Because of You, John Lewis

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Keith Henry Brown (Illustrator)

An inspiring story of a friendship between Congressman John Lewis and 10-year-old activist Tybre Faw by New York Times bestselling and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Andrea Davis Pinkney!
Ten-year-old Tybre Faw is obsessed with history and the civil rights movement, and he devours every book he can find on the subject. When he learns of Congressman John Lewis's harrowing and heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for the right to vote, Tybre is determined to meet him.

Tybre's two grandmothers take him on the seven-hour drive to Selma. And as the two meet and become fast friends, Tybre joins Lewis for the annual walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge!

When John Lewis is laid to rest, Tybre is invited to read Lewis's favorite poem, "Invictus," at the funeral service. Pinkney weaves this story of a boy with a dream--with the story of a true-life hero (who himself was inspired by Martin Luther King when he was a boy). Both John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr. have left indelible marks on future generations. Will Tybre be next to carry the mantle?

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Social Justice, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Duke Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winner.

Pinkney's newest books include Meet the Obamas and Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride, which has garnered three starred reviews and has been named one of the "Best Books of 2009" by School Library Journal. In 2010, Andrea's book entitled Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down, was published on the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins of 1960.

Her mother is a teacher and her father is a great storyteller, so growing up surrounded by books and stories is what inspired Andrea Davis Pinkney to choose a career as an author. The first official story she remembers writing was in second grade — it was about her family. Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Connecticut. She went to Syracuse University, where she majored in journalism. After college, she followed her dream and worked as an editor for Essence magazine, but after watching her husband, Caldecott Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, illustrate children's books, she decided to switch jobs and became involved in book publishing.

Andrea Davis Pinkney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/andrea-d...

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure on the rating, as I think it is a little wordy for a picture book, but there is a nice connection of Lewis being inspired by King, and Faw being inspired by Lewis, and friendships but also action following. As the young are inspired, we should nurture that.

Faw was 10 at the start, so maybe that is the right age for this book.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, this is really a book about a child Tybre Faw who do admired John Lewis that he followed in his foot steps. Truly an everybody book, younger children would need a lot of support to understand the whole story, but time and learning will take care of that.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is extremely informative. It is easy to follow and comprehend. With the exhaustive information about John Lewis and MLK I did learn a few, new to me, details. This is a very valuable book for children and adults.



Thank you to Scholastic for the advanced reader copy.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy named Tybre Faw is determined to meet John Lewis after learning about the legendary civil rights activist. Then he's invited to join the congressman in his annual memorial walk across the bridge! This begins an amazing friendship.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Updated rating: The next day, I'm still thinking about the artwork from this picture book--especially the image of Martin Luther King Jr. looking skyward. So, I'm bumping my rating to five stars. I guess the artwork resonated with me more than I thought!

Original review:
I so admire all that John Lewis did in his lifetime. It was heartwarming to learn more about him through the eyes of a young man that John Lewis inspired. The torch has passed—may we carry it high in his memory.

And, I was reminded of how words and images connect with people in different ways. In this instance, the artwork was good but did not spark my emotion or have me in awe. This is why it is so important to have variety in our reading and viewing: every piece will not connect with every reader/viewer.

[Adriana Kowalska · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk just like kinda boring I wish I got more information about John Lewis. This was my tenth reading Olympics book! As is for now I am done reading reading Olympics books, the competition is on April third and I want to just review all the books in the span of time

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in 10 minutes! So entertaining!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical and informative.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable story of intergenerational friendship.

[Ariana ୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this at the book fair! 📚 Enjoyed reading!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biographical in nature, though not a true "biography". This is the story of Tybre Faw meeting his hero, John Lewis. It also is the story of John Lewis meeting his hero, Martin Luther King. And the ways these heroes became friends, inspired action and caused "good trouble". The language in this book is lovely. I loved the interweaving of all three stories. This really is lovely.

[Brenda Kahn]

Oh my, how I loved this book. Gorgeously illustrated, inspiring poetry. Just wonderful.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be great to use during Black History Month. It is the story of three people - Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, and a boy named Tybre. MLK inspired John Lewis who in turn inspired Tybre. The illustrations are beautiful. The facts are interesting and would be appropriate to use for reports. The story itself is inspiring. John's favorite poem by William Ernest Henley, Invictus, is included in the book at the back. Be sure to read the Author's Note, timeline, and extra information/photos at the end of the book. The book's primary focus is the meeting between the young Tybre and Lewis. It is highly recommended for Grades 4-5.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tybre wishes. Tybre prays. Tybre waits. Tybre says.”

Just as John Lewis sought a connection with Martin Luther King, Jr., a young boy named Tybre Faw longed to meet his hero, John Lewis.

