This one is difficult for me to review. The book brought up a very important and timely discussion about racism but the execution was a little choppy. I think the passage of time was supposed to be represented by Jeremiah growing locs but that wasn't clear other than in the illustrations. I would like to know more of what Jeremiah is thinking and feeling and how he sees a better world. I guess I wanted a deeper connection to Jeremiah. The book ends with what the parents are doing to help change things, but it would have been great to see ways in which children can feel empowered to change things. I appreciated the resources in the back that would help lead a discussion in an elementary classroom.

This important book asks a number of questions kids have about violence and racism. Jeremiah feels sad and frustrated, yet his family teaches him about actions he can take in an effort to work towards a peaceful solution; caring, praying, marching, speaking up. The discussion guide at the end of the book is invaluable for both teachers and students.

This such a wonderful resource for the classroom to help students/kids process some of the things they are seeing happening in the world around them. I"m excited to have to this in my classroom and will definitely be used!

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World is a must for every classroom and home library. It is timely, relevant and accessible for all readers. When I began to read it to my son he said, "But I'm not a black boy". This led to a meaningful discussion on why it is important for us to read books that are written by and for others that are not like us. This emphasizes the importance of having a diverse library available to all. I love the way the author illustrated the passing of time with the growth of Jeremiah's dreadlocks. It was a subtle yet powerful way to drive home the point of just how continuous the brutality against the Black community is. This story gives children of color validation and hope, while at the same time offering white families a beautiful book to help begin and/or continue to grow anti-racist allies.

Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. Jeremiah has a lot of questions about what is happening in the world around him. He does not want to talk about these events until he is ready. You can sense his growing frustration as the book moves on. I recommend this book for upper elementary students and middle schools students. However, teachers need to take into consideration their own feelings and use the resources at the end of the book to guide them. I absolutely loved this book. It is timely and has a strong message of the need for change.

This was a beautifully illustrated picture book about a young boy who tried to understand- but wasn’t ready to talk about- the senseless killing of people who were different or for the color of their skin. Over time, as Jeremiah learned more and more about these senseless killings, he was finally able to talk to his parents about it. With his parents guidance, Jeremiah leaned what can be done to make a difference and bring about positive changes such as voting, organizing marches, speaking out against injustices, and praying.

At the end of the story the author provided a detailed discussion guide and resources for use at home or in the classroom. Highly Recommended!

An ARC was given for an honest review.

This book is beautifully done, and despite how it hurts to know that there are children like Jeremiah in this story, who see themselves in these news stories and cannot understand why this is happening to people like them, there is hope here. There is hope in seeing that people are still trying to make it better, and hope in having books like this that give us tools to make the world a better place. Excellent and well worth a place in any collection.

I would like to thank you for this gifted copy.

I appreciated the topics that were brought up and the point of view from a young black boy named Jeremiah, how he saw the world and the difficult events that played out. It highlighted a lot of the crimes and violence against black individuals. There is fear and worry that children have when they hear about shootings and death. They have to know that there is something that they can do, and this book maps that out too, and also it acknowledges what is going on in the world.

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World is an great picture book. I think it would be a good fit at the elementary level.

A simplistic way to introduce police brutality against Black men to young children, with a message of hope at the end.

A nicely illustrated picture book to begin a conversation about the Black lives matter movement and why it came about, and to offer hope to the next generation that some day soon these conversations will be about history and not the present.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc for review.

The story follows a boy named Jeremiah, who starts the story by asking his dad if he can grow locs. His dad agrees, and reminds his son that growth takes time. The author addresses major social issues affecting the United States right now - especially the shooting of young Black men. I can't understand the fear and anxiety that comes with being Black in America right now. But I can say in solidarity with Jeremiah and his dad, "It doesn't make sense."

This is an important book, and it was difficult for me to read it with an open mind. I'm grateful that I did.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the book that we have been waiting for: a children's book that directly addresses the attack on African Americans in this country. This book name names, document the anguish, and makes it comprehensible to children. Waters is not a children's literature author, but I admire his effort. This is the book that is currently available. I encourage teachers and parents to read it and decide if they want to share it with the children in their lives.

I think this is a book that is surely needed in every classroom and library out there. I loved that the author included notes and guides for discussion.
I loved how as our character grows there was a wealth of new knowledge that he was learning and being able to talk about it and ask questions.
A much need book!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

5 stars

Jeremiah, the m.c., tells his parents one day that he wants to grow locs. He thinks they'll be in soon but learns that it'll take some time.

As the book progresses, Jeremiah's hair grows (a fantastic visual for young readers and adults alike), and so does his base of knowledge. He begins to observe the world and learn about racism, particularly but not exclusively racism against AABC individuals. He always has questions, learns the answers, and then gets quiet.

Ultimately, Jeremiah has something to say, and it is the hopeful tone that best powers this book, especially at a time when hope exists in the tiniest of rations.

This picture book is a great entry point for children - and likely a lot of their readers - to challenging conversations about the ills of our society. I'll be recommending to students and colleagues alike.

i received this e-ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The important message in this book is underscored by beautiful illustrations and compelling text. I think this book will earn a place in many classroom in school libraries in the very neary future.

A wonderful book about how to talk to kids about racism, hatred, and injustice. It also gives a message of hope, love, and faith. This book shows that kids can have questions about real-life events that are hard to talk about, even if they don't know how to ask the right questions or how to express themselves. Loved the Author's Note and guide for use in classrooms or homes.

Jeremiah doesn’t understand.

“Why are they shooting?”

“Why are we at this vigil?”

“Why did the police shoot a boy in a car?”

So many questions, but Jeremiah doesn’t want to hear the answers just yet… His parents patiently wait. Meanwhile, more horrible things happen.

This beautiful book exudes hope and patience in the midst of a world hostile to people of color. The Muhammad Ali Center offers comprehensive discussion guides for parents and teachers at the end of the book.

Teachers, librarians, parents, and grandparents will want to purchase this book for their students, patrons, children, and grandchildren. While not a comfortable book, it shines as a beautiful and necessary book.

A delightful picture book about a young man growing up observing the injustice of racism around him. Jeremiah decides that enough is enough, changing from bystander to an activist using prayer and joining protests to create a better world. Jeremiah's family are peaceful and loving, answering Jeremiah's questions about what is happening around him and supporting him when he wants to do something about it.
The illustrations by Keisha Morris are beautiful, simple yet so expressive. This is a fantastic introduction to racial injustice and the peaceful ways in which we can change society for the better. I really liked the discussion materials at the end, great for classwork.

As a member of the Notable Books for a Global Society Selection Committee, I am not able to give a review on this book, as it could be under consideration for this distinction.