A powerful story about the mixture of pride and pain that one Black family finds in the American flag, and an invitation for each of us to choose how we relate to America, its history, and the flag that means so many things to so many people.
"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." –Ebony
What does the American flag mean to you?
For some, it’s a vision of hope and opportunity. For others, it represents pain and loss. And for many, it’s more complicated than that—a symbol of a nation where the basic ideas of freedom and equality are still up for debate.
From slavery and segregation through Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, the history of Black people in America is a mixture of pride and pain. And while the flag might mean different things to different people, with some choosing to kneel and others to salute, ultimately, it is up to each of us to decide: the American flag is ours to see and relate to as we choose.
In this powerfully validating story that showcases many facets of Black American history through the eyes of a young Black boy in conversation with his grandfather, we are all invited to choose how to relate to America, and to the flag that means so many things to so many people.
Praise for My Red, White, and Blue:
“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox
“Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers
Praise for My Red, White, and Blue:
"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America and the different ways people find meaning in it...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." –Ebony
“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox “Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers
“[Y]our child...will love the thoughtful rhyme that makes this book.” –The Washington Informer “[Emphasizes] the theme that everyone in the country has an important voice and the ability to share it...[A]ccessible...Sure to inspire children and readers of all ages to ask questions and prompt insightful discussion...Highly recommended.” –School Library Journal
“An effective, accessible acknowledgment that both the U.S. flag and history are deeply fraught.” –Kirkus Reviews
“[One of] the best Black History Month books for kids you should add to your bookshelf.” –Motherly
"[A] layered look at reactions to a national symbol." –Publishers Weekly
“With creativity and compassion…Alana Tyson’s thoughtful ode to the flag, and the way African American history is woven into every stitch of it, opens the door to deeper conversations about patriotism, protest and freedom.” –The Virginian-Pilot
“[G]ripping, beautiful, warm, inviting, solid…A profoundly moving, important, timely book. Ladd’s art is outstanding.” –Wacky Mommy
“This book is powerful…[E]asy to understand for little learners…[T]he information and illustrations pack a punch.” –Multicultural Children’s Book Day
“[P]owerful…The beautiful illustrations highlight important moments and inspirational figures.” –Babies to Bookworms
A powerful story about the mixture of pride and pain that one Black family finds in the American flag, and an invitation for each of us to choose how we relate to America, its history, and the flag that means so many things to so many people.
"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." –Ebony
What does the American flag mean to you?
For some, it’s a vision of hope and opportunity. For others, it represents pain and loss. And for many, it’s more complicated than that—a symbol of a nation where the basic ideas of freedom and equality are still up for debate.
From slavery and segregation through Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, the history of Black people in America is a mixture of pride and pain. And while the flag might mean different things to different people, with some choosing to kneel and others to salute, ultimately, it is up to each of us to decide: the American flag is ours to see and relate to as we choose.
In this powerfully validating story that showcases many facets of Black American history through the eyes of a young Black boy in conversation with his grandfather, we are all invited to choose how to relate to America, and to the flag that means so many things to so many people.
Praise for My Red, White, and Blue:
“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox
“Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers
Photos
Praise
Praise for My Red, White, and Blue:
"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America and the different ways people find meaning in it...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." –Ebony
“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox “Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers
“[Y]our child...will love the thoughtful rhyme that makes this book.” –The Washington Informer “[Emphasizes] the theme that everyone in the country has an important voice and the ability to share it...[A]ccessible...Sure to inspire children and readers of all ages to ask questions and prompt insightful discussion...Highly recommended.” –School Library Journal
“An effective, accessible acknowledgment that both the U.S. flag and history are deeply fraught.” –Kirkus Reviews
“[One of] the best Black History Month books for kids you should add to your bookshelf.” –Motherly
"[A] layered look at reactions to a national symbol." –Publishers Weekly
“With creativity and compassion…Alana Tyson’s thoughtful ode to the flag, and the way African American history is woven into every stitch of it, opens the door to deeper conversations about patriotism, protest and freedom.” –The Virginian-Pilot
“[G]ripping, beautiful, warm, inviting, solid…A profoundly moving, important, timely book. Ladd’s art is outstanding.” –Wacky Mommy
“This book is powerful…[E]asy to understand for little learners…[T]he information and illustrations pack a punch.” –Multicultural Children’s Book Day
“[P]owerful…The beautiful illustrations highlight important moments and inspirational figures.” –Babies to Bookworms
