by Tameka Fryer Brown, Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
HarperCollins
1/31/2023, hardcover
SKU: 9780063093447
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.
Target age: 6 to 10
Reviews:
"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)
"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
"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.
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 appears in the anthology, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices. Tameka is an active member of KidLit in Color, a group of BIPOC creatives, and she currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nikkolas Smith is a Houston, Texas-born Artivist, picture book author, and Hollywood film illustrator. He is the illustrator of the groundbreaking #1 New York Times bestseller The 1619 Project: Born on the Water written by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson. Nikkolas is also the illustrator of The Golden Girls of Rio, nominated for an NAACP Image Award, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever The Courage to Dream, I Am Ruby, My Hair Is Poofy and That's Okay, and World Cup Women. As a Black illustrator, Nikkolas is focused on creating captivating art that can spark important conversations around social justice in today's world and inspire meaningful change. He lives in Los Angeles, California.