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by Collette V. Smith (Author), Cameron Wilson (Illustrator)
Collette's Courage is an empowering children's book inspired by the true story of Collette V. Smith, the first African-American female coach in the history of the National Football League and the first Woman to Coach in New York Jets Franchise history.
Young readers meet Collette as a curious, bold, and big-hearted little girl with a passion for football, a loyal dog named Bucky, and a dream that seems bigger than what others believe is possible for a girl. When boys tell her she can't play football "because she's a girl," Collette doesn't back down-she stands tall, speaks up, and shows the world what courage really looks like.
With the love of her parents, the support of her two childhood friends, and the strength she finds inside herself, Collette's Courage is a celebration of self-belief, bravery, kindness, and the power of standing up for who you are.
This story encourages every child-especially young Black girls-to dream big, speak proudly, and never let anyone define their worth. Because courage starts with believing in yourself.
