A Year of Black Joy

Starred review from October 1, 2023
An exploration of Black joy through the eyes of a myriad of changemakers from around the world. Organized by month, the book pairs relevant holidays with entries from Black comedians, athletes, activists, musicians, and others. The contributors discuss what's inspired them along the way and offer opportunities for readers to engage with these topics. For International Day of Choreography, artistic director Davalois Fearon describes how her love of dance helps her connect to her ancestors, while for Mother Language Day, linguist John McWhorter reminisces about the first time he heard a language other than English; for the Autumn Equinox, chef Andi Oliver includes a recipe for spiced squash and caramelized red onion skirlie. Readers also get glimpses into a variety of other passions, including wheelchair racing, beekeeping, and chess. Although the page spreads are busy, text and illustrations complement each other effectively; the bright palette and energetic visuals are a strong match for the passionate, upbeat writing. The information is clearly conveyed. Young people will be inspired to seek out their own passions. Throughout, themes such as forging connection, learning to appreciate the world, and realizing that nothing is too minor to be celebrated come through clearly. This compendium is perfect for parents and educators looking for fun ways to ignite the imagination, recognize Black achievements, and spotlight lesser-known holidays. An inspiring source of creativity for all readers. (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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