Why?: A Conversation about Race (ALA)

MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING GROUP

Why? A Coversation about Race

Taye Diggs; illustrated by Shane W. Evans October 2021 “Daddy?”

“Yes, my sweet boy.”

“Why are those people shouting?”

“Our people are shouting because we need to be heard. We need to be heard.”

Why? is a question asked by children daily, and in this striking and timely story, it begins a straightforward and challenging conversation between children of color and the adults in their lives.

Why are the buildings burning? Why are people marching? Why are they crying? Taye Diggs has written a beautiful, powerful, and poignant story that peers through the eyes of a child as they struggle to understand why these events are happening.

Why? distills the conversations many children and adults are having about race, injustice, and anger in communities throughout our country, and gives them context that young readers can connect with. Heartfelt and deeply piercing illustrations from Shane W. Evans will leave a lasting impact on readers of any age.

One that will hopefully lead to more conversations, change, and peace within our own communities and the world.

Taye Diggs is an actor whose credits include motion pictures (How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Chicago), stage (Rent, Wicked), and television (Private Practice, Murder in the First, Empire, and All American). He is also the author of Mixed Me!, Chocolate Me!, and I Love You More Than . . . , published by Feiwel & Friends.

He lives in Los Angeles and New York City with his son.

Shane W. Evans is the illustrator of numerous award-winning (NAACP Award, Coretta Scott King Award) books for children, including We March, Underground, Mixed Me!, Chocolate Me!, and I Love You More Than . . . He is based out of Kansas City, Missouri, and travels extensively to gain inspiration. Shane can be found in Dream Studio LLC where he creates and serves the community.

Dreamstudio777.com

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ISBN: 978-1-250-80609-3 | Price: $18.99 US / $25.99 CAN | On Sale Date: 10/19/2021 | Category: Picture Book Fiction | Format: Jacketed Trade Hardcover | Pages/Trim: 32 / 9” x 8” | Age: 3–6

Written by

Taye Diggs

Illustrated by

Shane W. Evans

A Conversation about Race

are those buildings burning?

Daddy?”

“

“Yes, my sweet boy.”

“Why are those people shouting?”

“Our people are shouting because we need to be heard. We need to be heard.”

“Oh.”

“

Mama?”

“Yes, babygirl.”

“Why are those people crying?”

“Our people are crying because we are in pain. We are in pain.”

“Oh.”

Nanna?”

“

“Yes, my grandson.”

“Why are those people pointing?”

“Our people are pointing because we need help. We really need help.”

“Oh.”

Grandad?”

“

“Yes, my lovely granddaughter.”

“Why are those people marching?”

“Our people are marching because we have been stomped on and stepped over for way too long. Way, way too long.”

“Oh.”

The little children looked at the brown skin staring back in their reflections .

He saw the bright light of fire through the window.

She could smell the dark smoke.

Family?”

“

“Yes.”

“Why are those buildings burning?”

“Because, little one . . . ”

“When we get tired of shouting and not being heard, when we have cried so many tears from always getting hurt, when we scream out for help and continue to get ignored, when we march and march and march but are not really moving— when all this happens . . . ”

“Sometimes buildings must burn.

The buildings burn for us.

The anger burning those buildings is us.”

The child then sat down and crossed her legs.

He closed his eyes.

“Why are you praying, little one?” they all asked.

“I’m praying for faith and love.

If we have that, then maybe we can figure this all out—maybe then we will have peace.

Yes. I believe we will figure this out.”

So they all sat down and closed their eyes.

And prayed.

They all prayed for peace.

“Oh.”

To Walker and all the young ones. —T.D. Thanks to the Most High Love!

Thank God for the gift. Dedicated to my loving family. To the Little Ones: Be in Joy. —S.W.E.