Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black

Gr 1-4–An affirmation of Black talent, creativity. and achievement, this title features the work of 19 Black illustrators including the author, who was inspired by the events of 2020 and a desire to see the young people of the Black diaspora believe in themselves and their dreams. The challenge and the pride in being Black is the focus of the text: “You share your magical melanin with countless generations of geniuses, creators, leaders and great thinkers.” While the illustrations come from a collective effort, they flow successfully from page to page while honoring the diversity of the Black experience in all its beautiful hair styles, skin tones, and body shapes. This title stands out for its call to young readers to embrace their ancestral past and set high expectations for themselves and their future endeavors.