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White Flour
White Flour tells the story, inspired by true events, of the day the Ku Klux Klan met the Coup Clutz Clowns. It is intended as a conversation starter with youth and adults regarding a third way to deal with aggression, beyond fight and flight.
23 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 8, 2012
On May 26, 2007 a group of white supremacists came to Knoxville, Tennessee to stage a protest in a public park. However they were thwarted in their efforts to stir up racial anger by a group of clown counter protesters: The Coup Clutz Clowns. In a series of staged antics, the clowns 'misheard' the cry 'white power' as various near rhymes: white flour, white flowers, tight showers, wife power [they also heard 'wipe power' and produced rolls of toilet paper. That doesn't make it into the kid's book version].
With beautiful illustrations from Jenn Hales, author and activist David LaMotte retells the tale of that day in Knoxsville with their book White Flour . There are certain artistic liberties taken (i.e. the book pictures the white supremacist group as Klansmen instead of a neo-Nazi group) but all of the antics described and pictured in the book were preformed on that protest day.
Here is a picture from the actual protest (photo credit Conrad Honicker):
And here is a sample images from the book:
I found the story thoroughly entertaining and loved the true story behind it. But any review of a children's book should at least have some opinions from actually children. Luckily I have three of my own to opine. All of my kids love the pictures in this book including my 18 month old, but my five year old is probably the only one old enough to follow what is happening in the narrative and I honestly do not know how well she understands it. It may be more appropriate for slightly older kids. I have no problem teaching my kids creative non-violence, but I also had to explain racism, white supremacists and the Klan to my five year old. Perhaps it is best to hear about the horrors of hate groups at home, but if you wish to guard your child's innocence as long as you can, maybe wait a while for this one. Maybe age 6? 7? Of course my kids are white so they had the luxury of not being victim to overt racism at their young age, so it might be different from kid to kid. I think this a fun book with a great message (do not meet hate and anger with hate, but with love and laughter).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
With beautiful illustrations from Jenn Hales, author and activist David LaMotte retells the tale of that day in Knoxsville with their book White Flour . There are certain artistic liberties taken (i.e. the book pictures the white supremacist group as Klansmen instead of a neo-Nazi group) but all of the antics described and pictured in the book were preformed on that protest day.
Here is a picture from the actual protest (photo credit Conrad Honicker):
And here is a sample images from the book:
I found the story thoroughly entertaining and loved the true story behind it. But any review of a children's book should at least have some opinions from actually children. Luckily I have three of my own to opine. All of my kids love the pictures in this book including my 18 month old, but my five year old is probably the only one old enough to follow what is happening in the narrative and I honestly do not know how well she understands it. It may be more appropriate for slightly older kids. I have no problem teaching my kids creative non-violence, but I also had to explain racism, white supremacists and the Klan to my five year old. Perhaps it is best to hear about the horrors of hate groups at home, but if you wish to guard your child's innocence as long as you can, maybe wait a while for this one. Maybe age 6? 7? Of course my kids are white so they had the luxury of not being victim to overt racism at their young age, so it might be different from kid to kid. I think this a fun book with a great message (do not meet hate and anger with hate, but with love and laughter).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
July 3, 2016
What an excellent book!! Based on a true-life story of dark hatred met with joy and light. In the hills of Appalachia in Knoxville, Tennessee, there came a group of haters, wearing white and cloaking themselves so their faces did not show; they spewed their words of bigotry and shouted incessantly about "White Power."
Imagine the surprise in being greeted by a group of people wearing cone shaped multi-colored hates and faces painted merrily like clowns. Holding their hand to their ears, pretending not to hear the ugliness, the clowns imagined they heard the words "White FLOUR!." And, they therefore spread white flour in the air, raining down on them gently with a puff of air, their whiteness countered the white robes of hatred.
As the astonished kkk members marched on, fists in the air, the white floured clowns acted as though they believed they heard "White FLOWERS!." And, accordingly, they opened the bags of white flowes they carefully had made which now rained down on all.
