GREATNESS, by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Jan. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Follow a brother and sister as they learn about Black history through the lens of a camera in Greatness by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt.
When Nasir and Imani step into their Grandma’s studio, she opens their minds to the power of a photograph. From Bessie Smith to Basquiat to Beyoncé, Grandma introduces them to famous figures and what makes them special. And before long, Nasir and Imani find themselves in the images and stepping into greatness, too.
This picture book from Kahran and Regis Bethencourt reimagines moments from Black history through the eyes of the youngest readers. With child-friendly recreations of famous figures from the past and present, this book reminds children of their own potential for greatness. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Greatness is a different kind of picture book. Rather than illustrator-created images, Regis and Kahran Bethencourt’s story unfolds through photographs. It’s a unique way of looking at history, and will likely inspire more than one reader to create their own images. Excellent backmatter includes more information on “The Greats” — Althea Gibson, Barack Obama, Beyonce, Black Wall Street, Colin Kaepernick, Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Katherine Johnson, Ruby Bridges, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, and the Tuskegee Airmen.
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