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Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children – An Affirming Picture Book About Joy, Heritage, and Pride
When happy things come to you, hold them close and never let go. From celebrated author of Your Name Is a Song Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, fine artist Patrick Dougher, and photographer Jamel Shabazz, Hold Them Close is a picture book celebration of Black past, present, and future—a joyful love letter to Black children. As affirming as it is touching and warm, Hold Them Close encourages young children to hold close their joy, the words of their ancestors and elders, as well as their power to change the world. A perfect book for shared story time, this book will inspire young people to march forth with pride, glow, and happiness. "A love poem to Black children that both educates and bolsters." —Kirkus Reviews A Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s Best Children’s Books of the Year pick!
48 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2022
1 person is currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 21, 2022
I enjoyed this one! The idea of our Black children finding joy and having joy in the midst of so much hatred is more important than I could begin to explain. As a mother, myself, I often question how to find that balance with my own child. She must understand her history and where she comes from, yet I don’t want her to believe that her peoples past is nothing but pain and trauma. True, that’s a part of the narrative, but it’s not all of it. I think that Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow provides great resources for finding that balance and teaching our children how to hold on to their happiness. I LOVED the artwork in this one. Its collages but with photographs of actual people set against the backdrop of old articles, cut out names, photographs of buildings and more. This is one of those picture books where you can’t just focus on the foreground of the story. The background is just as important. I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
October 20, 2022
This book is absolutely incredible, a storytelling masterpiece, a lyrical moving book that brought me to tears and still does each time I read it!
Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 5-8
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Patrick Douglas with Photos by Jamel Shabazz
Published by Harper Kids
A poetic book that asks black children to hold on to the good moments, hold on to their families, hold on to the smiles and happy times, hold them super close. And push away bad moments, but when you cannot push it away and you feel the sadness of the past, the great sadness, let the tears come.
The book reminds the reader to search for the sun in the dark and shout that you matter. Hold your memories and love close and never let go.
I am a huge fan of books with lyrical words, and photographs used with illustrations, and honestly, this book is so beautiful both visually and in words, that it is hard for me to even vocalize how gorgeous and heart moving it is. It truly is a must have book, a book that every child should read, no matter who they are.
This book is an ode to black children and yet one that makes my heart ache because black children should not have to experience the heart break of racism.
The gentle words combined with the subdued hues in the pictures moves the reader on an emotional journey in which one feels a full range of feelings and feels changed by the end.
The book gently discusses issues such as systemic racism, slavery, incarceration, civil rights, and more, and the photographs of Black history change makers helps make the book even more impactful.
The authors and illustrators notes were moving and impactful too and I hope everyone grabs a copy of this book to change the world, whether in helping little readers see themselves or as being readers who can stand up against injustice and systemic racism.
The book concludes with historical information on moments to hold on to and change makers and truth-tellers of the Black community, and moments to not look away from.
Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 5-8
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Patrick Douglas with Photos by Jamel Shabazz
Published by Harper Kids
A poetic book that asks black children to hold on to the good moments, hold on to their families, hold on to the smiles and happy times, hold them super close. And push away bad moments, but when you cannot push it away and you feel the sadness of the past, the great sadness, let the tears come.
The book reminds the reader to search for the sun in the dark and shout that you matter. Hold your memories and love close and never let go.
I am a huge fan of books with lyrical words, and photographs used with illustrations, and honestly, this book is so beautiful both visually and in words, that it is hard for me to even vocalize how gorgeous and heart moving it is. It truly is a must have book, a book that every child should read, no matter who they are.
This book is an ode to black children and yet one that makes my heart ache because black children should not have to experience the heart break of racism.
The gentle words combined with the subdued hues in the pictures moves the reader on an emotional journey in which one feels a full range of feelings and feels changed by the end.
The book gently discusses issues such as systemic racism, slavery, incarceration, civil rights, and more, and the photographs of Black history change makers helps make the book even more impactful.
The authors and illustrators notes were moving and impactful too and I hope everyone grabs a copy of this book to change the world, whether in helping little readers see themselves or as being readers who can stand up against injustice and systemic racism.