Next, from on high stilts, a clown announced that what the kkk held dear was "Tight SHOWERS." And, gathering in a tight knit group, they held a shower like hose pushing themselves tighter and tighter in a circled group.
And, then, to drive their point home even more, when the kkk shouted White Power, they thought they heard WIFE Power and thus joyfully smiled and shouted "Here's to wives and mothers!"
As a kind policeman led the clowns through the center of Knoxville, more people joined the parade of anti-discrimination. Ending the day in a show of strong support for all that was good and right and lovely about a world where all are appreciated and loved for who they were.
Imagine the surprise in being greeted by a group of people wearing cone shaped multi-colored hates and faces painted merrily like clowns. Holding their hand to their ears, pretending not to hear the ugliness, the clowns imagined they heard the words "White FLOUR!." And, they therefore spread white flour in the air, raining down on them gently with a puff of air, their whiteness countered the white robes of hatred.
As the astonished kkk members marched on, fists in the air, the white floured clowns acted as though they believed they heard "White FLOWERS!." And, accordingly, they opened the bags of white flowes they carefully had made which now rained down on all.
Next, from on high stilts, a clown announced that what the kkk held dear was "Tight SHOWERS." And, gathering in a tight knit group, they held a shower like hose pushing themselves tighter and tighter in a circled group.
And, then, to drive their point home even more, when the kkk shouted White Power, they thought they heard WIFE Power and thus joyfully smiled and shouted "Here's to wives and mothers!"
As a kind policeman led the clowns through the center of Knoxville, more people joined the parade of anti-discrimination. Ending the day in a show of strong support for all that was good and right and lovely about a world where all are appreciated and loved for who they were.
March 24, 2013
This story is based on a true story about when people heard Ku Klux Clan members were coming to Knoxville, Tn. A group of people got together and came up with a unique solution to handling the situation. Instead of meeting the confrontation with anger, they met it with glee. They all dressed up as clowns. Each time the KKK members would tell out "white power", they would say something else such as "white flour" and then would throw flour all over themselves. The KKK members were so upset they left.
As a teacher, I would use this book as an opportunity to teach about ways to peacefully protest and how even a small group of people can make a difference when they work together.
As a teacher, I would use this book as an opportunity to teach about ways to peacefully protest and how even a small group of people can make a difference when they work together.
March 30, 2018
One of our pastors read this book aloud from the pulpit, and said it was her favorite children's book. I liked it, but it was a little too on the nose for me.
But I hate the Klan, and saw that it didn't have much press from my friends on here, so I thought it was worth reviewing and mentioning.
The book is based on a true story of a community using humor to defuse a situation, and humor in the face of violence. They confront the masked Klansmen in their own clown masks, and chant ridiculous mishearings of "WHITE POWER," such as "WHITE FLOUR!" It's much like the ridiculoso spell in Harry Potter when confronted with a Boggart.
I'll add that before we moved here, the Klan held a rally in our town back in 1997. City Council tried a number of things to discourage them from being here - an ordinance banning masks - which the Klan challenged, for one.
But the one that had (perhaps) the most success was the counter-rally. It encourged gawkers not to give a stage to the Klansmen, and it donated money to an anti-racist group for every minute the Klan's presence was in our town. So, the longer they were here, the more money they raised for the anti-racist group. I thought that was pretty good.
But I hate the Klan, and saw that it didn't have much press from my friends on here, so I thought it was worth reviewing and mentioning.
The book is based on a true story of a community using humor to defuse a situation, and humor in the face of violence. They confront the masked Klansmen in their own clown masks, and chant ridiculous mishearings of "WHITE POWER," such as "WHITE FLOUR!" It's much like the ridiculoso spell in Harry Potter when confronted with a Boggart.
I'll add that before we moved here, the Klan held a rally in our town back in 1997. City Council tried a number of things to discourage them from being here - an ordinance banning masks - which the Klan challenged, for one.
