Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Candlewick (2021), 32 pages
Description
In this exuberant exploration of the Black Lives Matter motto, a loving narrator relays to a young Black child the strength and resonance behind the words.
User reviews
LibraryThing member SqueakyChu
My reaction to this book upon seeing it for the first time was...What a beautiful book! I then read it and feel the same way...only more so now. It has amazing art work which appears to be pastels on fabric. The story of Black Lives Matter is told in rhyme. It tells the child about emotions felt by
My only difficulty with this book was reading black font on a few dark pages because my vision is not so great any more. I had to strain somewhat to see what was written, but I didn't mind that very much. I think it's important to tell the story of Black Lives Matter, and I like the way this book does that.
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those in the black community and covers a range of feelings, but ends on a high note and with hope. My only difficulty with this book was reading black font on a few dark pages because my vision is not so great any more. I had to strain somewhat to see what was written, but I didn't mind that very much. I think it's important to tell the story of Black Lives Matter, and I like the way this book does that.
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LibraryThing member eo206
This book is gorgeous. The message of Black Lives Matters is delivered in a way that is both personal and community driven. Black people and Black children are part of our community and this book celebrates their lives as individuals and as part of the community. The illustrations are in full muted
I hope school classrooms preschool to high school (yes high schoolers can read picture books) add this to their libraries. I also hope the publisher puts this into a board book format for babies and toddlers.
I appreciate when advanced copies are sent fully bound since reading with young children is often a tactile experience as well. This book is beautifully bound, pages are printed on thick paper, the printing excellent. It will stand up to many readings and handlings.
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colors that match the text and full page illustrations. I hope school classrooms preschool to high school (yes high schoolers can read picture books) add this to their libraries. I also hope the publisher puts this into a board book format for babies and toddlers.
I appreciate when advanced copies are sent fully bound since reading with young children is often a tactile experience as well. This book is beautifully bound, pages are printed on thick paper, the printing excellent. It will stand up to many readings and handlings.
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LibraryThing member nicholsm
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful and important book not just for its message, but for Clarke’s art as well. It’s a celebration of black culture and also a great introduction for young
This is a beautiful and important book not just for its message, but for Clarke’s art as well. It’s a celebration of black culture and also a great introduction for young
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children to all the aspects of the importance of the BLM movement. How it's not just about protesting, but also how anger and fear won’t destroy their joy. This book should be in every collection. Show Less
LibraryThing member nbmars
The author, an award-wining Australian writer and poet, addresses this paean for ages 6 and up to Black lives to “Little one,” later refined to “Black-beautiful-brave, my child.” It begins:
“Little one,
when we say
Black Lives Matter,
we’re saying Black people
are wonderful-strong.
that we
treated with basic RESPECT,
and that history’s done us wrong.”
The poetic verse goes on to aver “enough is enough is enough” and that “we need to put things right.”
She adds:
“When we sob that Black Lives Matter,
We’re saying trouble still STALKS,
to this day,
that we’ve seen it
monster in the shadows
and must all help drive it away.”
She references joy and music and love but doesn’t shy away from the reality that makes such a book necessary.
Clarke, who is also the illustrator depicts her poem with words that float and sing and roar across full-bleed pages. The gorgeous textured art in bright bold colors and abstract yet identifiable images accentuates the meaning of the words and asks readers to engage in interpretation.
Evaluation: This outstanding book is oversized, with an oversized message that will uplift as well as teach.
“Little one,
when we say
Black Lives Matter,
we’re saying Black people
are wonderful-strong.
that we
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deserve to betreated with basic RESPECT,
and that history’s done us wrong.”
The poetic verse goes on to aver “enough is enough is enough” and that “we need to put things right.”
She adds:
“When we sob that Black Lives Matter,
We’re saying trouble still STALKS,
to this day,
that we’ve seen it
monster in the shadows
and must all help drive it away.”
She references joy and music and love but doesn’t shy away from the reality that makes such a book necessary.
Clarke, who is also the illustrator depicts her poem with words that float and sing and roar across full-bleed pages. The gorgeous textured art in bright bold colors and abstract yet identifiable images accentuates the meaning of the words and asks readers to engage in interpretation.
Evaluation: This outstanding book is oversized, with an oversized message that will uplift as well as teach.
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LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
In a simple and poetic form, parents explain to their child what it means when they say "black lives matter." This could be shared with young children, with a guided discussion as appropriate.
LibraryThing member sweeks1980
In 2013, the phrase "Black Lives Matter" launched a movement calling attention to police brutality and racially-motivated violence against Black people. While it was and is much needed given the treatment of the Black community, it also became a phrase weaponized by certain political parties, who
Author and illustrator Maxine Beneba Clarke has sought to take back and clarify the phrase in the wake of the confusion and outright vitriol it has faced. Her picture book "When We Say Black Lives Matter" offers a poetic and uplifting explanation of what the phrase means to so many people. Addressed to a child, the book not only tells of how the phrase is a call for Black people to be treated with respect and receive basic human dignity but also how the phrase can be filled with joy and hope. Illustrations accompany and complement the text, and together they make for a powerful message. With references to Black history and culture as well as present-day challenges, "When We Say Black Lives Matter" is a vital and important call to action as well as a clarification of everything this phrase encompasses.
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used it as a means of mobilizing their constituencies by peddling the idea that the phrase means that only Black lives matter.Author and illustrator Maxine Beneba Clarke has sought to take back and clarify the phrase in the wake of the confusion and outright vitriol it has faced. Her picture book "When We Say Black Lives Matter" offers a poetic and uplifting explanation of what the phrase means to so many people. Addressed to a child, the book not only tells of how the phrase is a call for Black people to be treated with respect and receive basic human dignity but also how the phrase can be filled with joy and hope. Illustrations accompany and complement the text, and together they make for a powerful message. With references to Black history and culture as well as present-day challenges, "When We Say Black Lives Matter" is a vital and important call to action as well as a clarification of everything this phrase encompasses.
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LibraryThing member Lindoula
I'm very impressed with this book. It's not the easiest topic to explain to young children, not without watering it down a lot or making it all lighthearted but empty placations with little substance. The author has done a fantastic job of making this accessible for young audiences. The artwork is
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a beautiful accompaniment to the text. Show Less
Awards
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration (Nominee — 2022)
Australian Book Industry Awards (Shortlist — Children's Picture Book 0-6 — 2021)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Picture Books — 2021)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2020-11-24
Physical description
32 p.; 12.5 inches
ISBN
1536222380 / 9781536222388