* "An important message for all young people, this is approachable but profound in its message, and a welcome addition to any elementary library." School Library Journal, starred review
"A timely, informative, and inspiring read." Kirkus Reviews
"Authoritative. . . Define[s] concepts in kid-friendly language, among them unapologetically Black, empathy, loving engagement, and restorative justice." Publishers Weekly
"Black Lives Matter is a movement that has always been committed to the advancement of Black liberation through partnerships and initiatives that support Black families and communities. Through innovative and creative avenues, the movement shows up for one another. We are proud to partner with Lee & Low Books on How We Can Live: Principles of Black Lives Matter with hopes and vision that it serves as a beacon to shine a light for Black people everywhere to realize their own divinity, wholeness, and birthright. It is this creativity and beauty that reminds Black communities everywhere that everyone is deserving of full dignity, healing, and the conditions that support flourishing." Rev. Karlene Griffiths Sekou, Director of Healing Justice and International Organizing, Black Lives Matter
Praise for What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book:
"What We Believe is simply beautiful. Garcia and Davidson have created a visual, loving example of freedom and the possibilities of using art to create a new world. Each image is drawn with so much love, care, and commitment to the principles of Black Lives Matter, while Garcia's words are inviting, informative, and truth telling. Well done!" —Bettina Love, author of We Want To Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom
"This book is perfect for anyone who wants to take young children seriously as actors in the world. It is both informative and open to the creativity and imagination required to lead us forward." —Thomas Nikundiwe, director of the Education for Liberation Network
"What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book is one of the best tools available to engage students in the Black Lives Matter at School movement! The stunning artwork coupled with insightful connections between students' intersectional identities and the principles of the BLM Global Network make this book essential for every educator." —Jesse Hagopian, Ethnic Studies teacher and co-editor of Teaching for Black Lives
"What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book is a fabulous way for educators, parents, and children to live the principles of the movement. . . readers will understand the movement beyond the slogan and will be prepared to make changes wherever they can, for us all to get free." —Dr. Kim Parker, Shady Hill School and #DisruptTexts co-founder
Black Kidlit Awards 2023 Bookstagang Best Books of the Year 2022 - Bookstagang
★ 09/30/2022
Gr 1–5—This picture book was created by the three founders of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Ayo, who developed a set of guiding principles that honor the value of Black women, families, and LGBTQIA persons. Since its inception in 2013, the Black Lives Matter Movement has been instrumental in highlighting racism, discrimination, and racial inequality towards Black people. This book reaffirms those principles into language that children can connect with. For example, the BLM Principle of Diversity advocates, "We are committed to acknowledging, respecting and celebrating difference(s) and commonalities." Here, it is written for children as, "When we get to hear ideas from lots of people, we get smarter, when we work together, our communities get stronger." Each BLM guiding principle is reworked to stay true to the source but accessible to children, with thoughtful guiding questions for further reflection and discussion. In addition, each principle includes brightly colored illustrations of modern or historical Black activists, artists, or everyday community members. An introduction explains the origins of the BLM movement and an afterword for adults includes advice for how to deal with questions young people might have about racial inequality or injustice. Exceptionally well-written, it offers many opportunities to further the discussion of BLM without focusing on violence but instead instilling hope. VERDICT An important message for all young people, this is approachable but profound in its message, and a welcome addition to any elementary library.—Carol Connor
2022-09-28
A young people’s primer on the Black Lives Matter movement.
After defining principle in the introduction, this book explains the movement’s 13 principles, offering a brief explanation for each along with several questions to help readers consider the implications. While some famous activists appear in the illustrations, so do many “everyday people.” Davidson includes visual motifs throughout of beautiful shapes with embedded silhouettes of Black and brown faces; hearts and Black Power fists appear, too. On each verso, Garcia discusses a principle and ends with biographical notes on people who are illustrated on the recto, most of whom gaze out at readers. The text’s density and frequent inclusion of specific terms may limit children’s ability to use the book independently, though the “Afterword for Adults” encourages caregivers to have potentially difficult conversations with young people. While children also appear on the cover and occasionally in the images, the book doesn’t highlight children who have made or are making change. Still, this is an important book that will help adults and young people alike understand and appreciate the Black Lives Matter movement.
A timely, informative, and inspiring read. (Nonfiction. 8-12)