I think this was a very well written and put together book. The colours were bright and engaging and I think the message is very thoughtful and direct, especially after hearing interviews with the author and his inspiration for the book. If I had any critiques of the book, it would be that I wish the biographical half of the novel was more combined with the illustrations because I think, especially for children, images of each individual (or more individuals) would help them connect with each person more! But I also think it is still just as impactful, just in a slightly different way. I could see a 10+ year old leafing through this and using it as a springboard to research and learn more about the people highlighted! Lovely.

I absolutely love this book and would love if it sits in every library to be found by a child who needs it. I also love how the back of the book lists every one of the 116 Black lives mentioned in the book so you can start learning who each and everyone of them are.

Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter written by Shani King and illustrated by Bobby C Martin has a powerful message for both children and adults.

It is very essential for every kid to believe in herself/himself and to learn about black history and understanding that all people no matter the skin color, race, religion are equally important for human development. I highly recommend this book to have a place in every household, every school, and every library.

The vivid colors and bold letters celebrate the many black individuals in every field – journalism, folk music, Jazz, poetry, literature, sports – who should be more famous than they are.

And the short bios offer an excellent start for the young readers to discover about all the great impacts Black People have made and continue to make.

5/5 stars

Genre: Children's Non-Fiction

Description:

Black lives matter. That message would be self-evident in a just world, but in this world and this America, all children need to hear it again and again, and not just to hear it but to feel and know it.

This book affirms the message repeatedly, tenderly, with cumulative power and shared pride. Celebrating Black accomplishments in music, art, literature, journalism, politics, law, science, medicine, entertainment, and sports, Shani King summons a magnificent historical and contemporary context for honoring the fortitude of Black role models, women and men, who have achieved greatness despite the grinding political and social constraints on Black life. Frederick Douglass, Toni Morrison, Sojourner Truth, John Lewis, Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, and many more pass through these pages. An America without their struggles, aspirations, and contributions would be a shadow of the country we know. A hundred life sketches augment the narrative, opening a hundred doors to lives and thinking that aren't included in many history books. James Baldwin's challenge is here: "We are responsible for the world in which we find ourselves, if only because we are the only sentient force which can change it." Actress Viola Davis's words are here, too: "When I was younger, I did not exert my voice because I did not feel worthy of having a voice. I was taught so many things that didn't include me. Where was I? What were people like me doing?"

This book tells children what people like Viola were and are doing, and it assures Black children that they are, indisputably, worthy of having a voice.

Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter? is a book for this time and always. It is time for all children to live and breathe the certainty that Black lives matter.

Pros:

- Cool visual effects with the words and artwork.
- Don't let the number of pages overwhelm you! The words are large and its more than manageable for 9-12-year-olds.
- I adored the informational section after the story, it allowed me to answer the questions I didn't know the answers to.
- A great way to introduce prominent black figures.
- My 8-year-old bonus daughter loved it and so did I.

Cons:

- Some of the letter colors and background colors are hard to read. For example, I struggled most with the orange letters on pink background and vice versa.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely!

This was a wonderful book full of beautiful colors and even more beautiful reminders and affirmations. The poetic celebration of the vast Black contribution to the world is particularly poignant. This will be a wonderful addition to every bookshelf and particularly for Black boys and girls as they grow up knowing that their lives matter, their contributions matter, they can and are incredible humans with so much to offer to the world.

I love the colors of the book. I love the font. I love The boldness. Most of all I loved the content especially the brief biographies at the end. It will make an excellent addition to any child's library. This book can be used in classes to allow for students to research the names highlighted.