For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World

by Michael W. Waters, Keisha Morris (Illustrator)

Overview

Winner of the 2020 Goddard Riverside CBC Youth Book Prize for Social Justice

A Top Ten Selection of the 2021 In the Margins Book Awards

A Texas Institute of Letters 2021 Finalist for Best Picture Book

A 2021 RCC Wilbur Award Winner

A Picture Book Discovery Prize Winner for the 2020 Writers' League of Texas Book Awards

"Dad, what happened?"
"Why are they shooting?"
"What is this vigil for?"

The shootings keep coming, and so do Jeremiah's questions. Dad doesn't have easy answers, but that doesn't mean he won't talk about it—or that he won't act. But what if Jeremiah doesn't want to talk anymore? None of it makes sense, and he's just a kid. Even if he wants to believe in a better world, is there anything he can do about it?

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.

A portion of the publisher's sales proceeds will be donated to nonprofit organizations that facilitate the empowerment of Black communities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781947888081
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	09/22/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	251,476
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Michael W. Waters is an award-winning author, activist, professor, and pastor. His picture book For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World, illustrated by Keisha Morris, won the 2020 Goddard Riverside CBC Youth Book Prize for Social Justice and was named a Must-Read Book about Race by Essence. A sought-after speaker, he is a frequent commentator for major media outlets and has been honored for his work in peace and justice. Michael W. Waters lives in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit www.michaelwwaters.com.

Keisha Morris grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, studied illustration in New York City, and now tells stories through pictures and words in Reno, Nevada.

Editorial Reviews

"A wonderfully entertaining and original picture book."—Midwest Book Review

"Tackles with frankness a sensitive and uncomfortable subject . . . An open invitation to adults to engage children about racism." —Friends Journal

"Uses a narrative structure to convey both the gravity of this collective trauma and the unrelenting nature of racism in America."—The Englewood Review of Books

"The book breaks down what is happening in our country without watering down the seriousness of racism…its words and illustrations embody a sensitivity that young children need." —Christian Century

"There's a candor here that’s not always found in picture book treatments of social issues and racism, and the specificity mirrors conversations likely held in many households." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Understandable and relatable, this timely book shows social justice issues and gives readers action steps and hope."—Imagination Soup

Named a "Must-Read Book About Race" by Essence

"Jeremiah's reactions serve as a starting point for facilitating discussions about racism and violence against Black people." —Publishers Weekly

"Essential reading...touches on the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Jordan Edwards, and more, but manages to end on a hopeful note, providing a gentle way of broaching the topic with kids."—D Magazine

Named "Book Cover of the Month" by the Christian Century

From the Publisher

2020-05-17
One family navigates their young son through what seems to be an unending cycle of race-related gun violence.

Pastor, professor, and activist Waters draws on intimate family experiences in this attempt to answer many of the critical questions that have arisen over the past decade. Violence seems to be everywhere Jeremiah looks. On the computer is the story of Trayvon Martin; on the television, Michael Brown. In the paper is the Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church. One night, the gunshots even ring outside Jeremiah’s home as the family gathers together. All the while, Jeremiah accumulates these experiences until he finally exclaims: “I’m tired of people hurting each other! I’m tired of people shooting each other!” His parents recognize his deep frustration and encourage him to channel the energy, as they do, into actions that combine to create new realities: voting, marching, praying, organizing, and educating. For them, all these strategies show that change is possible and will come one day if we commit to them en masse. However, Waters conflates police violence, white-supremacist violence, and neighborhood violence into one simplified linear narrative. Although they all affect communities like Jeremiah’s, they demand different remedies, a critical understanding that’s not made explicit for young readers. Morris’ simple, heartfelt illustrations reflect the book’s emotions.

Encouraging but simplistic, the book strives to offer dignity, agency, and hope for a new generation of black youth but doesn’t quite manage. (author’s note, discussion guide) (Picture book. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews