For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World

June 1, 2020
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)

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May 21, 2021
Grades 3-5 Waters' #OwnVoices book goes beyond the traditional "talk" Black parents often have with their children about what to do if stopped by the police. This work focuses on discussing issues related to the incidents children often see on television or on social media related to race-based gun violence. As more children begin to ask questions pertaining to harsh realities regarding race, protests, targeting police, and police violence, it will be imperative that teachers, parents, and librarians are ready to engage in those conversations. In this story, Waters introduces Jeremiah--a Black boy, who looks to be 9 or 10--who learns about the increasing number of people dying in police custody, such as Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Other incidents are covered as well, including the mass shooting in the AME church in South Carolina and 2016 incident in Dallas during which five police officers were murdered. As Jeremiah learns about these issues, his parents help him navigate his understandings of protests as well as develop a framework for peaceful resolution. Robust back matter will help adults prepare older children for the reading and discussion of this book in both home and classroom environments. A useful resource for a tough but relevant topic.

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