My Red, White and Blue (Philomel Books), written by Alana Tyson, is a powerful story about the mixture of pride and pain that one Black family finds in the American flag and an invitation for each of us to choose how we relate to America, its history, and the flag that means so many things to so many people.

What does the American flag mean to you?

For some, it’s a vision of hope and opportunity. For others, it represents pain and loss. And for many, it’s more complicated than that—a symbol of a nation where the basic ideas of freedom and equality are still up for debate.

From slavery and segregation to Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, the history of Black people in America is a mixture of pride and pain. While its flag might mean different things to different people, with some choosing to kneel and others to salute, ultimately, it is up to us to decide: the American flag is ours to see and relate to as we choose.

In this powerfully validating story that showcases the many facets of Black American history through the eyes of a young Black boy in conversation with his grandfather, we are all invited to choose how to relate to America and to the flag that means so many things to so many people.

Recognition:

Black Caucus American Library Association Best of the Best 2023

Jane Addams Children’s Book Award - 2024 Finalist

Reviews:

Ladd’s bold, painterly illustrations, crafted with acrylics, textured cut paper, tissue paper, and colored pencil, illuminate and expand the ideas in the text. ~ Kirkus Reviews

Ladd’s acrylic, colored pencil and paper illustrations create multidimensional spreads. ~ Publishers Weekly

Press:

Ebony Magazine - New Children’s Book Explores Emotions Black Kids Face Around Their Identity in America

The Virginian-Pilot - Black history, all our history: 3 great books for young readers

Publishers Weekly - Children's Books for Black History Month 2023

Motherly - 28 picture books to read with your kids during Black History Month (and every month of the year)