The book concludes with historical information on moments to hold on to and change makers and truth-tellers of the Black community, and moments to not look away from.
October 22, 2022
This book is a true treasure.
The lyrical beauty of each page is mesmerizing.
The artistry is exceptionally impressive.
Read aloud, it is profoundly uplifting & affirmative. It feels like a reassuring, radically loving collective embrace.
I’ll definitely be gifting it to many young people in my extended family & community. It’s essential reading & ought to be in every kindergarten classroom library.
The lyrical beauty of each page is mesmerizing.
The artistry is exceptionally impressive.
Read aloud, it is profoundly uplifting & affirmative. It feels like a reassuring, radically loving collective embrace.
I’ll definitely be gifting it to many young people in my extended family & community. It’s essential reading & ought to be in every kindergarten classroom library.
October 17, 2022
The power, the lyricism, the images, the layers- this book is not just for children, it is for everyone. I have spent time with this book and it cannot be rushed, it needs to be felt and explored and reflected upon to feel the emotion that seeps from each and every page. The book is remarkable in the amount of hope and warmth combined with history and social activism present. It weaves together the personal with the community with the struggle past and present so flawlessly, but for me it is the pictures that complement the text so well that make this book spectacular on so many levels. It is not a book for me to review, it is a book for me to support and elevate in any way I can. The author is Muslim, there is nothing Islam specific in the text, aside from mentioning Malcolm X, and it should be required reading and sharing for everyone. May Allah swt make us better to one another and actively work against oppression, ameen.
The book is framed as a letter, encouraging happy things to be held close. For the young and old with stars in their eyes to be be held and elevated. For stories of greatness to be passed down. Stories of Kings, of Sojourners and Malcolms.
The book encourages pushing away the disappointments, but to let the tears come. To not forget the lynchings, slavery, police brutality, oppression. To stand and make it heard that you matter.
The illustrations are a mix of photographs and collage style layers. The joy in a child that is very real, carrying those that came before. Images of the past pulled to be seen in the present, very much a part of today. The colors, the expressions, the hope, it radiates off the page with the coaxing of the text and becomes a feeling of both being held, and feeling support to take the next step. Absolutely beautiful from beginning to end.
The backmatter contains an Author's Note, Illustrator's Note, Background information, and Selected Sources.
The book is framed as a letter, encouraging happy things to be held close. For the young and old with stars in their eyes to be be held and elevated. For stories of greatness to be passed down. Stories of Kings, of Sojourners and Malcolms.
The book encourages pushing away the disappointments, but to let the tears come. To not forget the lynchings, slavery, police brutality, oppression. To stand and make it heard that you matter.
The illustrations are a mix of photographs and collage style layers. The joy in a child that is very real, carrying those that came before. Images of the past pulled to be seen in the present, very much a part of today. The colors, the expressions, the hope, it radiates off the page with the coaxing of the text and becomes a feeling of both being held, and feeling support to take the next step. Absolutely beautiful from beginning to end.
The backmatter contains an Author's Note, Illustrator's Note, Background information, and Selected Sources.
October 22, 2022
Such an artistically beautiful and deeply meaningful book! I ordered it on a whim after seeing a PBS Newshour segment about the artist/illustrator Patrick Dougher. Oh so glad I did; it’s a treasure for children & adults too.
November 19, 2022
Meaningful and intricate book that uses poetry, photography, and collage to express love and joy to and for black children. Thompkins-Bigelow uses threads of Black history to weave a larger tapestry of history and emotion and show how relationships sustain and strengthen family and community. Exquisite artwork and photography by contributors Dougher and Shabazz provide each page with a story of its own that supports the larger narrative. This is a wonderful book for exploring the idea of history and personal stories, how faces and memories can sometimes evoke feelings as well as tears. Thompkins-Bigelow reminds readers that remembering is painful events is important because it allows us to find the connections in the present needed to thrive. Libraries will want to have this book for many aspects of a diverse collection, as well as its standalone strength as an engaging picture book.
October 26, 2022
"When happy things come to you, hold them close and never let go."
