“America, the Brave. America, the Bold. / America to Have. America to Hold.” A picture book in which the opening lines suggest the celebratory and devotional goes on to asks unflinching, essential questions in a second-person narrative addressing America in the voice of individual Black and brown children. “Do you love the way I speak? In English? Yes? Spanish? No? … Do you love me when I raise my hand? My head? My voice? / When I whisper? When I SHOUT? … Do you love my black? Do you love my brown? … America, I am you. America, you are me.” Muted illustrations in shades of blue and gray with touches of red show diverse Black and brown-skinned children in a work that some readers and listeners will find affirming, others challenging. It invites deep consideration of how the ways readers experience “America” both individually and collectively may differ depending on who they are, as well as reflection on whether America loves, or even accepts, all of its people freely and without prejudice. (Age 8 and older)

America, do you love me?

Acclaimed author-artist Daria Peoples-Riley invites readers to answer timely—and timeless—questions beating inside the hearts of children across America. Exquisitely illustrated, with a powerful, lyrical text, America, My Love, America, My Heart will challenge readers of all ages to examine and evaluate personal beliefs and attitudes toward the many different colors of America.

America, do you love me? My black. My brown. My pride. My crown.

What begins as a single question from a single child multiplies as America, My Love, America, My Heart sweeps across the country with every page turn, inviting in more and more children of color—and their questions. Does America love them when they speak? Or whisper? Or shout? When they stand? Does America love them just as they are?

Inspired by the questions of her own childhood, author and artist Daria Peoples-Riley has created a powerful and important book for Americans of all ages—an essential addition to every bookshelf and classroom. Her poetic text encourages readers to confront bias, prejudice, and discrimination and invites readers to reflect and respond with their own answers, while honoring the identities of black and brown children and people of color.

The unforgettable monochromatic oil paintings incorporate patriotic colors—red, white, and blue—to evoke deeply felt emotion and unique perspective. This rich, resonant book is a conversation starter for children, for families, for classrooms, and for communities.