From the time her son is born, an African American mother has dreams for his future in a world she knows will not always be just or welcoming to him. Her words become a prayer that he will be safe wherever he goes, from crossing the street on the way to kindergarten to “crossing over to adolescence.” “I will pray that the world sees you as a child of God, and, as you cast a longer shadow, that you will be viewed as a vessel to be steered rather than a figure to be feared.” Carole Boston Weatherford’s poetic plea offers powerful and necessary words for our time. (Age 6 and older)

A black mother expresses the many hopes and dreams she has for her child in this powerful picture book masterpiece that’s perfect for gift-giving.

When you are a newborn,
I hold your hand and study your face.
I cradle you as you drift to sleep.
But I know that I will not always
hold your hand;
not the older you get.
Then, I will hold you in my heart
And hope that God holds you in his hands.