Each month, we will be spotlighting a powerful read that reflects our values—stories that inspire, educate, and connect us to our shared pursuit of justice, growth, and community wellness. Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or memoir, these titles lift up voices that deserve to be heard and fuel the kind of conversations that move us forward.
This month’s children’s book pick is “For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World,” which tells the story of Jeremiah, a young Black boy, who grapples with the impact of racism and gun violence in his community. Inspired by real-life events, the book explores how Jeremiah and his family find ways to engage in activism and advocacy to create positive change.
The book includes a discussion guide created by the Muhammad Ali Center, offering tools for parents and educators to facilitate conversations with children about these important issues.
📚 Want to read along? You can find this book on Amazon or wherever you get your books.
Bookmark this page and come back for more literacy tips and updates from Read Lead Freedom Schools, where school aged kids build confidence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of books.
About the Authors
Michael W. Waters is the founder and Lead Pastor of the Abundant Life African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas. As a pastor, professor, award-winning author, activist, and social commentator, Waters’ words of hope and empowerment inspire national and international audiences. Featured in EBONY Magazine among America’s emerging leaders, his work and ministry has appeared on ABC Nightline, BBC Newsnight, CBS This Morning, CNN, C-SPAN, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, MSNBC, National Public Radio, The NBC Nightly News, PBS Newshour, the Today Show, VICE on HBO, and other national and international media outlets.
Keisha Morris grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia and currently resides in Maryland. She spends her days creating stories and developing characters that inspire, bring joy, and promote wonder. She creates her illustrations by collaging tissue paper and finishing her illustrations in Photoshop. This allows her to produce whimsical, vibrant, and eye-catching illustrations that ignite the imagination. In her free time, Keisha enjoys spending time with her wife, daughter, and two wild cats, Ollie and Elphie (named after Elphaba from Gregory Maguire’s Wicked, and yes, she is a black cat!). She also enjoys traveling, watching re-runs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, animated movies, listening to podcasts, and weight lifting.