How We Can Live: Principles of Black Lives Matter

by Laleña Garcia

The first children's book to feature material from the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, this beautiful picture book will engage hearts and minds as it introduces children to the guiding principles of the Black Lives Matter movement. When the Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013, the three founders -- Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal (now Ayo) Tometi -- anchored its work in a list of guiding principles, developed through conversation with other activists. These principles commit the movement to empathy, loving engagement, and just action among its participants; affirm the importance of Black women, families, elders, and LGBTQ folk; and celebrate the strength and diversity of Black people in their communities and around the globe. Now young people can explore these powerful principles in How We Can Principles of Black Lives Matter -- the first children's book to include material from the founders' organization, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. Created by two teachers with more than thirty-five years of educational experience between them , How We Can Live presents the guiding principles in down-to-earth, child-friendly language, accompanied by vibrant portraits of real people -- many of them present-day or historical activists for human rights and racial justice. Questions on every spread encourage discussion of and reflection on the principles, and supporting materials include an introduction for children that explains the history of the movement and its relevance for their lives, and an afterword for adults on how to approach the topic with children. An essential resource for anyone discussing racial equity with young people, How We Can Live offers a beautiful and inspiring lens on the most important social justice movement of our time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Picture Books, Childrens, Activism

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Giovane Giovanni di Giovani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is INCREDIBLE. I genuinely got emotional thinking about how positively different things could be if this was taught to all kids at a young age. People who have kids, especially elementary school, please read this with them!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book defining the important principles of Black Lives Matter, including diversity, empathy, restorative justice, black families, and transgender affirming. Includes questions for discussion, e.g., “how do you feel when someone else tells you what girls should do or boys should do?” and brief biographies of social justice leaders. Includes an introduction to Black Lives Matter and an afterword for adults with advice on how to have conversations about Black Lives Matter with children.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a classroom teacher of five- and six-year olds. In the aftermath of George Floyd's 2020 murder, Garcia was asked to host classroom discussions (virtually because of the pandemic) addressing topics related to Floyd's murder. This book was a result of her work in the classroom.

Each page takes a concept and defines it such as "Black Village." Many of the pages include drawings of an activist with a footnote identifying them by name and by the work they've done. For example, opposite of the text for "Globalism" is a drawing of Ron Dellums, a US Representative from Oakland, CA. Under the text about Gloablism is a description of his work: "He led House inquiries into US war crimes during the Vietnam war, sponsored successful legslatation to end American investment in South Africa during the apartheid era, and fought to redirect military spending to housing, health care, and education."

This might seem too much for an elementary education student, but there are books about the Founding Fathers and US presidents that present information that might take years for young readers to digest, but by being exposed to names, images, and basic concepts, young readers are prepared to build on the overview they receive by being exposed to fundamentals. This book aims to increase awareness of topics, issues, and people who are fundamental to supporting the lives of Black American.

I learned a lot by reading this. I am going to keep a copy on my front room as a way to invite visitors to my home to learn more.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book outlining the principles of the Black Lives Matter movement in a format perfect for discussion as a family, classroom, or other group. Written in accessible but serious language that will dignify young people with believing in their ability to think about these ideas and questions, this is a book to return to again and again.

Themes: Black Lives Matter, Community, Diversity, Feelings, Power
Age range: Kindergarten-Elementary

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for an overview of the beliefs of Black Lives Matter, this is it. This could be a good starting point for a young researcher.