How We Can Live

Principles of Black Lives Matter
By Laleña Garcia, Caryn Davidson
Hardcover: $20.95

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.

Description

When the Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013, the three founders — Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and 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 Live: 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.

About the Creators

Laleña Garcia

Laleña Garcia has been teaching children in New York City since 2000, and educators across the country since 2017. How We Can Live grew out of her work with Black Lives Matter at School, a coalition of educators and parents striving for racial justice in education. A graduate of Yale University and Bank Street College of Education, she lives in Brooklyn. Please visit her website at rootedkids.org and follow her on Instagram at @blm_in_kindergarten.

Caryn Davidson

Caryn Davidson studied Anthropology and Visual Art at Brown University and received her MA in arts education from NYU. Since the start of her career in education in 2004, she founded and developed the arts programs at three public schools in New York City and also led initiatives to promote culturally relevant pedagogy and socially just practices within those school communities. She now teaches art at the high school level in Brooklyn, NY, where she also lives. You can find her on the web at caryndavidson.com and on Instagram at @caryn_arts.

Awards

  • Bookstagang Best Books of the Year 2022

    Bookstagang

  • Black Kidlit Awards 2023

    Black Kidlit Awards

Reviews

  • * "An important message for all young people, this is approachable but profound in its message, and a welcome addition to any elementary library."

    - School Library Journal
  • "A timely, informative, and inspiring read."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Authoritative. . . Define[s] concepts in kid-friendly language, among them unapologetically Black, empathy, loving engagement, and restorative justice."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "Black Lives Matter is a movement that has always been committed to the advancement of Black liberation through partnerships and initiatives that support Black families and communities. Through innovative and creative avenues, the movement shows up for one another. We are proud to partner with Lee & Low Books on How We Can Live: Principles of Black Lives Matter with hopes and vision that it serves as a beacon to shine a light for Black people everywhere to realize their own divinity, wholeness, and birthright. It is this creativity and beauty that reminds Black communities everywhere that everyone is deserving of full dignity, healing, and the conditions that support flourishing."

    - Rev. Karlene Griffiths Sekou, Director of Healing Justice and International Organizing, Black Lives Matter
  • Praise for What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book:

    "What We Believe is simply beautiful. Garcia and Davidson have created a visual, loving example of freedom and the possibilities of using art to create a new world. Each image is drawn with so much love, care, and commitment to the principles of Black Lives Matter, while Garcia's words are inviting, informative, and truth telling. Well done!" —Bettina Love, author of We Want To Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

    "This book is perfect for anyone who wants to take young children seriously as actors in the world. It is both informative and open to the creativity and imagination required to lead us forward." —Thomas Nikundiwe, director of the Education for Liberation Network

    "What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book is one of the best tools available to engage students in the Black Lives Matter at School movement! The stunning artwork coupled with insightful connections between students' intersectional identities and the principles of the BLM Global Network make this book essential for every educator." —Jesse Hagopian, Ethnic Studies teacher and co-editor of Teaching for Black Lives

    "What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book is a fabulous way for educators, parents, and children to live the principles of the movement. . . readers will understand the movement beyond the slogan and will be prepared to make changes wherever they can, for us all to get free." —Dr. Kim Parker, Shady Hill School and #DisruptTexts co-founder

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781643794969
  • Publication Date Oct 18, 2022
  • Trim Size 10 × 8 in
  • Weight 0.875 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Social Activism & Volunteering
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Social Topics / Prejudice & Racism
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Breaking Gender Barriers, Cultural Diversity, Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Leadership, LGBTQIA+, Mentors, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Peace, Protest, Tolerance / Acceptance
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 4 - 10
  • Grade Range Grades PreK - 5
  • Guided Reading W
  • DRA 60
  • Interest Level Grades PreK - 5
  • Reading Level 6
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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