Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter

by Shani King, Bobby C. Martin Jr (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Picture Books, Poetry, History, Middle Grade, Social Justice

80 pages, Hardcover

Published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uplifting story about the accomplishments of 116 Blacks in America. Back matter includes quotes from and biographies for the featured Blacks which will be of value for those looking for more sustenance.
Recommended for classroom browsing or as a quick read coffee table book. Or leave a copy in your favorite waiting room.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, "Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter," celebrates Black accomplishments in music, art, literature, journalism, politics, law, science, medicine, entertainment, and sports. Shani King honors Black role models, women, and men, who have achieved greatness throughout history, despite the grinding political, economic, and social constraints on Black lives. This is a book that gives me the tools to have meaningful conversations with my kids about BLM.

If you would like to listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/sha...

[Janae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Wow. This was utterly fascinating. I am a white individual who is continually trying to better educate myself on how to be my best self. Being my best self includes being inclusive to all.

Growing up in the southern part if the US instilled many understandings that simply were not true. As I became, and continue to become, a better global citizen I recognize that I need...I HAVE..to do better.

I am a mother to four babies. One of my biggest goals is to make sure that I can teach them to be loving to all, but to also recognize the injustices around them.

I immediately bought this book after reading this galley copy. It was utterly fascinating to see the details on the lives of some of the influential black members of history.

This is a MUST have for any, and all homes.

Thank you Tilbury publishers for the privilege of reading this advanced copy.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. GORGEOUS! Beautifully laid out, designed, and composed. It's truly unlike any book I've ever seen, in the way that the placement of the text and the colors of the type make as much of an impression as the subject matter.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me so long to get through the 116 bios at the end. But I wanted to read about all those amazing people because I should know who they are

[Linda Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My whole family loved this book.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through several examples, this book earnestly reminders readers that Black lives matter, a refrain heard throughout its pages as the author lists the many accomplishments of Black men and women who have made a difference in the world around them. Using very bright colors, large typefaces, and the faces of some of these individuals, author Shani King makes his case effectively. While the value of those individuals cannot be denied, it is perhaps the cumulative effect of considering all the stories and actions related here and the achievements in sports, art, medicine, science, music, and law, among others, that press the message home. The back matter includes the profiles of 116 different important persons. While I might have liked some of the profiles to have been woven into the narrative poem, the book's intended audience will most likely prefer this approach, which allows them to sample the profiles, arranged alphabetically according to first names, starting with Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and concluding with Zora Neale Hurston. Teachers and parents might find this book to be a good starting place when teaching and learning about Black history. Youngsters will surely feel empowered after reading it, and some might have their own suggestions about who should have been included.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative and well researched book on the topic of African-Americans featuring quotes, achievements, accomplishments and their contributions in sports, music, art, literature, journalism, politics, law, science, medicine, and social justice. The names listed are only the tip of the iceberg in American History, and the legacy of Black Americans.

[Chelsea Elwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like an infographic had a baby with a poem and was raised by historians. It’s AMAZING. The book is celebratory and bright, but still does a great job teaching about the contributions and achievements of Black Americans.

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

We should definitely have copies of this in every school library along with test sheets about the black lives named in it. Kids could get a lot out of this work.

[Mirthes bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think everyone should read this once in their life, it's such a quick read but so important! It's marked as a childrens / younger ya book but it's still interesting & important for everyone.

This is a beautiful book that celebrates people of color and it's writen in a beautiful and very understandable way! A must read for everyone.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to read/think about this book: a 5-minute read, but a heart-warming one.
Read a new copy if you can: The colors and papers used to create it smell wonderful! =)

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great text with information in the back about all the people mentioned. Loved the variety of contemporary and historical, familiar and less familiar people. The bright, colorful, and lively design was a little difficult to read at times and would probably be very hard for someone with reading difficulties. But this is an inviting quick read with a chance to discover more about Black lives.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read (aloud), must have (every classroom library).

[Kema Reads (a lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book! Will definitely be purchasing for my granddaughter. 🤎🤎🤎

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but I knew I needed to read it.

This book is geared towards YA readers but I this can definitely be read by younger kids.

This books tells you about Black people who have contributed something specific to the world. Movies, music, sports, books and things along those lines.
It celebrates Black people and teaches you about so many people!

I think this would be a great book to have at all schools.
I plan to get a physical copy as I do think the ebook doesn’t do it justice.

Highly recommend it.

[Caitlin Theroux · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art was wonderful! Loved all the information and how it urges you to find more for yourself. Just wish it was longer. The cut-off felt too quick. Definitely could have used more art thrown in here and more discussion for sure. Otherwise it was a great book.

[carrietracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5? 3.75? This is hard to rate for me! The front of the book is graphic text heavy and in ebook format was relatively hard to read. I wonder if it would be especially hard to read for kids with any type of reading disability/difficulty, the way the text jumps all over and crosses, font size changes - I feel like they really needed an editor with an eye for accessibility.