An absolutely stunning feat of a picture book. From a poem that Thompkins-Bigelow wrote, Dougher and Shabazz created beautiful and dazzling photography-collage illustrations comprised of photography, newspaper clippings, origami paper, and more. The patterns, the bright colors, the monochrome of the photographs all come together to create something both eye-catching and simultaneously modern and historic. Thompkins-Bigelow references Martin Luther King Jr., Assata Shakur, Malcolm X, and others in her text, and in their illustrations, Dougher and Shabazz reference police brutality, stoops, names of victims, evidence of a strong and resilient history.
Read this book. Read it to your kids. Recommend it. You won't regret it.
An absolutely stunning feat of a picture book. From a poem that Thompkins-Bigelow wrote, Dougher and Shabazz created beautiful and dazzling photography-collage illustrations comprised of photography, newspaper clippings, origami paper, and more. The patterns, the bright colors, the monochrome of the photographs all come together to create something both eye-catching and simultaneously modern and historic. Thompkins-Bigelow references Martin Luther King Jr., Assata Shakur, Malcolm X, and others in her text, and in their illustrations, Dougher and Shabazz reference police brutality, stoops, names of victims, evidence of a strong and resilient history.
Read this book. Read it to your kids. Recommend it. You won't regret it.
November 27, 2022
A missive for every Black child everywhere. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow shares a profound message with little Black boys and girls reminding them to hold onto all that is good and right in this world whenever they can; to seek out the love and wisdom of the elders and to lean into the resilience that is their birthright when sadness becomes too much. The photography and artwork are so beautifully aligned with the author's words that it is hard to imagine that this work could have been produced in any other way but this one...the prose and art are perfectly matched. It's a gorgeous book that anyone who loves Black children should own and read to them over and over again.
July 16, 2023
Five-star fabulous! This story is about as awake as woke can get. The gorgeous illustrations create the perfect framework for the beautiful poem that speaks truth about the long history of African-American oppression in the United States, celebrating triumphs and mourning tragedies while teaching children how to embrace their feelings and reassuring them to remain optimistic about the future. Endpages include thoughtful essays by author and illustrator, background history and information about historical figures, and a list of selected sources for further study. Bravo!
February 25, 2023
In a time that's full of so much hate and violence, we need a book that focuses on pride and happiness while lifting spirits. HOLD THEM CLOSE does just that and it's a touching and inspiring nod to black children everywhere. It teaches them to remember their ancestry while standing tall with pride while holding the good close to their heart.
HOLD THEM CLOSE is a lyrical story that is just what we need during these trying times. The real photos and vibrant colors add texture to the book and by that I mean it brings the poetic writing to life. In the back of the book, there is a background with timelines with more information on the historical events. It ends with "Remember and never let go" and the power this sentence has brings goosebumps to my arms. There's also a note from both the author and illustrator that talk about how this book came to be and how it started as a poem.
Final Verdict: With Black history weaved into the heart-warming poem, I can't recommend this story enough. It belongs in schools and households everywhere.
HOLD THEM CLOSE is a lyrical story that is just what we need during these trying times. The real photos and vibrant colors add texture to the book and by that I mean it brings the poetic writing to life. In the back of the book, there is a background with timelines with more information on the historical events. It ends with "Remember and never let go" and the power this sentence has brings goosebumps to my arms. There's also a note from both the author and illustrator that talk about how this book came to be and how it started as a poem.
Final Verdict: With Black history weaved into the heart-warming poem, I can't recommend this story enough. It belongs in schools and households everywhere.
May 18, 2024
This is in the higher reading range for a picture book due to the complexity of the sentences and subject. The illustrations are beautiful but also somber, even on pages where the text is joyous. The art style is distinct and visually interesting. Story has brief allusions to police brutality, so it's worth being prepared to have candid, age appropriate conversations about this subject with the child you're reading to.
December 28, 2022
Read for the Mock Caldecott Awards occurring in January 2023. Although not a fan of the illustrations (way too busy for me), I loved the message of the book. This would be a great book to share and discuss with your child and they would probably be drawn not only to the message but also the shiny foils, bright colors and photographs of various family members and friends.
