["The Reading Teacher, Volume 79, Issue 6, May/June 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nThis paper presents a critical content analysis of middle grade books featuring Black girls before the end of the Civil War, aiming to guide the selection of culturally relevant classroom texts. Using the Black Girls' Literacy Framework, we examined how each book represented key elements beyond simply featuring a Black female protagonist. Findings emphasize the importance of texts that challenge dominant narratives and reflect students' multiple literacies and identities. We conclude with recommendations for teachers to analyze texts and design curricula that honor the diverse experiences students bring to the classroom.\n"]