We Wait for the Sun

Starred review from December 7, 2020
Adapted from U.S. attorney Roundtree’s 2019 adult autobiography, Mighty Justice, which was cowritten with McCabe, this posthumous picture book spotlights one of Roundtree’s favorite midsummer memories: harvesting blackberries before dawn with her beloved grandmother, who “imbued her with the certainty of her self-worth.” Thoughtful imagery lush with sensory detail (“her hand as it grazes a bush and comes back with the first berry of the day, frosted with dew”) pairs seamlessly with atmospheric, luminous digital illustrations by Figueroa as young Roundtree walks through the dark with Grandma Rachel, seeking berries with fellow Black women. This is a poignant glimpse into the childhood of a storied civil rights luminary, simultaneously serving as a testament to the love between caretaker and child and a soothing, nature-based meditation. Back matter includes a powerful author’s note, biographical information on both Roundtree and her maternal grandmother, a timeline of their lives, and a bibliography. Ages 4–8.

December 1, 2020
Adapted from Roundtree and McCabe's book for adults, Mighty Justice (2019), a powerful episode from the childhood of the real-life activist is presented as an adventure. Dovey Mae and Grandma Rachel slip out of the house in the hour before dawn, when "the midsummer night is dark and cool." They walk toward the woods to pick blackberries, and the girl thinks they are the only ones awake in the world--but, quietly, more women join their "silent march, [their] secret mission, [their] berry picking." Her grandma teaches her to walk in the dark. They follow the birds and stay close together. They taste, and they pick, and soon enough, they watch together as the sky turns colors, and the sun rises to usher in the day. With nighttime scenes bathed in deep purples and a final scene of daybreak in golden hues, this touching tale successfully conveys special moments of hushed expectation and quiet exhilaration between a child and her strong, loving adult. Reading co-author McCabe's note about the story behind the girl, Dovey Mae Johnson Roundtree, and her grandmother, Rachel Graham, will make the story even more significant. At a time when domestic terrorism against African Americans was rampant, here was a relationship in which a young Black girl felt safe. The aftermatter details the importance of that relationship on Roundtree's later work as a civil rights attorney. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 67.5% of actual size.) Makes magic out of a true moment, as the best picture books do. (timeline, bibliography) (Picture book/memoir. 3-8)

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February 1, 2021
Preschool-Grade 3 *Starred Review* An hour before dawn, a Black child and her grandmother quietly leave the house and walk toward the woods, where blackberries grow. As they pass other homes, Grandma's friends join them, following in a silent line. The woods are cool and dark. When they reach the blackberries, Dovey Mae takes the first bite, savoring the sweet juice while her grandmother laughs. They pick berries together quickly, tossing them into a tin pail, until suddenly Grandma tells the child to look over yonder. The pink horizon turns red and then golden as the sun rises, lighting their faces. They head for home. Recalling a memorable moment of natural beauty, the tale is told simply and directly, underscoring the authenticity of the narrative and the warmth of the main characters' mutual affection. In the engaging, lyrical illustrations, Figueroa makes good use of deep, soft, subtle colors in the night scenes and startlingly bright hues at dawn. The back matter offers older readers a biographical account of Dovey Johnson Roundtree, "who shattered barriers in the law, the military, and the ministry." McCabe, who worked with Roundtree as cowriter of her autobiography, Mighty Justice (2009), comments on the pivotal relationship between young Dovey and her grandmother, retold in this beautiful picture book.

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Starred review from March 12, 2021

K-Gr 2-This luminous picture book introduces young readers to civil rights pioneer Dovey Johnson Roundtree through a pivotal moment in her childhood. Adapted from Roundtree's autobiography, young Dovey narrates the experience of accompanying her grandmother and other neighborhood ladies on a pre-dawn berry-picking expedition. The spellbinding text evokes a strong sense of place and mood, drawing the reader in with a quiet sense of wonder. Roundtree's telling conveys the sense of a sacred tradition being passed from generation to generation, and lovingly illuminates the precious bond between a grandparent and grandchild. The illustrations match the enthralling quality of the narrative. The darkness of the forest setting is painted in rich, velvety shades of blue and purple that melt into soft lavender tones as dawn approaches, ultimately leading to a breathtaking moment when the sun finally rises and the scene is bathed in gold. While the story itself offers only a brief glimpse at Roundtree's formative years, an extensive author's note and timeline fills in the details of her life and accomplishments. Fittingly, the back matter also highlights Rachel Bryant Graham, the grandmother who was such an influential figure in Roundtree's life. VERDICT Absolutely captivating; a first purchase for picture book collections. This peek into the childhood of a groundbreaking civil rights activist is an excellent choice for Black History Month, Women's History Month, Grandparents Day, or any time of the year.-Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Lib., CA

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