Forever and Always

by Brittany J Thurman (Author) Shamar Knight-Justice (Illustrator)

Forever and Always
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

“This is a picture book that gives oxygen to all the unstated fears, perhaps burning them off. This book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

“A balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In this lyrical picture book from two breakout picture book creators, a young Black child waits for—and worries about—her father while he’s away from home. A sensitive, poignant portrayal of a family’s worries, joys, and comforts, to sit alongside books by Jacqueline Woodson and Christian Robinson.

Every night when Daddy gets home from work, Olivia gives him a big hug and knows that the evening will be full of love—and fun. Together, she, Daddy, and Momma will make a feast for dinner, clean up, dance to old-school tunes, and read stories. But every morning when Daddy goes to work, Olivia worries, worries, worries. Be safe, she and Momma tell him. But what if he isn’t? Sometimes other people aren’t, like the people Olivia sees on the news. Thud, thud, thud, goes Olivia’s heart. Thump, thump, thump, all through the long day, until she hears the jangle of Daddy’s keys announcing he’s home.

Brittany J. Thurman’s poetic text deftly explores the day-to-day life of a young Black child and her family—their joys and their fears—with a rhythm and musicality perfect for reading aloud. Shamar Knight-Justice’s expressive artwork sings with color, texture, and warmth. Forever and Always respects the deep emotions of young readers while offering comfort and reassurance to any child waiting for a loved one to come home. For readers of Nigel and the Moon, The Year We Learned to Flyand Saturday.

Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99

Kirkus

Starred Review
A balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

K-Gr 3--At first Thurman's book is ordinary. Even in the blocky, loving scenes created by Knight-Justice, readers see a "normal" family. The father leaves in the morning, and returns at night or works late, very late. Then there is a glimpse of his patch--he is an Emergency Medical Technician. And this is a Black family. The mother's anxiety, and that of the small Olivia, worrying along with her, conveys to readers the gut-punch of their lives. An author's note spells it out. George Floyd was a father. Trayvon Martin was a son. The family here prays and waits while trying to think well of the world, that all will be okay, when actually they have evidence that sometimes fathers leave and never return. The text has the somber, dulled pulse of a heartbeat, trained to stay steady. But readers are witnessing a war. This is a soldier who may not make it back from the front, just because of the color of his skin. It's hard to express how effective Thurman's restraint is. Feelings, worried looks, and palpable tension in the beautiful painterly illustrations are the only clues of the pain this family feels during every moment of separation until Daddy returns home, safe. This is a picture book that gives oxygen to all the unstated fears, perhaps burning them off. For children who have never experienced this fear, these small domestic scenes deliver a mighty big lesson in empathy. VERDICT So understated that it's sure to give flight to discussions, this book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact. A necessary title.--Kimberly Olson Fakih

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes




Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780063140783
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Greenwillow Books
Publication date
January 16, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV013060 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Parents
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Fathers and daughters
Safety
African American families
Anxiety
Anxiety in children

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