The book simultaneously tells the story of John Lewis and Tybre Faw as they worked their way toward meeting each other at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Holding a sign that said “Thank you Rep. John Lewis. You have shown me how to have courage,” Tybre got to meet his hero and join him in his walk across the bridge.

A powerful book about hope and passing the torch to the next generation.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed from an ARC from Scholastic.

The incredible friendship that grew between a young boy who was inspired by the late Congressman.

Tybre, a young boy from Johnson City, TN, learns about the message of peace, love, and truth that Representative John Lewis espoused his adult life. Tybre reads about the civil unrest of the 1960's and asks his grandmother to take him to Selma, AL for the annual crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. He stands by with his sign, hoping to meet his hero. He does and, as a result, is asked to read Lewis' favorite poem "Invictus" at Lewis' funeral. Backmatter includes a 2-page biography about Lewis' contributions to civil rights, a timeline of his life, photos of Lewis at various times of his life, and the text of the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley.

Pinkney does, once again, what she does best: finding that moment in time that moves stirs us emotionally. Her hook - this boy - is the future that Lewis hoped for. A kind, thoughtful young man who will carry Lewis' mission of peace, love, and truth into the future. All of this through her poetic text.

Useful during units of study about Civil Rights and Black History, this will also be welcome in units about peace.

Highly Recommended for grades 2-7.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often you read the title of a book initially unaware of its specific content. And, even though the punctuation does not indicate a question, you have questions. You are also pondering probable answers to those questions.

We lost John Robert Lewis on July 17, 2020. He was a man who never sought it, but was wrapped in a mantle of light and honor for his lifetime of accomplishments. Certainly, there must be a lengthy list of truths to follow the first five words in this title. Possibilities were whirling through my mind. Because Of You, John Lewis: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship (Scholastic Press, June 7, 2022) written by Andrea David Pinkney with illustrations by Keith Henry Brown supplies us with a story each generation wishes for the next. We wish for the world to be a better place for all and we wish for those who follow us to continue working toward that better place.

My full recommendation https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Davis Pinkney shares a perfect inspirational picture book for the current political times. A young boy, Tybre Faw of Troy, Alabama ~~ "home of the Dixie Trail, gospel Sundays, and gut-bucket blues" ~ wishes desperately to meet his hero, John Lewis. He wants to shake his hand and tell him just exactly who he is. Tybre muses on the many inspirations and accomplishments of Lewis. He gets his detailed understanding of John Lewis from his deep reading, the kind of reading that teachers and librarians wish they could instill in every child: circling words, underlining, and rereading sections of descriptions of "Good Trouble" Lewis, until he knows the many inside and out.

Tybre convinces his grandmother to make the trip to John Lewis's town, where Lewis by happenstance picks Tybre out of a crowd. Pinkney describes through poetic language the friendship that follows and endures.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of the passing of the torch in civil rights. Tells how a third grader dreamed of meeting his hero John Lewis and talked his grandmothers into driving him 7 hours to try and get a chance. John Lewis not only meets him but invites him to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with him. They meet every year the rest of Lewis's life to repeat that walk. At age 12 Tybre reads Lewis's favorite poem at his funeral and ending with "John Lewis was my hero, my friend. Let's honor him by getting by getting in good trouble."

The story also includes Martin Luther King Jr.'s friendship with John Lewis.

Backmatter includes a timeline of Lewis's life and a series of photos.

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of Martin Luther King Jr, John Lewis was drawn to activism and the Civil Rights Movement. Because of John Lewis and all his "Good Trouble" things changed for people of color. And because of his amazing story, a young boy named Tybre Faw was drawn to activism. Tybre got to meet his hero at the annual march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 2018 and for several other marches until John Lewis' death in 2020. Tybre read the poem Invictus at Rep. Lewis' funeral. I love this beautiful story of hope, continuity, and the passing of the torch.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pinkney shares the story of Rep. John Lewis and Tybre Faw. Their friendship came near the end of Lewis' life and at the beginning of Faw's. This teenager longed to meet his hero and did so on a Bloody Sunday remembrance march. A connection was made and continued until Lewis' death. Readers see how King and Lewis inspired each other to continue, and, in turn, how Lewis inspires Faw to reach farther.
Brown's illustrations let readers feel they are walking with them. They are highly detailed and capture the energy in these encounters.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the story of Tybre Faw meeting his hero, John Lewis. It also includes a short biography of John Lewis. When I was in school, we only learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks in the Civil Rights Movement. Not only is this a great biography of an incredible man, who lived a long enough life and was elected to the House of Representatives (and be known as the "Conscious of Congress"), it also shows the impact young people can make. Both John Lewis and Tybre Faw were/are incredibly involved at young ages. If you are passionate about a cause, you can help!

