That Flag
Description
An affecting picture book from Tameka Fryer Brown and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) that challenges the meaning behind the still-waving Confederate flag through the friendship of two young girls who live across the street from each other.
Bianca is Keira’s best friend. At school, they are inseparable. But Keira questions their friendship when she learns more about the meaning of the Confederate flag hanging from Bianca’s front porch. Will the two friends be able to overlook their distinct understandings of the flag? Or will they reckon with the flag’s effect on yesterday and today?
In That Flag, Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith graciously tackle the issues of racism, the value of friendship, and the importance of understanding history so that we move forward together in a thought-provoking, stirring, yet ultimately tender tale.
A perfect conversation starter for the older and younger generations alike, this book includes back matter on the history of the Confederate flag and notes from the creators.
A 2024 Jane Addams Peace Association Children's Book Award Picture Book — Honor
A 2023 NYPL Best Book for Kids
A 2023 NPR Best Book for Kids
A 2023 Charlotte Huck Honor for Outstanding Fiction for Children
A 2023 SLJ Best Book for Kids
A 2023 Nerdy Book Award Winner
A 2024 Notable Book for a Global Society by the International Librarian Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group
A 2023-24 MCS Martin Luther King "Living the Dream" Book Award Nominee
2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Books Award List Selection
2023 MISelf in Books List for Upper Elementary as selected by certified school librarians who are members of the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL)
School Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for That Flag
A brave and deeply affecting story about friendship, perspective, anti-racism, and the importance of understanding history. This may be an essential book about a cultural flashpoint. — School Library Journal (starred review)
This is a prime example of how a picture book can help younger readers understand difficult topics. A thoughtful and age-appropriate exploration of a somber subject. — Kirkus Reviews
Tameka Fryer Brown pens an honest, contemporary, soul-shocking story, with deep and painful roots. That Flag will prayerfully lead to hundreds of thousands of mending moments and healing hearts. — Derrick Barnes, Newbery Honoree and National Book Award Finalist
A necessary read for all young people in this country. — Traci Sorell, Two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus Honoree
Told with tenderness and care, That Flag explores the power of asking questions, the power of understanding history, and ultimately the power of friendship. An essential book for every American home and classroom. — Renée Watson, #1 NYT Bestselling Author, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
[A] layered introduction to issues around white supremacy and racism that is still accessible to young readers. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
[U]nmistakable — Booklist