What is Black Lives Matter? by Lakita Wilson. Penguin Workshop, 2021. 9780593385883
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Paperback
What did you like? In less than 50 pages this provides a very approachable history of the Black Lives Movement for students in grades 3 and up.The book begins with the short biographies of the three women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi who created the hashtag and grew an international movement. There is a brief look at where and how the paths of these women intersected before 2013. The book then explores how the death of Trayvon Martin in Feb., 2012 cemented the resolve and began the work of these three women. The importance of the death of George Floyd as a turning point in the movement is introduced just before the final two chapters of the book. The remainder of the book reveals other past and continuing injustices faced by people of color. Good timelines and an excellent bibliography add to the effectiveness of the book.
Anything you did not like? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Students in 3rd to 6th grade and their teachers.
Who should buy this book? Schools, public libraries, and parents
Where to Shelve ? Nonfiction, hot topics
Should we put this on our “to read” piles? Yes, if you don’t know this piece of history
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Wolflink, retired Head of Children’s Services, Winchester Public Library, MA
Date of review: January 21, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
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