I Am the Spirit of Justice
by Jemar Tisby
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Pub Date 7 Jan 2025 | Archive Date 14 Jan 2025
Zonderkidz-Books | Zonderkidz
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Description
From New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby, I Am the Spirit of Justice uses lyrical text and moving illustrations to take children on a journey through the history of the United States of America, highlighting the ways people have been fighting for justice from the very beginning.
The fight for civil rights in America didn’t begin in the 1960s—Black Americans have been working for justice, freedom, and equality since the first slave ships came to its shores. In I Am the Spirit of Justice, Jemar Tisby demonstrates that that arc of history bends toward equality. Throughout, the spirit of justice is personified as it moves through time, loving the oppressed and supporting the freedom fighters. The poetic text not only informs readers of the countless and often nameless people who have taken up the fight, it also inspires them to continue working for equality for all.
I Am the Spirit of Justice is the picture book companion to Jemar Tisby’s The Spirit of Justice and is cowritten by author and poet Malcolm Newsome with art by illustrator and activist Nadia Fisher. This beautiful and sweeping book is a great introduction to the history of civil rights for the youngest readers and an important addition to the libraries of anyone working for justice.
I Am the Spirit of Justice is ideal for:
- Introducing children to important figures in the history of the civil rights movement
- Inspiring young readers to see the importance of justice in our world
- Teachers and librarians looking for resources for civil rights education, with an included bibliography and suggestions for further reading
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9780310145561 |
| PRICE | US$18.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 32 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Ivonne R, Educator
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.
Cee W, Reviewer
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!
Louise V, Reviewer
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.
Reviewer 1394760
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.
Lindsay E, Reviewer
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!
Stacy S, Librarian
I Am The Spirit Of Justice is such an important book and is a wonderful way for children to learn about African-American history along with addressing the problems our nation still faces today in regards to racial injustice in our country. The author addresses it in a way that encourages the young reader to have faith in the future and to keep that spirit of justice in their own hearts. I look forward to seeing this one on the library shelves for kids to discover.
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