Reviewed by Brad Manker
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Book Author: Tameka Fryer Brown
Author Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrator Nikkolas Smith have written the first book of its kind for young readers about the meaning of the battle flag of the Confederacy — and indirectly — about the “Lost Cause” narrative and its impact today.
Keira, who is Black, and Bianca, who is white, are best friends, but Keira is forbidden from playing at Bianca’s house because her family flies the Confederate flag. The families disagree about its meaning and connotation. Bianca’s parents claim that the Confederate battle flag is a “celebration of courage and pride.” Keira’s parents know it is “a symbol of violence and oppression” flown by those who were fighting against the United States to maintain slavery.
On a trip to the Southern Heritage Museum, Keira learns unsettling facts about the flag and its history. At home, she discusses that flag and its relationship to white supremacy with her family, who tell her about personal experiences of racism and trauma. The next day, Bianca seems untroubled by the museum’s exhibits, shielded by privilege and blissfully ignorant of its history. Keira begins to question their friendship and refuses to associate with Bianca.
The girls’ teacher, Ms. Greyson, serves as a trusted source of information and confirms what Keira’s family has told her all along:
“‘The Confederacy,’ Ms. Greyson says, ‘fought a war to keep Black people enslaved. Their battle flag is still used by hate groups who want white people to rule.’”
When an incredulous Bianca asks why people today would fly the flag, Ms. Greyson suggests that she take action. “It’s a good question to ask,” she says.
After witnessing a tragic hate-crime homicide on the news, Bianca and her family have a change of heart. They take the flag down, and the story ends unresolved — with Bianca traveling to Keira’s house, and Keira hoping to reconcile a shattered friendship.
Like me, readers may feel the lingering effects of this book long after they return it to the shelf. Smith’s somber paintings highlight examples of historical racism for young viewers without ever being too graphic. The artist cleverly incorporates the bright red and blue splotches of the Confederate battle flag in these images. It is important to note that Brown explicitly describes the murder of two innocent Black people who are gunned down by three white people — a climax designed to be unsettling. Additional endnotes from the author and illustrator provide helpful context about the Confederate flag for adults.
In the notes, Brown states, “If human beings can learn to be racist, we can also learn not to be.” As we remain steadfast in our commitment to #TeachTruth, educators and parents across the country can use tools like this book to help children confront the realities of our history and contemporary injustice. Anti-bias, anti-racist educators and caregivers must give young people opportunities to reflect upon unjust systems and act for change so that we may imagine and live in a racially equitable and liberated society.
Brad Manker serves as a fellow with Teaching for Change. He is an educator, curriculum designer, and independent researcher with a background in elementary education.
See another review of That Flag here.
That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown
Published by HarperCollins Publishers on January 31, 2023
Genres: Education, Racial Identity, White identity
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-5
ISBN: 9780063093447
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Also by this author: That Flag
Publisher's Synopsis: An affecting picture book from Tameka Fryer Brown and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) that challenges the meaning behind the still-waving Confederate flag through the friendship of two young girls who live across the street from each other.
Bianca is Keira's best friend. At school, they are inseparable. But Keira questions their friendship when she learns more about the meaning of the Confederate flag hanging from Bianca's front porch. Will the two friends be able to overlook their distinct understandings of the flag? Or will they reckon with the flag's effect on yesterday and today?
In That Flag, Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith graciously tackle the issues of racism, the value of friendship, and the importance of understanding history so that we move forward together in a thought-provoking, stirring, yet ultimately tender tale.
A perfect conversation starter for the older and younger generations alike, this book includes back matter on the history of the Confederate flag and notes from the creators.
Leave a Reply