Online Reporter
Youth Interactive Writer
Zimbabwean-born Mikaylah Mushinga, now 13, has returned from the United Kingdom to launch her groundbreaking debut book, “I’m More Than THE BLACK GIRL”, in the country of her birth.
The much-anticipated book launch is set to take place on Monday, 19 August, 2025, at Rainbow Towers in Harare, where family, educators, literary lovers, media and dignitaries are expected to gather in celebration of a bold new voice in Zimbabwean literature.
Mikaylah left Zimbabwe at the age of 10 and quickly found herself navigating the challenges of identity, racism and cultural dislocation in a foreign environment.
Her book, written with raw emotion and striking clarity, captures the struggles faced by many young people who move abroad and must adapt — not just socially, but emotionally.
“When I started writing this book, I was just pouring my emotions through my pen,” Mikaylah said.
“But now I realise this story can be important to every young person out there — every child who will see themselves in a new environment, every parent who will travel with their child, and every kid who will receive a new student at their school. I realise now that the world needs to hear my story and I’m grateful my parents have brought me here to launch my first ever book in my own home amongst my family and the people I love.”
‘I’m More Than THE BLACK GIRL’ will stand out for its honesty and maturity.
Through real-life stories, Mikaylah speaks to what it means to be Black, young, and different in the UK — from her first encounters with microaggressions to a painful incident at school that left her physically injured but emotionally strengthened.
The book is expected to resonate with foreign students, educators, and families alike. It also serves as a learning tool — a bridge between cultures and generations, promoting empathy, identity and resilience.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the launch event, and bulk orders for schools are encouraged as part of a wider literacy and diversity campaign.
