Recognize!: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life

by Wade Hudson (Editor), Cheryl Willis Hudson (Editor)

In the stunning follow-up to The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth, award-winning Black authors and artists come together to create a moving anthology collection celebrating Black love, Black creativity, Black resistance, and Black life.

BLACK LIVES HAVE ALWAYS MATTERED.

Prominent Black creators lend their voice, their insight, and their talent to an inspiring anthology that celebrates Black culture and Black life. Essays, poems, short stories, and historical excerpts blend with a full-color eight-page insert of spellbinding art to capture the pride, prestige, and jubilation that is being Black in America. In these pages find the stories of the past, the journeys of the present, and the light guiding the future.

BLACK LIVES WILL ALWAYS MATTER.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Short Stories, Social Justice, History, African American, Poetry

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

Wade Hudson is the author of nearly 30 books for children and Young adults. He and his wife Cheryl are the founders of Just Us Books, Inc., a leading publisher of multicultural books for children.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthologies are usually difficult for me to rate because of the variety of stories. Surprisingly, I didn't feel that way with this one and really enjoyed the variety of voices and perspectives from all the authors included.

Recognize!: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life is a book full of the best of the best Black children/middle grade authors. Honestly, I love the mix of old school and new school with pieces from authors like Sharon Draper, Wade Hudson, Nikki Grimes to Kwame Mbalia, Mahogany L. Browne, and Kelly Starling Lyons. It was interesting so many different creative ways in which the authors wanted to illustrated the importance of Black Life. Based on the cover alone, I was fearful that the entire book was going to be full of heavy content, but it was actually a nice balance. Some pieces covered historical moments, some more recent events tied to BLM and police brutality, others were tied to personal epiphanies, while others sought to provide positive affirmations for young Black children. As a whole, it illustrated that while the goals of the authors was the same, the manner in which they conveyed that goal was different. Even the format of each story was different. There was prose, poetry, full page art pieces, comics, and more. For a middle grade audience, I think having an anthology formatted in this way makes the work as a whole more accessible to the reader. It honestly took me just a single day to finish this book and I attempted to slowly devour each part of every story. By far, my favorite pieces came from Kwame Mbalia, Ibi Ziboi, and Carole B. Weatherford. The formatting and stylistic writing of their pieces really spoke to me as an adult reader. I'm not sure how many people are familiar with this book, but I know that it is definitely one that will work well as a read a loud and maybe discussion pieces for older readers with caregivers. And it is definitely a book that should be all local and school libraries.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the access to the early copy of this text. Although a few contributions short of complete, it is obvious that this book is one of great magnitude that will scream for readers to recognize the greatness. Definitely should be in all middle and high school classrooms and libraries.

[Kelly Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read Recognize! Blown away. It’s a masterpiece! Love the contributions and powerful curation. It reveals our heartbreaks, celebrates our joy, gazes toward the future while honoring our past. Mixing classic pieces from our literary greats with work by contemporary authors and illustrators was genius. Rooting and lifting, remembering and dreaming, Recognize! is everything. Thank you, Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson! Honored to be included.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced anthology of short stories, poems, essays, cartoons, and more that illustrate and celebrate the complexity of black lives, meant for younger readers, and compiled in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. I loved the mix of tidbits of Black history and contemporary personal stories, and even though it barely mentions hip hop or rap music, this collection is connected through its activist spirit and recognition of the complexity and beauty of Black achievement in the US.

[chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every kid deserves to see themselves in a story. No matter who they are. ("Black Boy Reading" by Ronald L. Smith)

I know another world is possible and that we will have to fight to birth her. She's coming. ("An Interview with DeRay Mckesson")

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of thoughts in the form of essays, poems, illustrations, and more reflecting on and reacting to the idea that Black Lives Matter--as both a general idea and a historical moment. Interspersed with original, contemporary pieces are selections from historical figures such as Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Frederick Douglass. It makes for a wonderfully diverse mix. I've found the Hudsons' similar, related anthologies more powerful and moving overall, though this is still a worthy addition to the mix.