January 9, 2023
Beautiful words and illustrations combine to create a powerful book about remembering the bad times, honoring those who overcame them, and celebrating the good times.
I love the combination of the photographs combined with the gorgeous backgrounds.
Back matter gives a bit of context to the illustrations and who and what they are conveying.
I love the combination of the photographs combined with the gorgeous backgrounds.
Back matter gives a bit of context to the illustrations and who and what they are conveying.
April 12, 2024
The artwork in the book is absolutely spectacular. Wow! 🤩 This book is full of references to Black Americans in history and has supportive text to remind children that they are loved and they belong even if life can be tough sometimes. Although this book is aimed at Black American children, any child can appreciate the art and the encouraging messages in the text.
June 6, 2024
It totally accomplished its goal. I’ve learned a lot from this book. Educational and filled with heart for the hard topics that need to be addressed.
The book design shines ✨☀️
It was also super fun to travel down a few specific rabbit holes into learning about Assata Shakur, Huey, P. Newton, Langston Hughes, Shirley Chisholm, Sidney Poitier, and Planet B-Boy.
🤓
The book design shines ✨☀️
It was also super fun to travel down a few specific rabbit holes into learning about Assata Shakur, Huey, P. Newton, Langston Hughes, Shirley Chisholm, Sidney Poitier, and Planet B-Boy.
🤓
October 24, 2022
This book is gorgeous and full of love and hope and inspiration. Author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow along with artist Patrick Dougher and photographer Jamel Shabazz transform emotions into poetry and artwork. An excellent addition to any library.
October 28, 2022
Hold Them Close is a beautiful, powerful, and true celebration of Black children. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow's lyrical and heartfelt words combined with Patrick Dougher's and Jamel Shabazz's stunning collages and photos create a moving story that you will want to read over and over again.
December 14, 2022
Wow! These illustrations are incredible. I don't think I've ever seen illustrations quite like this in a children's book--they seem to spring from each page in their vibrancy. When paired with the powerful text, this is a book you'll want to hold close.
October 16, 2022
spectacular picture book
November 4, 2022
Powerful.
Short.
Impactful.
Short.
Impactful.
November 26, 2022
What glorious illustrations lance the pages of this celebration of life!! Indescribably beautiful collages, laced with gold trim with photographs of children celebrating life's most precious moments when, "you slam-dunked the sun". Each double-page spread shows a large, triumphant family with wise and warm aunties and grandmothers who "somehow never lost those same stars". So, "Pass the food and pass the jokes", invites readers not to take life too seriously but always be thankful for the gifts given. Included are several important tributes to kings, poets, and other revered members of the family.
Of truly dazzling brilliance are the illustrations. Laced with gold, backed with tapestry wallpaper, family members celebrate life and emotions and the famed and all that "Matter", every one.
Prediction: a deserved Caldecott and Coretta Scott King awards coming soon!
Of truly dazzling brilliance are the illustrations. Laced with gold, backed with tapestry wallpaper, family members celebrate life and emotions and the famed and all that "Matter", every one.
Prediction: a deserved Caldecott and Coretta Scott King awards coming soon!
November 29, 2022
Such a beautiful book—words and illustrations holding power, pain, memory, hope.
Themes: Black Power, Black History, Black Girl Magic/Black Boy Joy, Memory, Family
Age range: All ages
Themes: Black Power, Black History, Black Girl Magic/Black Boy Joy, Memory, Family
Age range: All ages
January 3, 2023
Some of the text that is on the shiny gold is hard to read unless tilted just the right way.
January 4, 2023
Gorgeous!
January 14, 2023
This is one of the most stunning picture books!
January 22, 2023
Lovely picture book with beautiful illustrations that mimic tapestry with Black life imposed and featuring uplifting messages to cherish identity
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January 26, 2023delightful, no sugar-coating encouragement!
Gorgeously illustrated
Gorgeously illustrated
March 22, 2023
Beautiful artwork. Moving story told through pictures, collage and poetry.
June 13, 2023
This is a must read from start to authors note and background.
June 30, 2023
Gorgeous illustrations and powerful poetry that celebrates heritage past and promises of the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews