Something Happened in Our Park: Standing Together After Gun Violence

by Ann Hazzard PhD, Marianne Celano PhD, Marietta Collins PhD, Keith Henry Brown (Illustrator)

Overview

This important follow-up to the bestselling, groundbreaking, and inspiring Something Happened in Our Town, is a much-needed story to help communities in the aftermath of gun violence. 

Goddard Riverside CBC Youth Book Prize for Social Justice 2021 Shortlist
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Students Trade Book for Young People
National Parenting Product Award Winner
Finalist, Foreword Book Awards

When Miles's cousin Keisha is injured in a shooting, he realizes people can work together to reduce the likelihood of violence in their community. With help from friends and family, Miles learns to use his imagination and creativity to help him cope with his fears. This book can help provide parents with helpful messages of reassurance and empowerment. Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers with guidelines for discussing community gun violence with children, and sample dialogues.

 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433835223
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	04/27/2021
Series:	Something Happened Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	17 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP, Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP, and Marietta Collins, PhD, worked together for over two decades as Emory University School of Medicine faculty members, serving children and families in Atlanta. All three psychologists have been involved in community advocacy efforts focused on children’s behavioral health and social justice. Dr. Celano and Dr. Hazzard have developed and utilized therapeutic stories in individual and group therapy with children and teens. Dr. Collins is a faculty member at Morehouse School of Medicine, providing psychological services to underserved adults, youth, and families.

Keith Henry Brown is an artist and illustrator who has drawn comics for Marvel as well as created watercolor paintings for greeting cards, newspapers, magazines, books, and album covers. He lives in Brooklyn, NY. Visit keithhbrown.com and @iamtheleopard on Instagram.
 

Editorial Reviews

2021-03-17
A young boy deals with anxiety centered on gun violence in his community.

When Miles’ father sits him and his brother down to inform them that their cousin Keisha—who’s been living with them while she attends college—has been shot and wounded during a concert at the neighborhood park, he starts to panic. Lost in this newfound worry, Miles begins to have trouble focusing in school, and his latest drawings have his teacher worried. Miles’ parents do their best to reassure him that although their neighborhood isn’t always safe, there are plenty of reasons why they shouldn’t move. As Miles’ family begins to move on, Miles is still battling his anxiety. One day, Keisha tells the family about the community efforts her friends are involved with to prevent more gun violence, prompting Miles’ parents to help. After seeing the results of his parents’ efforts at the park, Miles is compelled to inspire others with his unique set of skills. This simply stated story and the note to readers—chock-full of helpful prompts—could be useful to caregivers looking to help children through trauma. Although the majority of characters are Black, and their names are stereotypical, the authors clear up misconceptions by citing the disproportionate circumstances that lead to increases in community violence. Illustrations are reminiscent of newspaper comic strips, with wobbly lined color sketches that young artists would be inclined to replicate. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 40.3% of actual size.)

A suitable guide to start the conversation about gun violence with children. (Picture book. 6-11)

Kirkus Reviews