My Red, White, and Blue

by Alana Tyson, London Ladd (Illustrator)

Overview

A powerful story about the mixture of pride and pain that one Black family finds in the American flag, and an invitation for each of us to choose how we relate to America, its history, and the flag that means so many things to so many people.

"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." –Ebony

What does the American flag mean to you?

For some, it’s a vision of hope and opportunity. For others, it represents pain and loss. And for many, it’s more complicated than that—a symbol of a nation where the basic ideas of freedom and equality are still up for debate.

From slavery and segregation through Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, the history of Black people in America is a mixture of pride and pain. And while the flag might mean different things to different people, with some choosing to kneel and others to salute, ultimately, it is up to each of us to decide: the American flag is ours to see and relate to as we choose. 

In this powerfully validating story that showcases many facets of Black American history through the eyes of a young Black boy in conversation with his grandfather, we are all invited to choose how to relate to America, and to the flag that means so many things to so many people.

Praise for My Red, White, and Blue:

“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox

“Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593525722
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	01/17/2023
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	AD740L (what's this?)
File size:	16 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alana Tyson received her bachelor of science degree from Brooklyn College and her master of arts degree from the University of Maryland. After working in journalism for a short while, she began a career in national security and began to pursue a more creative path as a writer. A winner of the Lee & Low New Voices Award, she lives in Washington, DC, with her family. You can visit Alana online at booksbyalana.com or follow her on Twitter @alanatys and on Instagram @alanathewriter.

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His artwork is a mixture of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, building opaque layers atop a foundation of thin washes in a way that brings his colors to life. He carries a sketchbook with him everywhere he goes, constantly perfecting his craft. London's books have been recognized, among other things, by the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, and on lists including Bank St. Best Children’s Books, ALA Notable Children’s Books, and NYPL Children’s Book Recommendations, and with an ALA Carnegie Medal of Excellence. London lives in Syracuse, New York. You can visit London online at londonladd.com or follow him on Instagram @london.ladd.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for My Red, White, and Blue:

"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America and the different ways people find meaning in it...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." –Ebony

“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox

“Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers
 
“[Y]our child...will love the thoughtful rhyme that makes this book.” –The Washington Informer

“[Emphasizes] the theme that everyone in the country has an important voice and the ability to share it...[A]ccessible...Sure to inspire children and readers of all ages to ask questions and prompt insightful discussion...Highly recommended.” –School Library Journal

“An effective, accessible acknowledgment that both the U.S. flag and history are deeply fraught.” –Kirkus Reviews

“[One of] the best Black History Month books for kids you should add to your bookshelf.” –Motherly

"[A] layered look at reactions to a national symbol." –Publishers Weekly

“With creativity and compassion…Alana Tyson’s thoughtful ode to the flag, and the way African American history is woven into every stitch of it, opens the door to deeper conversations about patriotism, protest and freedom.” –The Virginian-Pilot

“[G]ripping, beautiful, warm, inviting, solid…A profoundly moving, important, timely book. Ladd’s art is outstanding.” –Wacky Mommy

“This book is powerful…[E]asy to understand for little learners…[T]he information and illustrations pack a punch.” –Multicultural Children’s Book Day

“[P]owerful…The beautiful illustrations highlight important moments and inspirational figures.” –Babies to Bookworms

From the Publisher

2022-11-16
An African American child learns about the Black community’s complicated relationship with the U.S. flag.

The nameless young narrator expresses pride in the flag that waves at their home, greeting friends and strangers who pass by. For the child, the flag is part of their diverse community, a message reinforced by their teacher. The narrator’s grandpa agrees but shares that the flag is also a reminder of the nation’s history of injustice. For many, there are still problems that cause some citizens to protest the flag as a symbol of a country that has not lived up to its creed. Grandpa emphasizes that everyone has the right to protest—for instance, by kneeling during the singing of the national anthem—but notes that they can also take pride in the flag, and he reminds the child of contributions of Black Americans like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., who helped make this country what it is. Grandpa’s strongest message to his grandchild is that they have a choice in how they use their voice. Tyson uses age-appropriate language and examples to bring clarity to an abstract concept. The warm relationship between Grandpa and the child gives the narrative a reassuring tone. Ladd’s bold, painterly illustrations, crafted with acrylics, textured cut paper, tissue paper, and colored pencil, illuminate and expand the ideas in the text. (This book was digitally reviewed.)

An effective, accessible acknowledgment that both the U.S. flag and history are deeply fraught. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews