Review by Booklist Review
Every day opens up new possibilities--both negative and positive. Sarah learns this firsthand after she gets ready for a normal day at school. Her father informs her that she's skipping school in favor of attending a demonstration protesting the police killing of a Black person. Sarah, a bookish young Black girl, is introduced to the stark reality facing many people in America who look just like her--that those responsible for justice in society can instead bring misery, pain, and injustice. Sarah nevertheless finds solace in her community's ability to come together to protect one another. Wiley's expressive art style is perfect for showing Sarah's confusion when confronted by a callous police officer. At the same time, the vibrant pallet enables the story's hopeful end to strike true. Sarah ultimately comes to understand that she has an important role to play as a protector and supporter for those around her. An inspirational and timely story for young readers trying to understand today's polarized world. Back matter includes discussion prompts and parent-educator guidance for continued conversations.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A small child struggles to make sense of a scary event. The day starts out normally for a young African American girl. She has breakfast, feeds her pets, and sets about preparing for school. Then her dad shares news that turns her world upside down: The police have "killed another Black person." Sarah and her dad leave the house and join a protest where Sarah witnesses a White policeman's anger and cruelty toward a butterfly, which she rescues. Despite the worrisome events of the day--at one point Sarah gets lost amid the crowd of protesters--she proves that her resilience is as strong as that of the butterfly, which lives to see another day and to "fly far away from anyone who would hurt it." The symbolism is unmistakable--Sarah's dad is teaching her that it is possible to overcome whatever life throws at you. The author has some powerhouse credentials as an anti-racist activist. However, despite the sweet bond between father and daughter and the vivid illustrations, the story feels jarring and will be upsetting to children. It's a tough read for young minds but may be a necessary one during times of strife. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An important story about racial injustice but not one that's likely to have a long stay on the read-again shelf. (author's note, suggestion list, discussion guide) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
