Hey Black Child

All black children need to know Perkins’ prideful poem, possibly by heart, because it’s really that doggone good.

PreS-Gr 3--Collier's characteristic watercolor-and-collage masterpieces bring joy and gravity to Perkins's inspirational poem. With a compelling rhythm that begs for recitation, the verse (often misattributed to Countee Cullen) celebrates the power and potential of black children. The illustrations pair young black faces with visions of their successful futures as astronauts, artists, politicians, and more and feature some of the artist's favorite motifs, including soaring balloons and rays of light. The visuals also contribute historical heft to the lyrical affirmation, layering images from African civilizations, the civil rights movement, and Black Lives Matter into the spreads, connecting the book's triumphs to African Americans' roots and ongoing struggles against racism and oppression. The poem closes with a reminder of the importance of the contributions of black children and the adults they grow up to be: "Be what you can be/Learn what you must learn/Do what you can do/And tomorrow your nation/Will be what you want it to be." Author and illustrator notes ensure that dedicated readers can appreciate all the fine details in the text and visuals. VERDICT A rousing celebration and call to action, this book is a great choice for every library.--Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY

Perkins's 1975 poem, originally written as song lyrics (and sometimes misattributed to Countee Cullen or Maya Angelou), features compact, rhythmic language that's both avuncular and commandingly rhetorical ("Hey Black Child/ Do you know who you are/ Who you really are"). Collier (City Shapes) uses a combination of dense, burnished watercolors--the texture often mimics acrylics--and photo collage to imagine the possibilities open to empowered African-American children. Each stanza begins with a close, almost photorealistic portrait of a confident, happy child; subsequent pages show how the child's passion, coupled with a proud sense of heritage, leads him or her to become someone who helps make "your nation/ what you want it to be." A girl with eager, bespectacled eyes and a bright smile stands beside a telescope and knows she can become an astronaut; a boy inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement sees a future in politics. Perkins's poem has always made for a stirring recitation; new and old fans will find that Collier's images do full justice to it. Ages 4-8. Illustrator's agent: Marcia Wernick, Wernick & Pratt. (Nov.)