This is a beautifully illustrated children's book. It gives an overview of the Black fight for justice from the long ago shores of Africa to the United States today. While the text throughout the book is a bit vague at times, the illustrations and Author's Note provide needed context. I can see using this book as a great starting point or supplement to teaching Black History. Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for this arc.

This lyrical and sweeping history of the movement for Black liberation is an uplifting introduction to abolition and civil rights for young readers. Short lines of meaningful text demonstrate how the "spirit of justice" lived in people while they were still free in West Africa, and as they endured and resisted enslavement, segregation, and police brutality in America.

Some books about race and racism for young children can be almost tepid in how they describe the ideas that motivated people to work for change. In contrast, Tisby and Newsome describe how in the face of slavery, the spirit of justice "erupted like a volcano. Igniting faith in the souls of those who risked everything to deliver freedom to all." Joyful, transcendent illustrations illuminate the work of the spirit of justice through people from many different time periods.

Tisby is a Christian writer and is drawing on Christian imagery in the text, though the only explicit reference to the Holy Spirit is in the end notes, which provide more explanation about each of the page spreads.

One of my favorite books that I have used with kids over the years is The Beatitudes by Carole Boston Weatherford. It directly ties the text of the Beatitudes to the struggles of Black Americans and teaches about historic figures such as Emmett and Mamie Till, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King Jr in that context. This is a beautiful way to help kids see the relevancy of scripture and how God is with us through even the bleakest of times.

I’m glad to say that this book does something very similar and provides us with a companion to that book. It also uses history and historic figures to connect justice work with the movement of God. There are notes at the end to help guide these conversations, and to inspire kids (who care a lot about justice!) to be part of God’s work in the world. I’m so happy to have another book to use with The Beatitudes. More like this please!

Thanks to NetGalley UK and Zonderkidz-Books for the press service.

I Am the Spirit of Justice is a poetic album about black people empowerment that should be read by everybody.
The illustrations are as important as the text since they’re giving historical and cultural references.
It’s a firm favourite !

A beautifully moving book on the resilience, strength, and beauty of Black people in America, despite all measure of seemingly insurmountable odds. Tracing through America's history of slavery, war, Jim Crow and segregation, and police brutality today, I Am the Spirit of Justice highlights the perseverance of everyday people as well as those whose names we've come to know.

Included at the end is a helpful glossary highlighting the people and events that are so beautifully illustrated on each page. This book is essential reading to be included in any child's library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Author Jemar Tisby has produced a picture book for all ages, a companion to an inspirational adult book by Tisby and poet Malcolm Newsome, The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance.

In a mere 32 pages, Tisby traces the quest for equality and justice from before the Middle Passage through abolition to the fight against Jim Crow to Black Lives Matter. Nadia Fisher’s lovely, moving illustrations further elevate Tisby’s poetic words. I particularly loved the line “I am here / Even in the midst / of horrifying brutality.” Here’s to hoping this picture book will be updated to include the election of the first Black female president!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and ZonderKidz Books in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully illustrations that convey an important message. I can see myself reading this to my little cousin or keeping it in my library for future children.

I enjoyed the way this pircture book frames events in history in a powerful and affirming way, helping readers feel proud of their heritage. The author's note included at the back of the book is a helpful source for readers to delve deeper into each of the events featured in the book. A good read for sure!

An incredible journey through 400years of US history. The book follows I justice and those who fight against it.
A powerful text with beautiful illustrations to enhance the message.
I particularly found the end page useful: it details each page and explains key figures and symbolism used.

An important text to share wherever you are in the world.

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved this book. The concept of having a spirit of justice supporting black people through their struggles throughout history. The book goes right from the beginnings of history to the more recent Black Lives Matter protests in a sensitive but important way.

Favourite Quote:
"I am here. Even in the midst of horrifying brutality. Reminding the world that my loved ones still matter."

It is quite rare that I find the text of a picture book potent and insightful, and not on-the-nose or preachy, but I Am the Spirit of Justice is an inspirational book as a whole. It is suitable for children, has a cool art style, and the messages are smoothly incorporated into the pages. I liked how the text flowed from one page to the other - the lines were thematically connected.

The illustrations of this book are gorgeous and the text is powerful. This will definitely be a popular book for young Bipoc audiences.
Thank you NetGally and Zonderkidz for the arc!
My Final Rating 4/5

Loved the art and the message! Definitely a good pick for any child's library. I'm very interested in reading more from the author :)

This is a wonderful book about Black history and the spirit to fight for what's right. I loved the background at the end that gives kids a little more information. The illustrations were beautiful. I loved how the story went from history to feelings/emotions to more history and kept growing in that cycle throughout the story.

A question that comes to mind after reading this book is: How has a book like this not existed before? This book was wildly inspiring for me, gave me a brief history lesson, and made me happy that we are finally getting a book that will really help support kids of color.
I think that a lot of people will push back against this book and say that it's "too graphic" or "too serious" for kids. I disagree. This book is a happy medium for kids, and is very age-appropriate. I believe that it's actually highly beneficial for kids to find affinity in this specific book. Lastly, Tisby found education and hope in unfortunate events, which is so, so important for young readers to recognize. However, Tisby doesn't make something completely good out of something bad. Tisby finds the kernel of truth, or strength, or hope within a devastating event.
A true masterpiece for young readers.

What an incredible read for Juneteenth! Jemar Tisby takes 400 years of United States history and weaves it into a powerful reminder of justice and perseverance even the youngest of readers can appreciate and understand. Malcom Newsome's illustrations are beautifully drawn, adding depth that brings the book to life for young readers. It's an incredible way for parents and educators to introduce racial and social justice to young readers and I would highly recommend it. A must-read!

I hope many children will get blessed from this book, I am the Spirit of Justice, in the era of many injustices over the world. We can bring a strong sense of justice to the little ones and help them to be a true person and defend person from injustice behavior.

This is a stunning picture book that introduces younger readers to the history of racial injustice toward Black people in the United States and the fight for justice.

I Am the Spirit of Justice, written by Jemar Tisby, is a beautifully written and illustrated, and poignant book, written for young readers. This books depicts The Spirit of Justice, and how it has inhabited people, specifically POC, over time. The Spirit of Justice works to be present in individuals who are marginalized, who are suffering; and who are not being treated equally. This book covers heavy subjects, but in a way that is relatable and not too upsetting for young children. I definitely recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley, and to the author and publisher of this book, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a beautiful book I read with my younger cousin. Allowing her to learn more about Black History in a way for kids, was simply great. Loved it!