We Miss You, George Floyd

Gr 1-4–Somber but hopeful, a young Black neighbor of George Floyd shares memories of his life and their own hopes for the future. Some memories are fun and silly, others painful, like when they hear Floyd was murdered. The narrator grieves by making art for Floyd’s memorial and for others who have been killed by police. They march and advocate with people of many skin tones and cultures for police violence to end, remembering other Black advocates before them. Illustrations are vibrant and incorporate some abstract elements to show how the characters’ feelings connect them to other members of their community in Minneapolis and everyone fighting for justice. The book balances showing and telling, with short, simple text to engage young readers and enough subtlety in the illustrations to facilitate deeper conversations with older children