FICTION

When We Say Black Lives Matter

Candlewick. Sept. 2021. 32p. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781536222388.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3–A powerful, painful, and honest celebration of being Black in the world today. This book not only affirms young Black children, but calls on all children to acknowledge the importance of Black lives and the Black Lives Matter movement. Without shying away from painful history and hard truths, Clarke, an Australian writer and illustrator of Afro-Caribbean descent, raises the call to bellow, sing, laugh, and cry, “Black Lives Matter.” The illustrations resemble stained glass windows that feature silhouettes of Black characters embracing myriad ways in which to acknowledge and process the wonderfulness of being Black as well as the danger and sadness of living in a racist society.
VERDICT Affirming language and inspiring illustrations make this poem in praise of the BLM movement a book that deserves a spot in every library.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?