WE MISS YOU, GEORGE FLOYD

A Black child processes the loss of a neighbor, George Floyd, who was murdered by a police officer.

From its opening words, this work is unapologetic in its condemnation of Floyd’s murder. Gibney writes in simple, straightforward, and age-appropriate language: “We heard about a man who was murdered by police. Everyone was talking about it…Then the police came. They pinned him down. They didn’t listen, even when he said, ‘I can’t breathe.’ Even when he called for his mama.” The narrative doesn’t just remind readers of the senseless manner of Floyd’s death; it demands the recognition of his humanity: “He was a father, a brother, a son, a hip hop artist, a football and basketball player, and a friend.” Gibney also details the historic protests that erupted after his death and how the narrator and the entire community collectively healed and grieved. At its core, this book is also about the abolition of the police; the final words ask readers to consider “a world without police. A world without police violence. What would it feel like, sound like, look like?” The illustrations, dominated by hues of purple, capture the cacophony of emotions that emerged in the aftermath of Floyd’s death; the depiction of tears falling from the eyes of the young narrator is especially haunting and memorable.

Heavy yet cathartic. We will not forget.