That Flag

This is a prime example of how a picture book can help younger readers understand difficult topics. A thoughtful and age-appropriate exploration of a somber subject.

K-Gr 4—Best friends Keira and Bianca have two very different reactions to the Confederate flag while on a school trip. Keira, who is Black, sees the very heart of racial hate and violence, from slavery to Selma, from segregation to the Ku Klux Klan. Bianca, who is white and whose family has a Confederate flag waving outside their home, sees it as a "heritage flag. A celebration of courage and pride." These two very different points of view hold until racial violence makes the news, as does an appearance by that flag. Brown gives readers a child's-eye view of fear and confusion as Keira struggles to understand why Bianca is unaffected by the images on display at the museum; Smith's digital illustration captures these emotions with darker muddled colors where the bright colors of the Confederate flag shine through. Back matter includes information on the history of the Confederate flag, notes from the author and illustrator, and source notes and recommended reading. VERDICT A brave and deeply affecting story about friendship, perspective, anti-racism, and the importance of understanding history. This may be an essential book about a cultural flashpoint.—Rosemary Kiladitis

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Fryer Brown introduces a Black child narrator named Keira and her white best friend Bianca. "Almost twins," they both wear their hair in braids and play four-square at recess. They're inseparable--until they leave school for home, on the same street, where Bianca's family flies the Confederate flag. Keira's parents call it a "hate flag" and a "symbol of violence and oppression," and bar their child from visiting Bianca's house, while Bianca's family calls it "a heritage flag" and a "celebration of courage and pride." A field trip to the Southern Legacy Museum opens Keira's eyes to the history of "that flag," and makes her reconsider the friendship. Following a hate crime that involves the flag, Bianca's family takes theirs down, presenting Keira with a new choice. Smith's painterly digital illustrations foreground individuals and historical spreads in a book, per back matter, about "acknowledging the entire truth of our history." A contextualizing note and creators' notes conclude. Ages 6-10. (Jan.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Tameka Fryer Brown pens an honest, contemporary, soul-shocking story, with deep and painful roots. That Flag will prayerfully lead to hundreds of thousands of mending moments and healing hearts. — Derrick Barnes, Newbery Honoree and National Book Award Finalist

A necessary read for all young people in this country. — Traci Sorell, Two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus Honoree

Told with tenderness and care, That Flag explores the power of asking questions, the power of understanding history, and ultimately the power of friendship. An essential book for every American home and classroom. — Renée Watson, #1 NYT Bestselling Author, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

[A] layered introduction to issues around white supremacy and racism that is still accessible to young readers. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books