But the one that had (perhaps) the most success was the counter-rally. It encourged gawkers not to give a stage to the Klansmen, and it donated money to an anti-racist group for every minute the Klan's presence was in our town. So, the longer they were here, the more money they raised for the anti-racist group. I thought that was pretty good.
July 18, 2025
An important book about a demonstration in 2007 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Some white supremacists gathered but were countered by a group of peaceful and fun-loving and organized clowns. When the white-hooded demonstrators started shouting, "White power!" The clowns feigned not hearing and finally jeered, "Oh, white flour!!" breaking out bags of flour and scattering the powder about. The story goes on to show how the clowns shut down the demonstrators and hour and a half early and get a police escort to safely disperse.
The art is colorful and lively and depicts the story for readers with clarity. A note in the back of the book admits that "some creative license was taken with the poem" and that the hate group was not actually wearing robes. I think it did help define the hate group for the book, though, and does not distract from the purpose.
I am late to the party in finding and reading this book, but it is as prescient as ever. Buy it and keep it in print. It's even printed environmentally in Canada, not China.
The art is colorful and lively and depicts the story for readers with clarity. A note in the back of the book admits that "some creative license was taken with the poem" and that the hate group was not actually wearing robes. I think it did help define the hate group for the book, though, and does not distract from the purpose.
I am late to the party in finding and reading this book, but it is as prescient as ever. Buy it and keep it in print. It's even printed environmentally in Canada, not China.
August 8, 2021
Such a wonderful poetic book, based upon factual events, outlining a different approach to tackling hatred and xenophobia. I first encountered this book when doing me Early Years degree and it has remained with me since.
May 20, 2019
A fantastic account of a real instance of creative nonviolent direct action. Perfect for the budding activist in your family!
February 28, 2020
So well done! Great book for middle school or high school discussion groups. Can lead to research.
June 28, 2020
Small and simple lesson taught creatively.
March 14, 2017
Love this book about nonviolent resistance. It rhymes.
June 26, 2012
WHITE FLOUR by David LaMotte (author) and Jenn Hales (illustrator)
Published by: Lower Dryad Music
Date published: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9772893-2-5
Children’s Nonfiction
Hardcover
Reviewed by: Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/White-Flour-Dav...
Obtained via publisher.
Rating: 5
WHITE FLOUR by David LaMotte is a well-written, whimsical story, based on true events that took place in Knoxville, Tennessee in May of 2007. LaMotte has done a brilliant job in getting his point across, and the lovely illustrations by Hales adds a positive, fun, and feel-good light to this story.
The Ku Klux Klan are holding a racist rally in Knoxville when they suddenly come up against the Coup Clutz Clowns, who deter their aggression in a way that effectively deflates the cruelty and negativity brewing.
As the clowns use their own creative talents, humor, and non-violence to nullify and defuse the brewing hatred of the Klan as they attempt to stir people to violence, it isn’t long before their tactics work in a positive way.
WHITE FLOUR is an extremely charming, imaginative story that is sure to delight children of all ages. A wonderful way to help them learn a different, yet effective method of how to deter bigotry and hatred, through love and humor, as the Coup Clutz Clowns demonstrate.
WHITE FLOUR is a must-read in today’s society, and I would recommend it to adults as well as children, as a learning tool for all ages. The fact that WHITE FLOUR is based on actual events proves the truth and effectiveness of love and humor in this and other similar situations.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
Published by: Lower Dryad Music
Date published: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9772893-2-5
Children’s Nonfiction
Hardcover
Reviewed by: Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/White-Flour-Dav...
Obtained via publisher.
Rating: 5
WHITE FLOUR by David LaMotte is a well-written, whimsical story, based on true events that took place in Knoxville, Tennessee in May of 2007. LaMotte has done a brilliant job in getting his point across, and the lovely illustrations by Hales adds a positive, fun, and feel-good light to this story.
