Kirkus Reviews

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)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In simple rhyming verse from debut author Tyson, a Black child narrator explores what the American flag means to them. Though a teacher says that the flag “promotes DIVERSITY,” the child’s grandfather explains, “While our flag can mean promise, and refuge, and glory,/ for some folks, it tells a complete different story.” Ladd’s acrylic, colored pencil, and paper illustrations create multidimensional spreads depicting the enslavement of Black people, the Civil War, Jim Crow–era segregation, and more recent events, such as a Black Lives Matter protest and Colin Kaepernick taking a knee. Through this history, the protagonist learns that someone might “decide not to praise./ Instead they refuse in a number of ways.” This layered look at reactions to a national symbol ends with the child’s decision: “I’m my ancestors’ dream, what they hoped to be true./ A brown child who’d find pride in the red, white, and blue.” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)

School Library Journal (Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2023)

K-Gr 3— A young Black boy explores his own relationship, as well as the relationship of the African American community, to the American flag. The unnamed protagonist narrates in the first person that he views the flag with a sense of pride at home, in the community, and his classroom. His grandfather agrees that there is much to be proud of; however, the flag is also a symbol of the nation's history of injustice. Many individuals still face challenges that cause them to protest the flag. This protest can take many forms, such as marches or kneeling for the national anthem. Grandpa shares that everyone has the right to protest, but can also be proud, noting the invaluable contributions of Black Americans, such as President Obama and Harriet Tubman. The story's concluding spreads emphasize the theme that everyone in the country has an important voice and the ability to share it. Throughout the story, Tyson uses rhyming text and accessible language to present the complicated topic in an age-appropriate way. Ladd's colorful, mixed-media illustrations complement the text and help convey some of the topics discussed throughout. A concluding author's note discusses patriotism in the Black community. VERDICT Sure to inspire children and readers of all ages to ask questions and prompt insightful discussion; in an era when the flag has been co-opted by various groups, this book is a reminder that it belongs to everyone and means many things. Highly recommended for purchase.— Olivia Gorecke