MY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

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.