Dream Street, written by Tricia Elam Walker and illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House, 2021. $23.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Each morning, unless it's raining, Mr. Sidney 
reads the newspaper on his stoop, dressed "to the 
nines," Ms. Sarah likes to say. "What's the nines?"
a child will ask, and Ms. Sarah will answer, 
"Fancy, fancy!" Mr. Sidney is a retired mail carrier
living his dream of never having to wear a uniform 
again. He tips his brown fedora and greets everyone 
with, "Don't wait to have a great day. Create one!"

Too often thesse days I long for people to treat each other with courtesy, kindness, and acceptance for differing opinions. It's hard to imagine that school playgrounds (and almost everywhere else) have become battlegrounds where acceptance is nowhere to be seen. If a parent isn't wearing a mask, someone scowls at them; if a parent is wearing one, they are derided for the choices they make. There is no common ground; there is so much polarization. What is that saying to the kids who share that same playground? 

We need our children to know about communities like Dream Street. In an author and illustrator's shared note at the end of the book, Ms. Walker and Ms. Holmes tell readers that this book celebrates their lives in the small community of Roxbury, MA. There, they grew up encouraged by family and friends to live their dreams of becoming a writer and an artist. It was a place for Black kids to live and thrive, always supported by those around them. 

"Welcome to Dream Street - the best street in the world! 
Just ask people who live here. The houses and the dreams 
inside are different as thumbprints." 

Dream Street is filled with life and the constant support of those adults who make sure the children who live there will fulfill the dreams they have for themselves. Each turn of the page tells the story of a community member who impacts their neighborhood. These character portrayals are a joy to read and savor for their beautiful words. They are accompanied by brilliant collage artwork that makes them even more appealing. Every child on Dream Street has the opportunity to be whoever they want to be; their support is endless and steady. Everyone there makes a lasting contribution. That positivity and strength are indicators for future success.

Here there is love and joy. Our kids need to hear these books to let them know such places do exist. This is a book to be celebrated at every age!