For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World by Michael W. Waters & Keisha Morris (Illustrations)

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was released 22 Sep 2020, by Flyaway Books. 

 This book introduces us to a loving family. The story begins as Jeremiah, the young boy, asks his parents if he can grow locs. They agree and as the story, and time, passes, so does his hair. 

Over this span of time, the family’s news feed is too often filled with the deaths of different black boys. At one point the family is forced to shelter in their hallway because of gunfire in the street. With each death, Jeremiah asks questions his parents try to answer. Each one of these sections includes, “It doesn’t make sense,” and ends with a similar refrain, “But Jeremiah didn’t want to talk anymore.” 

 The parents are activists working to draw attention to these miscarriages of justice and to make change. Jeremiah worries about them. 

While this family might be fictional, the murdered youths are very real: Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, the Charleston Nine, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Jordan Edwards. All deaths, even those of five Dallas police officers are condemned. 

While this is a story of violence against black boys, it’s also about what to do to change it. Eventually, when Jeremiah’s locs are fully grown, he is ready to talk. He comes to his parents stating, “I’m tired of people hurting each other! I’m tired of people shooting each other! I’m tired of people killing each other! I’m tired of people hating each other just because they are different or because of the color of their skin!” His parents echo his feelings. What follows is a collection of actions for what the family does to enact change. 

Keisha Morris’ illustrations are flat out gorgeous. Michael W. Waters prose is profound. It's important that this book shows the impact of violence against black boys on other black boys. It's equally important that it directs readers towards changing the racist system. 

In the author’s note, Michael Waters explains his motivation for writing this book. The back matter also includes a discussion guide with specific categories: Preparing Yourself for the conversations, Establishing a Safe Space, Speaking about Race in the Classroom, Speaking About Violence in the Classroom, Exploring Change-Making and Discussing This Book At Home.

Highly Recommended.