Product Description
An affecting picture book from Tameka Fryer Brown and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) that challenges the meaning behind the still-waving Confederate flag through the friendship of two young girls who live across the street from each other.
Bianca is Keira’s best friend. At school, they are inseparable. But Keira questions their friendship when she learns more about the meaning of the Confederate flag hanging from Bianca’s front porch. Will the two friends be able to overlook their distinct understandings of the flag? Or will they reckon with the flag’s effect on yesterday and today?
In That Flag, Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith graciously tackle the issues of racism, the value of friendship, and the importance of understanding history so that we move forward together in a thought-provoking, stirring, yet ultimately tender tale.
A perfect conversation starter for the older and younger generations alike, this book includes back matter on the history of the Confederate flag and notes from the creators.
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 4-Best friends Keira and Bianca have two very different reactions to the Confederate flag while on a school trip. Keira, who is Black, sees the very heart of racial hate and violence, from slavery to Selma, from segregation to the Ku Klux Klan. Bianca, who is white and whose family has a Confederate flag waving outside their home, sees it as a "heritage flag. A celebration of courage and pride." These two very different points of view hold until racial violence makes the news, as does an appearance by that flag. Brown gives readers a child's-eye view of fear and confusion as Keira struggles to understand why Bianca is unaffected by the images on display at the museum; Smith's digital illustration captures these emotions with darker muddled colors where the bright colors of the Confederate flag shine through. Back matter includes information on the history of the Confederate flag, notes from the author and illustrator, and source notes and recommended reading. VERDICT A brave and deeply affecting story about friendship, perspective, anti-racism, and the importance of understanding history. This may be an essential book about a cultural flashpoint.-Rosemary Kiladitisα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
A brave and deeply affecting story about friendship, perspective, anti-racism, and the importance of understanding history. This may be an essential book about a cultural flashpoint. — School Library Journal (starred review)
This is a prime example of how a picture book can help younger readers understand difficult topics. A thoughtful and age-appropriate exploration of a somber subject. — Kirkus Reviews
Tameka Fryer Brown pens an honest, contemporary, soul-shocking story, with deep and painful roots. That Flag will prayerfully lead to hundreds of thousands of mending moments and healing hearts. — Derrick Barnes, Newbery Honoree and National Book Award Finalist
A necessary read for all young people in this country. — Traci Sorell, Two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus Honoree
Told with tenderness and care, That Flag explores the power of asking questions, the power of understanding history, and ultimately the power of friendship. An essential book for every American home and classroom. — Renée Watson, #1 NYT Bestselling Author, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
[A] layered introduction to issues around white supremacy and racism that is still accessible to young readers. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
[U]nmistakable — Booklist
About the Author
Tameka Fryer Brown writes books for children. Her picture books include Brown Baby Lullaby; Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day; Twelve Dinging Doorbells; My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood; and Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm’s Fight for Change. Her work also appear
