MY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation
Date and Time
Jul 3, 2023 6:00 pm
Location
Hyattsville
5331 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, Maryland, 20781
Jul 3, 2023 6:00 pm
Hyattsville
With Alana Tyson’s MY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, children can experience complexities and navigate emotions around Black American history, all through the eyes of a young Black boy in conversation with his grandfather. With engaging, lyrical text, and stunning art from ALA Carnegie Medal of Excellence winner London Ladd, MY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE asks the question, What does the American flag mean to you? This is a book that fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America and the different ways people find meaning in it. With its inclusion of points of both pain and pride in Black American history, it validates the emotions of young readers still exploring their own feelings on this subject and empowers individual choice in how to engage with that history. The book highlights and includes illustrations of figures like Dr. MLK Jr., Rosa Parks, Colin Kaepernick, and Barack Obama, as well as the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
With a meaningful author’s note at the end, Alana Tyson says, “Whether it’s saluting the flag, engaging in a silent protest, or finding some other way to use your voice, know that your unique voice has power, and it’s up to you to use it in the way that feels best to you.”
Alana Tyson is joining us on the Busboys stage to celebrate Black history through its complex lens. Copies of the book will be available for purchase during and after the event, and Tyson will be signing following the program.
This event is free and open to all. Our program begins at 6:00 pm, and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of MY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE will be available for purchase before and after the event. Please note that this event is IN PERSON and will NOT be livestreamed.
We ask that guests RSVP in order to receive direct updates about the event from Busboys and Poets Books
Alana Tyson received her bachelor of science degree from Brooklyn College and her master of arts degree from the University of Maryland. After working in journalism for a short while, she began a career in national security and began to pursue a more creative path as a writer. A winner of the Lee & Low New Voices Award, she lives in Virginia with her family. You can visit Alana online at booksbyalana.com or follow her on Twitter @alanatys and on Instagram @alanathewriter.
London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His artwork is a mixture of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, building opaque layers atop a foundation of thin washes in a way that brings his colors to life. He carries a sketchbook with him everywhere he goes, constantly perfecting his craft. London's books have been recognized, among other things, by the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, and on lists including Bank St. Best Children’s Books, ALA Notable Children’s Books, and NYPL Children’s Book Recommendations, and with an ALA Carnegie Medal of Excellence. London lives in Syracuse, New York. You can visit London online at londonladd.com or follow him on Instagram @london.ladd.