My favorite piece:

At Our Kitchen Table

by Lesa Cline-Ransome

At our kitchen table
we bow our heads
in blessing
of an abundance
of family
food
and conversation
rising as fiercely
as the storms of
sickness and unrest
gather
outside our door

At our kitchen table
over braised short ribs
roasted potatoes and sautéed spinach
we scoop seconds
and wonder
how bird-watching
and dog walking
become
sporting season
on Black men
in Central Park

At our kitchen table
we scrape our plates clean
of white beans and smoked turkey
and marvel at friends and allies who
step up
step out
speak up
call out
the
All Lives-ing
Blue Lives-ing
Whatabout-ing
Both sides-ing
folks who see
red, white, and blue
but are blind to
the lives of
Black and brown

At our kitchen table
we swallow
lemon shrimp
and pasta
tossed with parsley
and force down the
bitter taste of
name after name
night after night
flashed across the screen
Ahmaud
Breonna
George
Jacob
as we sit swallowing
heaping helpings of
hurt
pain
rage
onto our plates

At our kitchen table
we wipe our chins
of warm triple-berry cobbler
and vanilla ice cream
and savor the sweetness
of legend
John Lewis
living a life of good trouble
in Atlanta
in Selma
in Washington, DC,
across the Edmund Pettus Bridge
gone now
his spirit
still marching us
forward

At our kitchen table
we gather to
shed tears
offer prayers
send money
write letters
draw posters
make plans
until we too
rise up
as a family and
step out
to walk
to shout
in protest
Do
You
See
Us
Now

After
Days
Weeks
Months
of the world
tearing us to pieces
it is our talk
of hurt and history
rage and resistance
at our kitchen table
that makes us all
whole again

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of essays, poems, short stories, historical notes, and artwork is a 3.5 for me. Centering each entry around the idea that black lives do, indeed, matter, the book reminds readers of how the roots of civil rights and black consciousness as well as the progress that has been made and steps that need to be taken to prompt change in the future. By mingling past, present, and future, the entries resonate with readers on a historical, political, and personal level. All of the contributions are sure to spark reflection and conversation, but my favorites were Lisa Cline-Ransome's "At Our Kitchen Table," Kelly Starling Lyons' letter to her son, "Joy Lives in You," Nikki Grimes' "Witness," Don Tate's "How to Be an Activist, and Robert Miller's "My Hero Is a Black Cowboy." Hearing again voices from the past such as James Baldwin, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Mary McLeod Bethune as well as Wade Hudson's "Black Lives Have Always Mattered" puts all this into context and prompts contemplation. I only wish there had been even more entries, and I remain grateful to Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson for this accessible book and the important work to which they have dedicated their lives.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recognize!: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life
by Wade Hudson
Published October 12, 2021

<3 <3 <3

In the stunning follow-up to The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth, award-winning Black authors and artists come together to create a moving anthology collection celebrating Black love, Black creativity, Black resistance, and Black life.

"A multifaceted, sometimes disheartening, yet consistently enriching primer on the unyielding necessity of those three words: Black Lives Matter." -Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

BLACK LIVES HAVE ALWAYS MATTERED.

Prominent Black creators lend their voice, their insight, and their talent to an inspiring anthology that celebrates Black culture and Black life. Essays, poems, short stories, and historical excerpts capture the pride, prestige, and jubilation that is being Black in America. In this audiobook, find the stories of the past, the journeys of the present, and the light guiding the future.

BLACK LIVES WILL ALWAYS MATTER.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In these polarizing times, this welcome anthology spotlights and celebrates the work of Black artists, writers and activists, while fostering an understanding and appreciation of what communities of color have always known, that Black Lives Matter. Comprising prose, poetry, letters, interviews, cartoons, and an insert of color plates displaying the work of black artists, this timely publication offers insight for readers, as we struggle to move forward and make meaningful connections amidst the anger and fear that divide us. In the book's dedication, we learn that Nikki Grimes suggested that Wade and Cheryl Willis Hudson compile an anthology honoring Black life; we are grateful that the Hudsons heeded her advice. End matter includes brief biographies of historic black leaders discussed in the volume, as well as bios of its contributors, with photos of each subject. Sources, photo credits and Contributor Copyright are also listed. Unfortunately, the anthology is not indexed.