So for all the showy, almost "trying to be a poster" look of the first part, the second part is fact dense - jam packed with mini biographical sketches of Black writers, activists, athletes, scientists, heros. Sadly, it's not much easier to read - all being printed in colors on a blue background. I found the yellow to be particularly brutal.

So why a high rating despite the readability issues and the mismatched sections (1 part - almost no information/resembles posters with graphic text on bright backgrounds, 1 part - densely packed fact filled bios)?

Well, because I've taught biography units to kids before and this would have been absolutely stellar. I'm in my 40s, an adult, a former educator and I should have known every single name in the biography section and I did not. And of the names I knew, there were quite a few a I would have been hard pressed to tell you anything about other than "famous" and "Black". But each mini bio in and of itself was fascinating. Particularly lovely were the quotes from each person that led/ended their biography section. You could decorate an entirely school hallway, an entire classroom with those beautiful quotes, those inspiring quotes and be introducing or acquainting your students with so many wonderful thinkers. I loved that the biography section didn't shy away from tough childhoods - there are lots of kids out there today who need to see and understand that people who have achieved great things come from different backgrounds. They also did a LITTLE work calling out some famous people who had mixed legacies - troubles along with the good work they did (and by troubles I don't mean things were hard for them, I mean they were altogether good or altruistic people, they were people who were very in the wrong in some ways). But it's great to talk to kids about how people aren't just one thing.

So - do I wish it had been easier to read, YES. Did I find the format a bit off putting at first, I DID. Was I nonetheless completely captivated by these mini bios and they would be killer to use with students? I WAS. Did I want to print out a stack of inspirational quotes and slather them over the walls of my house? YOU BETCHA.

So ultimately - consider this a resource - not a sit down and read cover to cover. Non-fiction comes in many forms, and we've seen a lot of very "narrative" non-fiction where they're going to walk you through everything. Dip in and dip out of this. Share these bios with students, your children, use them to find people you as an adult would like to read more about. Learn these people and their contributions.

[Bubbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This “picture book” introduces some well- and lesser-known black lives that have made a different in the history of our nation and the world. The first half are spreads of large-lettered, mostly single-sentence quotes, declarations, and questions against various bold-colored backgrounds. Many of the pages start w “Have I told you” or a variation of that, and mention different historical figures with related names scattered around. Some of the pages also contain a face or human figure graphic. The second half are sky blue pages with four columns of small, colored type font listing each of the 116 previously mentioned names in alphabetical order with their dates and a little biographical information. I found the format, which may be described as word art or graffiti, confusing and not as kid-friendly or engaging as a more traditional style might have been. It is often confusing how to read the text in the first half. Sometimes you have to follow the colors, sometimes you have to jump back and forth across the center gutter, and sometimes you have to read going up. The text in the second half is very small and a bit intimidating for anyone but your strongest readers. I love this book as a concept, an art object, a gift, something to be shared between a child and an important adult in their life. Not sure how well it works as a book for kids to consume and learn from independently.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

King explains fiercely and openly that Black lives matter, and that they always have mattered. He pulls examples from history, filling the pages with lists of names and accomplishments. There are political figures, artists, musicians, athletes and many more. He reminds readers that Black lives died for our country’s independence. He shares quotes from great Black minds, like Malcolm X, W. E. B. Dubois, and James Baldwin. He uses the refrain of “Have I ever told you…” to open another list of names, share another chapter of history, and demonstrate again and again and again that Black lives are valuable, they matter, and they matter to us all.

The design of this book is almost in two separate pieces. The first part matches the cover art, using gorgeous bold text design to share the words of empowerment that fill the book, that share examples of Black figures, their words and their impact on the world. The book also has silhouettes of some of the people, shadowed in vibrant color. Then the book turns to facts about each of the Black people who are mentioned in the first part of the book. These pages turn a cool blue, sharing details of their lives, quotes from each of them, and offering a glimpse into their greatness.

A dynamic and insistent book that affirms just how much Black lives matter. Appropriate for ages 6-9.

[Nicole Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!!!!!!!
Book: Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter?
Release Date: AVAILABLE NOW-Released January 19, 2021
Author: Shani King, Bobby C. Martin (illustrator)
Genre: Children's Fiction | Multicultural Interest

Very colorful and vibrant. Interesting formatting of the words. I would suggest this book to a child that is a proficient reader and can understand the nuisances of the words on the pages or be read by an adult. There are so many awesome quotes and African American leaders, inventors, and people from all over the world. The last bit of the book lists great people and a blurb about each of them. This is a book that I would love to add to me classroom library for students to pull out all times of the year.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @TilburyHousePublishers @PublisherSpotlight for an advanced copy of @HaveIEverToldYouBlackLivesMatter

#HaveIEverToldYouBlackLivesMatter #TilburyHousePublishers #PublisherSpotlight #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #childrensfiction #childrensnonfiction #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #teacher #educator #classroomreads #multiculturalinterest

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this mostly based on the cover and expected it to be geared for YA readers, but I think it’s geared more toward younger grades. The book is split into two parts - the content of the book and then an encyclopedia in the back with brief bios for many of the Black people mentioned in the book.

The content part flows through the many aspects of culture - sports, music, movies, books, etc - and highlights some of the many Black people who have contributed in each arena. The colors are bright and vivid, the words big and eye-catching, bringing joy to these stories of Black excellence. While I don’t personally work with children that young, I can see how the brightness of the words and pictures could draw a young crowd and retain their attention.

The biographic part at the end was very cool and I think makes a nice bridge for older students to also engage with the book. While I had heard of many of the people, there were some who were new to me and I love that the figures chosen went beyond the Black people regularly held up for their excellence to highlight lesser known but equally as accomplished Black people. This would make a great starting place to educate young children about all the contributions Black people have made and continue to make to our culture.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 3 out of 5]

King shows how invested he is in empowering children in this timely book.

This book is divided into two sections. This first is a collection of thoughts about Black lives and inspiring quotes from famous Black leaders. It will serve as an excellent starting place for discussions on BLM, equity, and diversity. The eye-popping use of bright colors and unusual color combinations will impress on young minds and drive many to explore more. The second half are short biographies of 116 people - some living, some dead - whose lives should inspire youngsters to empowerment and action.

There is no artwork, per se, in this book. It relies on font changes, color changes, and font size to jump out at the reader and grab them. The names of each of the 116 included in the back can be found throughout the book, gathered together in groupings of relationships. Some of the quotations can be difficult to read because of color choice (orange on pink or gold on orange) or have letters in the gutter of book, making them difficult to read.

A valiant effort that just misses the mark.

Optional purchase for discussions with young children, K-5.

[LaVonne Hanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gr. 3-7. Children’s rights advocate and University of Florida law professor Shani Mahiri King knocks it out of the park with this brilliant collective biography of 116 African American heroes. From educators and activists to entertainers and athletes, scientists and statespersons, King recalls the accomplishments of a wide variety of famous Black Americans. Bobby C. Martin’s blazing typographic design and tonal portraits, set in iridescent colors, complete this masterpiece, which ends with 28 pages of additional information about each entry. A must-have purchase for Black History Month or any collection! Catch interviews with the author for “The Children’s Book Review” at https://www.thechildrensbookreview.co... or for “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EREzb... Then listen to King read his book to his daughter at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfV1M... or enjoy a “Literally Cultured” read-aloud at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IEiy...

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/13/2021 ~ Half the book is poetry - an ode to many great Black thinkers, athletes, musicians, dancers, writers, artists, etc. The accomplishments of the people included span decades, centuries.

Graphic illustrations and text in varied colors and sizes make the ideas pop from the page.

The back half of the book is an alphabetized list (by first name) with biographical info about all the people mentioned in the verse in the first half of the book.

This book can be read in one sitting, or a few pages at a time. Take five minutes to read aloud one of the biographies from the 2nd half of the book.

Partner this book with the picture book Have I Ever Told You? by Shani King & illustrated by Anna Horvath.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this edition came up first, let's pretend that's the one I read. Because at my public library, the "Black Lives Matter" on this cover has been replaced by some cute, bland other kind of cover.

I definitely prefer this cover, the real one. Black Lives Matter is the real message that America needs today, and every single day, until collectively we live as though we mean it.

The heartfelt message of this book is only strengthened through the refrain of "Have I ever told you that?"

The messages of truth matter. All the messages in this book matter.

Thank you, author Shani King and illustrator Anna Horvath. May America live up to our ideal of liberty and justice for all, including social justice for all. May this country become a democracy where every American votes and every vote counts.

[Helen (pagesandpeaches) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating three stars only because I found the format of this book challenging to read, and I am sad that there are so few illustrations.

The graphic design and typography are interesting and unconventional, but for me, it made the book hard to read, and I imagine it will be difficult for kids too. Even the biographies at the end of the book are in a strange layout (super narrow columns with very small font).

Basically, this is a great book that mentions lesser-known names in black culture and history, but I found that the overall design of the book actually took away from the experience of reading it and the impact of the writing.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautifully told, it feels like a flowing conversation. The book covers so many different fields, from sports, politics, science, arts, etc- telling the many untold success stories of black people- not just the well-known names, but also the ones we don't hear at all in mainstream textbooks and media. At the end, it also provides short bios on the different names mentioned throughout the book.
I can already see how I could use this book with my students in so many different ways: biography writing units, research projects, career day projects, and of course, discussions on celebrating black joys and achievements.