Book Bundles: Black Lives Matter

(3) YA This in-depth examination of the BLM movement covers its roots, leaders, impact, and future. Accompanied by powerful photos by New York Times photojournalists, the compelling narrative begins with coverage of the 2020 protests following George Floyd's murder, with social and historical context woven throughout. Following two timelines focused on "Civil Rights and Black Power, 1954-1968" and "Black Lives Matter, 2012-2020," the book's second half looks at "What Is Systemic Racism," professional athletes as activists, protest songs (including two playlists: "Throwback Protest Playlist 1939 to 1993" and "Black Lives Matter Playlist 2014-2020"), protest art, "Who's Who at a Protest," youth activists, and interviews with BLM leaders. A reading list, selected bibliography, and index are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 The main topics addressed in this volume are summed up by the three chapter titles: "What Is Anti-Racism?"; "What Is White Privilege?"; and "What Is the Black Lives Matter Movement?" The authors ground their answers to these questions with historical background about race in America, from slavery to the Jim Crow era, from civil rights legislation in the 1960s to what led to the Black Lives Matter movement. The accessible text is supported by captioned photos in an inviting design and is enhanced by suggestions for what readers can do to make a difference. This series title offers an effective overview of both historical and contemporary events.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul. Illustrated by Rachelle Baker. Cherry-Paul adapts Reynolds's YA "remix" of Kendi's National Book Award–­winning Stamped from the Beginning for a middle-grade audience. Reynolds's forthright conversational voice comes through; the book's chronological organization is similar to its YA counterpart. Accompanied by black-and-white halftone illustrations, short readable chapters hit on main points, and occasional sidebars provide related information. "Pauses" in the main text clarify concepts and give readers a chance to gather their thoughts about how deep white supremacy runs and what being antiracist means. A seven-page timeline and a glossary are appended, as are lists of suggested picture books, chapter books, and books for older readers.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn