Stories matter, but it also matters who tells the story, especially in the case of stereotype busting. When in 2006 Simon Tam realized his childhood dream of being a rockstar, he turned a racist slur into a point of pride, naming his all Asian-American band The Slants. But time after time, his effort to protect his band’s name with a copyright was rejected, prompting him to confront a systemic double standard and take his fight for self-definition all the way to the Supreme Court. Dynamic, graphically strong illustrations, in tans, purples and teals, pack a punch. Matte paper and a mix of printmaking, colored pencil and ink wash add up to a sophisticated and memorable whole. Direct quotes or song lyrics are included on every page. Some overly broad language, pat phrases, and incomplete explanation blunt the impact of the powerful story and compelling specifics. The importance of the verdict and the paucity of Asian-American biographies argue for inclusion in library collections. Thanks to Red Comet Press and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy in return for an unbiased review.

This is an awesome book! The first thing I will say is this: so many people are going to be inspired by this book and be driven to make social change in their own lives, big or small. I love how Tam makes it clear that he took a derogatory term and made it into an empowering term for him and his surrounding community. It's clear to make this clear and distinct in a kids' book so that young readers can see the complete story and progression in this specific story of activism. Additionally, Tam makes it known that anyone and everyone reading this book can be an activist and make change happen. Everyone has power, and they recognize that with this book. I literally have nothing bad to say about this book so I will end with this: the graphic design of each and every page was very organized and engaging, without detracting from the story. It was also a clever idea to include Slants song lyrics on every page. It makes for an even more immersive reading experience.
Bravo!!!

Mia Wenjen has written a powerful piece of history as a picture book.

Simon Tan set out to take back a racist slur in his band name but the refusal of the trademark based on it being "racist" or "offensive" brought him into a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme court.

With haunting illustrations and gorgeous lyrics on each page, this book is a must for teaching kids about our justice system: a great addition to any collection.

Thank you to Net Galley, Publisher Spotlight, and Red Comet Press for the DRC! All opinions are my own.

Rock-’n-roller and self-described troublemaker Simon Tam wanted to follow the lead of Richard Prior, who embraced the n-word, and gay leaders, who embraced the onetime slur queer, in order to rob the epithets of their power to wound. Tam named his all-Asian band The Slants “as a way to take ownership of the hurtful words and give them a new meaning,” writes author Mia Wenjen in this inspiring picture book.

Tam wanted to trademark the name. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, knowing a slur when it saw one, rejected the band’s application for a trademark of The Slants. The picture book defines words for the younger set, as it details Tam’s eight-year battle to trademark his band’s name. The case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Would the court allow Asian Americans to reclaim a racist insult for their own — and allow The Slants to turn a negative into a point of pride?” In 2017, the High Court unanimously sided with The Slants in the case, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginzberg giving Tam a shout-out. The picture book ends with information on anti-racist resources and the lyrics to “We Sing From the Heart,” The Slants’ anthem detailing their fight.

Tam’s forward, Wenjen’s prose and Victor Bizar Gómez’s illustrations, with their Works Progress Administration era style, combine to make a picture book that will probably delight adults even more than children — which, considering how much tweens and teens will love We Sing From the Heart, is really saying something.

Let me give Simon Tam the last word: “Tell your story, sing your songs, and don’t be afraid to make some trouble.”

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Publisher Spotlight and Red Comet Press in exchange for an honest review.

Really prettily laid out book. The presentation and story reminded me of Carole Boston Weatherford. Definitely one to order for the library.