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In the haunting yet buoyant picture book by bestselling, award-winning author Barbara M. Joosse and award-winning illustrator R. Gregory Christie, a young boy tells of his brother Richard's entrance into the world of "gang bangers." Richard has always made his little brother feel safe and loved, until he starts "walkin' that walk, like he's King Stuff." The boy watches warily: "Richard thinks... More

In the haunting yet buoyant picture book by bestselling, award-winning author Barbara M. Joosse and award-winning illustrator R. Gregory Christie, a young boy tells of his brother Richard's entrance into the world of "gang bangers." Richard has always made his little brother feel safe and loved, until he starts "walkin' that walk, like he's King Stuff." The boy watches warily: "Richard thinks I'm a little kid, but I'm not as little as he thinks. I know what I know." Finally, the boy and his mother take action, galvanizing the neighborhood to walk the streets at night, advocating peace.

Christie's striking paintings of the family and neighborhood are strong, eye-catching companions to Joosse's powerful story. Readers will feel great hope for the protagonist, as, even in a dark hour of his young life, he sees the flashlights carried by his neighbors as "stars crackin' the darkness," an image repeated from the beginning. Joosse's message is aimed directly at "the little sisters and brothers... the stars in the darkness." An author's note and list of gang prevention resources are included, making this more than just an urban storybook--it can serve as a real resource for children at risk for joining a gang. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

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