America, My Love, America, My Heart [9780062993298]

Overview

America, do you love me?

Acclaimed author-artist Daria Peoples-Riley invites readers to answer timely—and timeless—questions beating inside the hearts of children across America. Exquisitely illustrated, with a powerful, lyrical text, America, My Love, America, My Heart will challenge readers of all ages to examine and evaluate personal beliefs and attitudes toward the many different colors of America.

America, do you love me? My black. My brown. My pride. My crown.

What begins as a single question from a single child multiplies as America, My Love, America, My Heart sweeps across the country with every page turn, inviting in more and more children of color—and their questions. Does America love them when they speak? Or whisper? Or shout? When they stand? Does America love them just as they are?

Inspired by the questions of her own childhood, author and artist Daria Peoples-Riley has created a powerful and important book for Americans of all ages—an essential addition to every bookshelf and classroom. Her poetic text encourages readers to confront bias, prejudice, and discrimination and invites readers to reflect and respond with their own answers, while honoring the identities of black and brown children and people of color.

The unforgettable monochromatic oil paintings incorporate patriotic colors—red, white, and blue—to evoke deeply felt emotion and unique perspective. This rich, resonant book is a conversation starter for children, for families, for classrooms, and for communities. 

Through powerful words and art, this book invites readers to look at their country—and themselves.

• A Poetic Exploration of Identity: Lyrical, repetitive text gives voice to the questions Black and brown children have about their place in America.
• Starting Conversations on Race: Inspired by the author’s own childhood, this book provides a gentle yet direct way to talk about bias, prejudice, and anti-racism with young readers.
• A Message of Belonging: Challenges the nation to love every child for who they are—from the languages they speak to the history they carry.
• Stunning, Meaningful Artwork: Unforgettable monochromatic oil paintings thoughtfully incorporate red, white, and blue to explore patriotism from a unique and deeply emotional perspective.