[Amber Alvarado Canto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recognize the magic of Black (and biracial) authors who outline the beauty, hardships, and blessings of being Black. Recognize the power of words to uplift you in a society that seeks to actively diminish and destroy your life, legacy, and impact, Recognize the Black joy that is celebrated despite the numerous hardships endured in life. Recognize the work of phenomenal authors, activists, and advocates in this book, "Recognize!" I, especially, love the story of Mother Hamilton's stories that helps Brianna overcome. I love reading Browne's poetry because they always speak to my spirit. I love to be reminded of Douglass' speech about the 4th of July to the slave. I don't have enough great things to say about this book. I will be purchasing several copies for my personal library, my classroom library, and the school's library.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
With 33 collaborators, this anthology reaches out to readers through nearly every possible format. Artwork, poems, essays, short stories, letters, comics, historical texts, and even an interview all work together to emphasize our wholeness as people.
Each contribution in this collection is an exclamation point to the phrase “Black Lives Matter.” Readers struggle with the authors as they try to put into words their feelings and experiences, as we learn to recognize what the issue is and how to address it. Because, in the end, we are each of worth and are never less than all of who we are. The mature content rating is for mentions of drugs and alcohol. The violence rating is for mentions of threats, assault, guns, shootings, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

By using text from different time periods, although the use of the term Black Lives Matter is contemporary, the importance of black lives in American culture is timeless. The powerful statements by Frederick Douglass and James Baldwin are just as timely as the portrait of Breonna Taylor by London Ladd, which means that this anthology will hold up against the test of time because Black Lives will always Matter.

[Lindie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly grabbed this off the shelf at the library for my 4th grade child who is into all things social justice. I'm really glad I did! She and I read it together at bedtime and had some really great discussions come from it. This book is filled with short stories, memoirs, poems and art. I will say that there were a few stories that were either over her head or not as interesting to her. But most of it captured both of us.

[Lellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then I get an ARC where I definitely know I'm going to grab a physical copy when it releases. This is a lovely book. Oftentimes with anthologies, some authors' pieces are glaringly better than others and it makes for a wishy-washy reading experience, but this one is filled with amazing pieces across a few different genres. This is one for every middle grade library and I can't wait for pub day because I will get a copy and spread the word about this one on my blog!

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. (It took a long time because I couldn't figure out how to get the encoded PDF to open, which I was eventually able to do on the computer but never on my phone/in the app in case anyone else was having a hard time opening the file.)

[Danielle Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recognize is an inspirational collection of short stories, essays, art and poems that tell the story of being a Black American. The cover immediately caught my attention, and I knew this would be a powerful read!

Three word summary: Black Lives Matter


Thank you to Netgalley for the free, advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Jacobsmeyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely realize that I am not the target demographic for this book, but I did think it was a really great resource for those who are! Interesting essays that show a 3D view of Black life - honesty about the hard stuff but also highlighting and emphasizing Black joy. With several different formats and authors, it was an engaging mix of storytelling.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book that I've added to my arsenal to increase my stamina in acknowledging my place in White supremacy and white privilege. I'm still grappling with what I can do, personally, to create an equitable society that unfairly favors any one group over another.

[LS Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all! I don’t care what race or ethnicity you identify with, this book is for you. This should be read by any adult who interacts in any way with someone younger. A must read. All of the art is outstanding but the cover art by Mr. Cooper is awe inspiring.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a one of a kind and unique collection of poetry, essays and powerful thoughts on how Black Lives Matter- I got this from my local library but definitely plan on purchasing it.
So many great things in this book.
Highly recommend.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great mix of voices and images, a powerful introduction to many authors and artists

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief yet powerful, this uplifting collection of historical and contemporary writers belongs in every classroom library.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! It gets filed under my list of books that all humans should read. Real, raw, passionate, eye opening — it’s just so good.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal reas. Quick and easily palatable for younger readers. Pieces were well picked and often emotional. (See: The Slave Mother)

[BiblioBrandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful anthology of voices and perspectives from some of the best middle-grade/YA authors. I loved the variety of fiction, non-fiction, art, poetry...there is something for everyone!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Wade Hudson’s “Black Lives Have Always Mattered.” Amen to that.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and some powerful thoughts on the beauty of being Black. Perfect for the middle school crowd.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

7/16/2022 ~ A wide ranging collection of poems, memoir, commentary, and fiction about the nuances of Black life. An important addition to any school and public library. A must read for all teachers.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely recommend this book! It is so diverse and beautiful.