K-Gr 4—It's the Confederate flag, a point of pride for one family, but tragedy and heartbreak for the other at the
center of Brown's book. How two children find the grace, good will, and courage to have a conversation is a lesson
that readers will not see coming. Important in a polarized world

Children's picture book about the Confederate flag, and why it is a symbol of racism and hate in this country, not a symbol of southern pride and culture. ( )

The confederate flag, or “that flag”, is a symbol of hate in our nation that people insist is just a symbol of heritage. But it’s a symbol that hurts. This book illustrates such story as two girls learn what that symbol means, and how our heritage informs our modern, and how that needs to change. This book was heartbreakingly real. It is fantastic in the way it portrays a modern story that plays out in schools now. ( )

A MUST read to talk about topics like the Confederacy, "Southern heritage" and symbols of hate. It is SO beautifully and tastefully done. Indeed some people do not fully grasp the meaning behind symbols and to call out in a way that doesn't completely vilify the South.....yes yes yes

I'm a fan. And I will recommend. And I will talk with Audrey one day about it. ( )

Keira and Bianca are "almost twins," the same in so many ways - except for their skin color. Keira is Black, and Bianca is white - and her family flies a Confederate flag in front of their house, which means Keira isn't allowed over there, so they are only friends in school. When their class goes on a field trip to the Southern Legacy Museum, Keira's dad comes along; he and Keira see the "Stars and Bars" exhibit, and that evening, Keira's family has a conversation that leaves her feeling mad and sad. But Bianca wasn't affected the same way, and Keira wonders if they are really so alike, after all - and if they can even be friends. When terrible news appears on both their TVs (their families watch different channels, so the same footage is described differently in the crawl), both families attend a vigil, and Bianca's family takes down "that flag." There might be a path back toward friendship for the girls after all.

Back matter: About the Confederate Flag, author's note, illustrator's note, sources.

"We hope the words and images in this story foster transformative conversations that lead to change" -at the top of the title page

Such care was taken in the presentation of this story, from the precise word choice to the details in the illustrations - both what was included, and what was blurred or omitted. I read this with my 7yo and as soon as we finished she wanted to read it again. Beautiful, powerful, essential. ( )