I have read the book you see above at least a couple of dozen times the last month. Read it aloud to lots of eager, little listeners at the high-poverty, 100% African American DC school where I teach. Paused every time they joined in the text with chants of “Yes we can!” Explained biographical details to some slightly confused wee ones who knew only that Obama is “a nice guy that cares about poor people” and “might become the first black president.” Prayed that those gorgeous illustrations by Brian Collier would remain intact in the book long enough to make it through the election despite the challenges of a gazillion little hands that fingered them daily. This book sings to them.
It would be difficult to explain the emotional outpouring in school today without appearing a bit dramatic. Lots of joy, lots of happy tears, lots of relief as they all let go of that fear that Obama might not win. Could not side step the tears myself but most especially as one third grade student asked, “Why did the white people vote for Obama, Mrs. E.?” They still can’t imagine a world where people of all descriptions might use their voice to speak to the needs of a poor, urban black child. The day is coming kids. It’s coming.