By Angela Joy; Illustrated by Janelle Washington
On the last day of Women’s History Month, I want to share this amazing picture book. While picture books are usually written for children, this book is definitely written for adults as well. The paper cut art that illustrates the story is magnificent (and the artist is self-taught).
The book begins with the hardest and bravest choice that Mamie Till- Mobley ever had to make, on August 31, 1955, when she choose to have her murdered son sent back home to her.
After this introductory page, we learn about Mamie’s life. Her parents had moved north during The Great Migration in search of a better life than what was offered in the South.
Mamie’s life was not easy and she gave birth to her son, Emmett Louis Till, at the age of nineteen. The birth was very difficult – to the point where Emmett entered the world so scarred that doctors wanted to institutionalize him. Mamie chose the harder thing and brought her child home.
While I had learned of Emmett Till at different points in my life and read other picture books about him, this book adds so much more detail, understanding, and love to his story that I had not encountered previously. It is very clear in this book that his story was a part of his mother’s story, who loved him very much.
It’s the love that really shines in this book. Mamie’s brave choices were rooted in love.
I highly recommend reading this book.
Dun and Red 