The Ku Klux Klan are holding a racist rally in Knoxville when they suddenly come up against the Coup Clutz Clowns, who deter their aggression in a way that effectively deflates the cruelty and negativity brewing.
As the clowns use their own creative talents, humor, and non-violence to nullify and defuse the brewing hatred of the Klan as they attempt to stir people to violence, it isn’t long before their tactics work in a positive way.
WHITE FLOUR is an extremely charming, imaginative story that is sure to delight children of all ages. A wonderful way to help them learn a different, yet effective method of how to deter bigotry and hatred, through love and humor, as the Coup Clutz Clowns demonstrate.
WHITE FLOUR is a must-read in today’s society, and I would recommend it to adults as well as children, as a learning tool for all ages. The fact that WHITE FLOUR is based on actual events proves the truth and effectiveness of love and humor in this and other similar situations.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
July 10, 2012
Imagine you were going to have an encounter with the Ku Klux Klan. What would it take to make that encounter meaningful, positive, or (dare I say!) fun? It would require seeing the moment from a creative perspective. It might even require clowns. In "White Flour" David Lamotte recounts a historical event where a group of clowns encountered hooded marchers from the KKK. Lamotte's use of language, meter, and rhyme fit the vision of the marchers as they fight the violence of the Klan with a spirit of mirth and joy. Do you wonder which group carries the real power? Pull out a copy of the book, read it to your favorite child (regardless of age), and see which clowns claim the battle for "White Flour."
July 10, 2012
From the first time I heard David recite his poem, White Flour, at one of his concerts to today, I am amazed by the way he turned this real life event into verse.
This is a very special book for people of all ages. The illustrations are wonderful and you can see on each page how much David and illustrator, Jenn Hales, put into bringing the words to life.
A great addition to your bookshelves and one to recommend to your local library to have on their shelves.
This is a very special book for people of all ages. The illustrations are wonderful and you can see on each page how much David and illustrator, Jenn Hales, put into bringing the words to life.
A great addition to your bookshelves and one to recommend to your local library to have on their shelves.
September 4, 2015
Loved this new book by David LaMotte. He captured the imagination with telling the story of a true event in rhyme. The illustrations are beautiful. This is a book that should be read in every school across the nation. There is a better way to confront hatred without the use of force or violance.
June 24, 2013
David LaMotte tells in verse the true story of how a group of clowns responded to the Ku Klux Klan when they came to Knoxville, TN. This lovely picture book shows a way to deal with racism in a non-violent way, with humor and grace. I recommend it for parents to read and discuss with their children, and for God's children of all ages. It needs to be in our libraries and schools.
July 25, 2012
This is a creatively produced book worthy of readers' attention at any age... Childhood bed to aged rocking chair. Inspires us all with wit, wisdom, and clever design. And...not only is it a true story, it also actually happened! Highly recommend!!!
December 4, 2012
Excellent children's picture book about a true event in Knoxville, TN dealing with racism. The KKK comes to town and a group of clowns react to their chants with humor and grace. Gets the message across without confrontation. Lamotte is a master with his message of peace.
August 2, 2025
This book deserves special recognition. It is based on a real moment in recent history, when local activists turned the tables on Klan marchers. Anyone trying to face down hate can take a lesson from the approach these folks used--humor.
April 24, 2013
I liked the subject, and the pastel illustrations are pleasant, but I didn't care for the rhyming text. It came off as too didactic.
June 6, 2013
A beautifully written and illustrated way to start some very important conversations. Thank you David!
July 14, 2013
Fantastic. Great for kids of almost all ages. I think Alice will like this one more in a few years. She's only 2. :)
June 30, 2015
Swords into plowshares... or a good joke. A wonderful little book based on true events and handling hate filled people.
December 4, 2015
A great teaching tool for the "third way" of responding to conflict. The humor of the very real (historical) and potentially dangerous situation comes through.
October 23, 2012
I think this is a terrific book for young people (and their parents!).
March 30, 2015
Really good message about fighting hate with humor.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews