brown, he found a community of peers who “not only pursue their passion for education policy but also honor their creative interests and find ways to merge the two.” These two communities inspired DaQuan to blend his creative work with his commitment to educational equity.
DaQuan shares, “My work continues to center the voices, needs, and brilliance of Black children and families.” The new book continues that mission by portraying Black girls stepping into careers they don’t always see reflected around them, reinforcing that who they are, what they aspire to, and the futures they envision all deserve celebration.
DaQuan hopes the book serves as a tool for joy, conversation, and connection among children and the adults who support them. For children, he wants it to be a joyful reminder that their dreams are valid and limitless. For adults, he hopes it sparks discussions about identity, confidence, and possibility.
“In classrooms, I see it being used to introduce new careers, build vocabulary, and support culturally responsive teaching,” DaQuan noted. “In homes and community spaces, I hope it becomes a bonding experience that strengthens relationships, encourages curiosity, and helps children imagine futures they may not have seen represented before.”
Visit Just For Kids for more information.