FICTION

Black Joy: Love Yourself, Love Your Culture

by Charnaie Gordon (text) & illus. by Lhaiza Morena
becker&mayer! kids. Jan. 2025. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780760394397.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-4–Gordon’s ode to Black Love Day is told through the story of a young Black boy named Jaden who wants to show love for his community. Through a project to revitalize street art to commemorate the many types of love Jaden sees around him, he learns that “love can be shown in big and small ways” in how we support one another. Centered around a heart, Jaden transforms a graffiti-filled wall into a collaborative mural. The text is succinct for younger readers, but the book would work well as a read-aloud, too. Morena’s vivid cartoon-style artwork shines in this book, capturing the joy and diversity in Jaden’s community. Back matter includes information on Black Love Day, celebrated on February 13, as well as crafts and activities that readers can do to honor that day.
VERDICT A sweet story with minor religious overtones. Recommended secondary purchase for elementary and public libraries.
Reviewed by Monisha Blair , Jan 31, 2025

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