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Reycraft Books Spotlights Caroline Brewer’s Groundbreaking New Book, Say Their Names

The picture book, inspired by the George Floyd protests, presents a story written from a child’s perspective and a tool for imagining new ways forward.

New Rochelle, NY, Oct. 1, 2022—Leading children’s trade publisher Reycraft Books is proud to spread the word about its picture book Say Their Names, written by Caroline Brewer with illustrations by Adrian Brandon, originally published in hardcover on August 22, 2022. Described as a “first-of-its-kind” book, it is both a poetic journey through the past, present, and future of the Black Lives Matter movement and a rallying cry for solidarity and justice.

Say Their Names introduces Aliya, a seven-year-old African American girl who is deeply affected by the death of George Floyd. She copes with the aftermath by embracing poetry and history and projecting a loveinspired vision for the future.

For Washington, D.C.-based Brewer, centering on the voice of children was critical. “After I arrived at Black Lives Matter Plaza, in front of the White House, I started to meditate on everything that surrounded me—the people, the posters, the artwork, the boarded-up buildings, and the black iron fence around the White House,” she said in a statement. “I took pictures and went home, planning to do short social media posts. But, instead, a poem came out, and soon I heard the voice of a child. When Aliya spoke, she kept saying, ‘Imagine.’

“So, in Say Their Names, Aliya invites us to consider the technologies that mankind has imagined to make life more convenient and entertaining. And she invites us to consider the technology of imagination to make life and human engagement less violent—indeed, nonviolent.”

Brewer added, “Aliya’s voice in this story helps remind us that it’s critical that adults help children process events like the death of George Floyd, and give them platforms to help imagine ways forward that heal and unite us.”

The book is beautifully illustrated by artist Adrian Brandon, who brings Brewer’s text to life in moving, dramatic fashion. Of his artwork, Brandon said in a statement, “I really try to capture the full spectrum and range and focus on my experience as a Black man in this world. I want to show that we deal with the injustices, but we also have this other side to us and we’re not just victims of pain and suffering. We have a vibrancy and an ability to shine. I think that’s a really beautiful thing to show—the human moments.”

Reycraft Books editor Winsome Bingham said, “Say Their Names will spark conversations and activate the youngest of activists. Even children can see injustices in the world. It will prompt the smallest humans to do big things.”