Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

"How can you change the world?"
Racism is alive and horrible in America today despite our work in the 1960s and beyond. This well illustrated book tackles the problem that parents have in teaching their children about the things in the recent past and how they can help in their own way. There are three full pages at the end that direct readers on how to bring meaningful discussions to others.
Keisha Morris fills the pages with meaningful illustrations which adds to the impact of this book of hope and history that impacts all Americans. All libraries need this book so we can all remember work together to create a better world together.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Flyaway Books via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )

Powerful, timely, important story. The ongoing acts of violence against Black lives are chronicled through the eyes of Jeremiah, a young Black boy who asks his parents tough questions about what he sees on the news and in the city around him. The parents beautifully model how to have these conversations in age-appropriate but honest ways; through their consistent validation and openness to his questions, Jeremiah eventually becomes comfortable expressing his feelings ("I'm tired of people killing each other! I'm tired of people hating each other just because they are different or because of the color of their skin!") and then asks what can be done about it. The multi-faceted answer provided - which includes voting, marching, organizing, praying, donating money, speaking out against injustice, and more - ends the story on a hopeful, empowering note.

Unlike many children's books addressing racism and police brutality, this one doesn't shy away from naming names - Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, the Charleston Nine, and others. While this approach might be more intense than discussing a fictional victim, I think it's extremely valuable for young readers to learn the names of these real people who lived and died. Violence is never directly depicted in the illustrations, but they vividly portray the characters' emotions amidst scenes such as vigils and protests. The story is also framed by Jeremiah's desire to grow out his hair into locs, which is eventually compared to the patience and persistence required to change the world ("It's like my hair! You told me my locs would take a long time. I just had to wait and believe. And with a little help, it happened.") While the metaphor may be imperfect, uplifting natural Black hairstyles is a beautiful touch to the story.

Although the title suggests a specific audience, this is an important and empowering story for all children - an affirming "mirror" for Black kids, and an eye-opening "window" for White kids who also need to understand the realities of racial violence and how to stand up to it. I might not share this book with very young children, but it would be appropriate for mid to upper elementary and older. Also a great read for parents, teachers, and other adults who want to address these issues with the children in their lives; see the discussion guide in the back to further support these important conversations. ( )

Inspired by real-life events, this honest, intimate look at one family’s response to racism and gun violence includes a discussion guide created by the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, a multicultural center and museum committed to promoting respect, hope, and understanding.

Synergy: Principles of Tolerance

In its Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, UNESCO defines tolerance as “respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference.”

Read the recently published children's picture book, then learn more at the website:

FOR BEAUTIFUL BLACK BOYS WHO BELIEVE IN A BETTER WORLD by Michael W. Waters and Keisha Morris tells the inspirational story of a boy growing up in a world of racism and gun violence who learns the importance of hope and activism. This timely, honest picture book includes a discussion guide to jump-start conversations about respect, nonviolence activism, and diversity.

The TEACHING TOLERANCE website helps parents and educators start difficult conversations about topics such as racism and violence.

Visit the Teaching Tolerance website at https://www.tolerance.org/.
Visit the UNESCO website at https://bit.ly/3lUZ6UI.

ARC courtesy of Flyaway Books. ( )