When We Say Black Lives Matter by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Published by Candlewick Press on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 1536222380
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Profound and beautiful in text and illustration this book stands out and will attract all readers.  Clarke tells a historic story which comprises many periods of protest highlighting the current Black Lives Matter Movement.  Through the view of one family, she shares the struggles, pain, and development of the movement.  As the child he/she learns to share in the respect of all Black people, to step out of the shadows, and to stand up for change.   While the text is powerful it is the illustrations that jump off the page and arose a deep emotional response.  Having been drawn in watercolor pencils the colors are vibrant and evoke deep emotion.  The binding is sewn in three sections, insuring its long life of usage by students and families.

This book belongs in all primary school media centers, public libraries,  art classrooms, and in homes all over the world. As the holidays approach this reader would like to note that When We Say Black Lives Matter would be an excellent holiday gift for families with children 6-8

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

Suggested for Cream of the Crop.