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a moving story about a ten year old who looks up to John Lewis and ends up meeting him. It tells a lot about Lewis's life and gives lots of hope for our future, including the younger generation of freedom fighters. The illustrations are beautiful and the book teaches a lot.
That being said, I think it is way too wordy for a picture book.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A line of activism from Civil Rights era to Black Lives Matter-- a young John Lewis was inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr and in turn Lewis inspired another young man. Good author's note at the end with more information.

While illustrations were good, it felt inconsistent -- Tybre didn't appear the same in all illustrations.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful tribute to intergenerational friendships that ignite social change. I know Rep. Lewis had a soft spot for young people, and this book brings that love to life. I wish all kids would be as lucky as Tybre Faw, and that they have positive adult role models.

Bright yellows in the illustrations underscore the text’s use of sunrise imagery. Both elements imbue the book with a sense of hope.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this book that draws parallels to a young John Lewis admiring Dr. Martin Luther King and a young Tybre Faw admiring Congressman John Lewis


I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book reminds us that if we don't have dreams, what's the point of living? In poetic, expressive lines, Andrea Davis Pinkney describes dreams and journeys that intertwine across time, distance, and generations. Ten-year-old Tybre Faw, a young Black boy from Johnson City, Tennessee, learns about civil rights activist John Lewis, is filled with admiration, and dreams of meeting him one day. Lewis himself had plenty of dreams and dedicated his life to making things better for his people. Thanks to his grandmothers' willingness to drive him down to Mississippi, the youngster meets Lewis and joins him and others on a commemorative march in Selma across that infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge. Teachers and young readers in search of stories about young activists and how the fight for civil rights and social justice continues on even today will find a satisfying one here. The repetitive phrase "because of you, John Lewis" takes on a joyous, hymnlike quality as it's woven into the central narrative about this unique friendship. Moving artwork, rendered with watercolor and quill pen and then finished digitally, accompanies the sonorous words in this celebratory text. The book cover, front and back, is equally handsome, paying tribute to an important moment in civil rights history while also seemingly passing the torch to the next generation.

[Beckiezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did not like the style this book was written in, 2 stars for that, unnecessarily confusing rather than poetic for me, but I bet a good storyteller could bring it to life, it just wasn’t working for me reading to myself. The art I was pretty indifferent to as well, Tybre seems to change ages drastically in pics, one page he seems like a young child, another an older teen. I liked the idea of the book, generations of activities inspired by the generation before, and the question of what activists will step up in the future. The information at the end was helpful and clarifying after the random word vomit in a lot of the book. I liked the timeline and the actual pictures. I don’t have any opinion on John Lewis as a congressman and I wasn’t aware of his history as a voting rights activist so this was informative. It was touching and did make me tear up a bit. I love that there are kids who are learning about people that inspire them and dreaming of meeting them and actually achieving those dreams. I love that there are adults who ignite those sparks and ones who support their kids in reaching for those dreams. I’d like to know what Tybre is up to now, probably college aged.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so hard to read this book without crying. It could be because Andrea Davis Pinkney does free verse narration better than anyone. It could be because I'm still raw from the death of John Lewis. It could be because I never knew the true story of Tybre Faw, a 10 year old boy who was obsessed with the history of civil rights and determined to meet his idol John Lewis. His two heroic grandmothers drive him 7 hours from Tennessee to Selma Alabama so that he can meet John Lewis at the once a year march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. I started crying when John Lewis hugs Tybre and they walk across the bridge together. Tybre Faw read the poem "Invictus" at John Lewis' funeral (and I am still crying). This amazing book weaves biography of John Lewis together with how he inspired a 10 year old in 2018 and how that relationship continued until Lewis' death. More than anything else, this book gives hope for the future that King, Lewis, Faw and the rest of us aspire toward.

[Shyiesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about a boy (Tybre Faw) who was extremely inspired by the life and work of John Lewis. So much so, that it was his dream to meet John Lewis. It so happened that he did get to meet John Lewis and was able to converse and march with John Lewis. All in all, this is a phenomenal story with beautiful illustrations. The timeline and photos in the back of the book are amazing as they help to illustrate this young man's dream and the life of John Lewis.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people are just undeniable heroes and John Lewis is one of them. I really appreciated how this book shared the backstory for both John Lewis and for Tybre Faw and then showed how inspiration is cyclical and keeps moving forward. The words provoke thought and the pictures give you something to sink into while you are pondering the words more closely. Absolutely a book I will be using in my classroom regularly for its writing and its subject.