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When We Say Black Lives Matter
£6.00£6.60 (-9%)
A timely, powerful and much-needed picture book exploring the background to the Black Lives Matter movement for young children.
A beautifully illustrated and poignant picture book about the Black Lives Matter movement – its deep history, background and meaning – as well as a focus on the tremendous amount of work still left to do. Through author-illustrator Maxine Beneba Clarke’s glorious artwork and lyrical text, this book fosters activism, being anti-racist and using your voice and your power for good.
A brave, empowering and inspiring read for all children.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Wren & Rook (24 Jun. 2021) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 32 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1526363984 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1526363985 |
| Reading age | 5 – 7 years |
| Dimensions | 23 x 0.6 x 30 cm |
by AC
The imagery and wording is much too subtle/flowery for children. I was looking for something to explain the reasons for the black lives matter movement and what we can do to support it but unfortunately it doesn’t really do this.
by Rani
This is a wonderful portrayal of the Black Lives Matter movement for young children but for children a little older than five.
The illustrations are nice and colourful.
by I Read, Therefore I Blog
Maxine Beneba Clarke’s beautifully self-illustrated picture book for children aged 5+ is a simple but lyrical and powerful explanation of why the Black Lives Matter movement exists and what it stands for together with the historic and systematic wrongs suffered by black people. It’s done in a way that young children can follow and understand what it’s about while also feeling hope for the future.
I really liked the illustrations in this book – the colour choices are bold but also earthy and the decision not to put features on the characters’ faces allows children to translate the emotions of the scene from their positioning and what’s happening. It’s very effective and helps to develop emotional intelligence. Each section is addressed to a nameless loved one – a child – but there is nothing patronising in the language. Beneba Clarke writes clearly and with conviction and without sugar coating the message she is conveying to the reader. These sentences are probably best read out loud – a parent or guardian to a child or a teacher to a class – and the lyrical nature of the words and the emotions behind them give them a lot of power. For all the explanation of why Black Lives Matter, there is a message of hope as much as there is of strength and suffering.
If you’re looking to introduce the topic of racism or Black Lives Matter to your little one, then I think that this book is an excellent place to start.
by Oneweewitch
This is a really lovely book that explores the Black Lives Matters movement simply and honestly. The illustrations are beautiful and the story poetic – it very simply and clearly explains the importance of equality and respect, and delivers a message of love and hope. Perfect for the classroom or for exploring at home – an empowering book that encourages activism and pride.
by catsholiday
This is a very simple story aimed at black children to make them aware that they are special and that their lives really do matter.
The illustrations are really lovely, they fill the pages with colour and joy.
I think that it is mainly aimed at black children but all children could have it read to them so that they are made aware that we are all different and yet we all matter equally.
A really nice book to have in schools to open up topics of equality and discrimination.
by BookSuperhero2
For me, this tale is told as by an elder to a child, passing on collective wisdom and planting seeds of hope to blossom in the future. It is a call to action, a rally cry, a lament for past wrongs.
The story sensitively explores the historical mistreatment of Black people and, sadly, brings us up-to-date by alluding to the recent high-profile murders. This is all done in a very sensitive, age-appropriate way, through the use of chalk outlines and police tape in the illustrations.
The illustrations feature people of varied skin tones, and all of ages. The fact that they have been left faceless mean that they represent the many as well as individuals. Children may well be able to imagine themselves in the various situations represent in the book and empathise with the characters portrayed.
Towards the end, the book rises to a hopeful, celebratory crescendo. Imploring children to embrace their inner magic and reach for the stars. An important message to be shared with all children!
It is through powerful books like this that we can open children’s eyes and minds to the world around them. To empathise with people who are different, but also similar to, themselves. All schools should be developing a collection packed with diverse, inclusive titles just like these.
by Seraphimia
This feels like a very over due and very important book. Education starts early and so too must inclusivity of all our fellow humans with proper representation by appropriate authors. What we see, hear and understand is the blueprint of our adult life so it must be seen, heard and understood from day one. I hope this goes on to be the seminal book I believe it to be. HIGHLY recommend!
by Nozza
Children will be aware of the Black Lives Matter movement from friends at school. This isn’t an in-depth study guide, but a gentle introduction to this important movement. Beautifully illustrated this is a gentle and loving book.