This book opens on August 31, 1955, when Emmett Till's body was found and his mother, Mamie, chose to have him sent home - the braver thing. We then jump back in time to Mamie's childhood, learning about her family, her schooling, her marriage, and Emmett's birth, with each of Mamie's brave choices highlighted. Emmett's childhood comes next, noting his stutter of speech that came from polio, and his trick of whistling to calm him down. The narrative slows down for the summer of 1955 - Emmett's brutal murder - and follows Mamie Till-Mobley's journey, spending the rest of her life seeking justice for not just her son but also for those still living.
The illustrations are done from stunningly intricate cut black paper, layered with tissue paper for color. The illustrator's note recounts her research and process for creating the book. Other back matter includes a timeline, vocabulary, a soundtrack, and an extensive author's note with more details and explanation of historical events mentioned in the narrative, and a hope that this book will inspire us to choose brave, just like Mamie.
This book is powerful, gorgeous, and heartbreaking and highly recommended. It was named as a Caldecott Honor Book for most distinguished American picture book for children on January 30, 2023.