Kids have made their voices heard throughout the Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter movements, and this absorbing introduction to that history—told through the fictional story of a young activist—will galvanize the next generation of change-makers.
When a woman in town is shot by a police officer, Sage’s social studies teacher decides to start a Black History unit called “Say Their Names.” He tells the class the stories of the Civil Rights movement’s most influential figures. And he tells the stories of various Black people who were killed by police and the youth-led movements that emerged as a result. While listening, Sage becomes more and more convinced that she needs to take part in her local protest—she needs to do something about the injustice in her own town.
Both a compelling history lesson and an energizing tale of making your voice heard (and in the process, getting to know the people in your life better), this graphic novel is an important and kid-relevant rallying cry.