My Red, White, and Blue

by Alana Tyson, London Ladd (Illustrator)

A powerful story about the mixture of pride and pain that one Black family finds in the American flag, and an invitation for each of us to choose how we relate to America, its history, and the flag that means so many things to so many people.

"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." – Ebony

What does the American flag mean to you?

For some, it’s a vision of hope and opportunity. For others, it represents pain and loss. And for many, it’s more complicated than that—a symbol of a nation where the basic ideas of freedom and equality are still up for debate.

From slavery and segregation through Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, the history of Black people in America is a mixture of pride and pain. And while the flag might mean different things to different people, with some choosing to kneel and others to salute, ultimately, it is up to each of us to the American flag is ours to see and relate to as we choose.

In this powerfully validating story that showcases many facets of Black American history through the eyes of a young Black boy in conversation with his grandfather, we are all invited to choose how to relate to America, and to the flag that means so many things to so many people.

Praise for My Red, White, and Blue :

“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox

“Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers

Genres: Picture Books, African American, Childrens, Social Justice, Fiction, Activism, Poetry

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 17, 2023

About the author

Alana is a native New Yorker from Brooklyn, NY, who decided her Masters Degree in Journalism would best serve her as an author. She published her first book, "The Tyson Chronicles" in 2011.

Her debut picture book, "My Red, White, and Blue" is slated for release in Jan 2023 by Philomel (an imprint of Penguin Random House).

Alana currently resides in Alexandria, VA with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This was an interesting read. Not because I didn’t like it but I have some conflicting feelings about it. I adore the fact that the author took the time to address the many layered ideas behind support of the American flag and patriotism. It’s extremely complicated for the Black community given the history of this country. However, I struggled with some of the rhyming schemes as I got closer to the end of the book having to reread the lines. There was also a page that depicted the Civil War and insinuated that the North wanted freedom for more than just a few people and it didn’t exactly sit right with me. While this is a picture book, I find the oversimplification to be dangerous especially when today we’re pushing for accurate history to be taught to children. So many of us grew up thinking that the North was “good” and the South was “bad” and that all Lincoln wanted was to free the slaves. It’s definitely more complicated than that and I think that children can handle understanding that instead of continuing the harmful cycle of oversimplification that we’ve been taught for so long. Other than that, it’s a solid picture read that gives people the courage to show and voice their patriotism how they see fit. It reminds us that the Black community isn’t a monolith and while there may be things that impact as a community, we definitely handle our reactions, thoughts, and feelings differently. The artwork was great! This is the second time I’ve come across London Ladd’s work and it has not disappointed me.

[Aolund · Rating 3 out of 5]

A patriotic book about the US American flag and one Black boy's discussion with his grandfather about the flag's history and meaning. This book covers the racist history of the US and makes the point that each person gets to decide their relationship to the US flag—whether they will protest it, salute it, etc.—while shying away from directly naming the flag as a symbol of racism, colonialism, and empire. Ultimately the main character decides he will salute the flag. This is a book that I personally didn't love but which will be important for some families and readers, and I do think it did a solid job at holding the complex and harrowing history of the US flag. Further reading for adult readers in connection with this book would be Nikole Hannah-Jones' opening essay in The 1619 Project.

Themes: USA, Empire, Racism, Flags, Black History
Age range: Preschool-Elementary

[Leova Manbhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to start conversations about race, equality and patriotism.

[Morgan Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be just what I needed to convey my feelings on the flag. I enjoyed that the author balanced how Black people may feel differently about the flag and how that is okay. It reminded me of the betrayal I felt in high school when I learned more about the US and all the crimes against my people and how I didn't stand for the flag. Thankfully, I wasn't penalized for it but allowed to feel the way I felt as a kid. Fast forward to adulthood, a neighbor would put a flag in everyone's yard for the 4th of July which he now doesn't do, post the uprising. Maybe I should lend him my copy. As a parent, I think this book is a good introduction into a flag discussion and a great companion to the Born On The Water (1619 project) and/or any Juneteenth children's books. Thank you for making this book.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patriotism, at a time when the flag is being used by groups right and left to drag other groups down. My Red, White, and Blue explores the way the American flag can evoke grand, but also painful, feelings for many of among Black peoples. The choice to support the flag and our dream of America is just that: a choice. The poetry of this book matches beautiful images of the different voices in the black community and their choices and feelings regarding the flag. "I'm my ancestors' dream" is a touching phrase that reminds us all of how far we've come and gives us the voice to continue to use our voices to stand up for hope, goodness, and optimism.

Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy and his grandfather talk about the American flag and what it can mean to varied people in America. Written in poetry, the words speak of the strife and challenges throughout U.S. history as Black people struggle for equality. The flag is shown to belong to everyone though some protest that though they want to believe it is theirs, too, actions in history show it doesn't mean the same for everyone. Alana Tyson's verses briefly show the tragic times as well as the times of pride while London Ladd's emotional and gorgeous illustrations bring those words to life.
The book holds many ideas that when read to a group, will inspire both a great discussion and further research. Alana Tyson adds an author's note.

[Catherine Petrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alana Tyson has written a brilliant picture book that captures both the pride and the complicated history that the United States flag represents for people of color. In clear and simple rhymes, it explores an African-American child's relationship with the flag, and it does it without preaching or sentimentality. The book should resonate not just with African-Americans, but with other marginalized races, as well. And London Ladd's gorgeous illustrations bring the message home.

I bought this for my mixed-race nephews, but now I'm thinking I may need to buy a second copy so I can keep one for myself.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this engaging picture book as part of Multicultural Children's Book Day. #ReadYourWorld

Through a story in verse, Alana Tyson opens up curiosity and contemplation in the reader. Following the thoughts and observations of the American flag through the eyes of an African-American boy, readers are left to consider their own connection to this symbol of our nation. The melodic writing coupled with the beautiful illustrations make for a highly discussable read-aloud.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Alana Tyson and Illustrator/artist London Ladd team up with this prose poem about the importance of the flag and pride in America.

The illustrations are beautiful as is the lesson about the ways we respect the flag and one another.

Readers learn about what the flag stands for. From the Civil War to the present, from Rosa Parks to President Barack Obama, each page holds a lesson for all of us to learn from.

Thanks to the Virginia Hamilton annual conference for a copy to read and review.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author and illustrator of this book showed that something can be one thing AND something else. In this case, the American flag. It can show pride AND a complicated history. The grandfather in this story is proud of the American flag he flies, but he also takes the time to teach his grandson the pain and suffering Black people have endured in this country, and how the flag can symbolize that pain. He explains that people have the right to protest the flag. Be sure to read the "Author's Note: Patriotism in the Black Community".

[Claire Johnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the main character learns about the fight that African Americans have had to endure since the beginning of our country. The history of the civil rights movement and the Black Lives Matter movement are included in the book. It ends with the main character saying that he will salute the flag anyway because his ancestors would be proud that he's a Black child who finds pride in his country. I do like that it gives people the courage to show and voice their patriotism how they see fit, some of the history just seemed a little oversimplified.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This book did a great job of covering the conflicting feelings many have towards the American flag. The illustrations were great and there was a lot of history woven throughout the book.

I just really wish the author didn't chose to write in rhymes. I feel like it took away from the solemnity of the book.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main focus of this story is the complicated relationship between Black Americans and the meaning of the American flag. The rhyming text and engaging illustrations give an overview of the pain, persistence, and pride in the history and present reality of Black Americans. Ultimately a message of hope and mutual respect for a future that for so many is still unreachable.

[Bridgid Sauter]

This rhyming picture book takes a nuanced look at the relationship between patriotism and the African American community.

A good introduction to race, patriotism, and civics for anyone looking to speak with their kids about the complicated history of our country.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful words and scenes emphasize patriotism in the Black community which can be true for all of us.

It appears there is a misattribution of "All men are created equal." to the Constitution rather than to the Declaration of Independence.

[Maiysha Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful that this book exists. As a teacher and a parent, I would say that it is a necessary addition to every classroom library. It does a great job of explaining our complicated history while leaving room to celebrate our diverse voices.

[Y.Poston]

Awesome exploration of American Black patriotism

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and thought-provoking! This book wasn't what I expected it to be, and I like that!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. A thoughtful, thought-provoking look at patriotism, specifically how it interacts with injustice and racism directed towards the Black community.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The flag of the United States from the Black American perspective. . . A thoughtful and compelling viewpoint we should all consider.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A provocative picture exploring the complexities of patriotism, history, protest, pride, and speaking out against injustice. Powerful illusrations by London Ladd.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

beautiful pictures, I would've liked it better if it weren't rhymy

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

People using their voices in different ways to speak out against injustices, and making choices about honoring the flag.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult topic handled well.

[Shacura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It explores patriotism and race at an age appropriate level. I highly recommend it.