Breonna Marches Through Time
Breonna Marches Through Time
by Daveena , Geralyn, Jocktavious, Shatiya of Reach Incorporated
Daveena, Geralyn, Jocktavious, and Shatyia wanted to create a story that both speaks to the history of racial injustice, and honors the young people who are (and have been) fighting for change. They wanted to create a story that said the names of those who we have lost to police brutality. For this reason, they named the protagonist "Breonna" after Breonna Taylor. Breonna is an 8-year-old time traveler living in Southeast DC. As she watches 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she sees her once-vibrant community wilt into sadness and anger. She is filled with questions about what is going on and why — and she’s determined to do something about it. Breonna travels back in time and then sees the future in order to learn about the power of speaking out. Can a visit with a youth activist from the past inspire her to bring change to the present day?
Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!
ISBN: 978-1-950807-07-9
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 570L
Page Count: 38
Published: Fall 2020
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Meet the Authors
As reading tutors to elementary-aged students, the teens of Reach Incorporated noticed that few children's books reflected their lived experience as youth of color. So they decided to take action and write their own. Now these D.C. teens are diversifying children's literature, one smart-fun-real-brave-bold story at a time.
My name is Shatyia, and I was a sophomore at H.D. Woodson High School when I wrote my book. My favorite activities are drawing, reading, and cooking. This is my first book. I hope that my young readers recognize that someone like you can have a huge impact on others, whether big or small. I hope this story inspires you to be a better person, and to always stand up for what you believe in.
My name Is Daveena. I was 15 years old when I wrote my book. I like to dance and cheer. I wrote this book because I want children to be able to talk about what’s going on in their daily lives, and to discuss why Black people are in the position we are in. I hope readers understand that you can change things in this world. You can always help out the people you love.
Joacktavious was fifteen years old and a sophomore at Ballou High School when he wrote Georgia In The Jungle. His favorite subject is math. He loves to play basketball and football. This is his first book. He wrote this book to encourage kids to read and also to help students get through grief.
Recognition & Impact
Daveena, co-author of Breonna Marches Through Time, and Alexa Patrick were interviewed on Watoto Entertainment & Education, a..k.a. WEE Nation, hosted by radio personality and Children's Drumcussionist, Uncle Devin.
The authors of Breonna Marches Through Time were interviewed on Fox5 DC. “DC students write book about death of Breonna Taylor”
The authors of Breonna Marches Through Time, Diarou’s Not So Different, And Justice For Who? and Shayla’s Shutdown Solution were featured on NBC4.
Breonna Marches Through Time and And Justice For Who? were featured on WUSA9’s segment “Today’s Most DC Thing”
Breonna Marches Through Time and And Justice For Who? were featured in an article on DCist. “D.C. Teen Authors Reflect On Police Brutality And Racial Justice In 2020 Children’s Books”
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Daveena, Geralyn, Jocktavious, and Shatyia wanted to create a story that both speaks to the history of racial injustice, and honors the young people who are (and have been) fighting for change. They wanted to create a story that said the names of those who we have lost to police brutality. For this reason, they named the protagonist "Breonna" after Breonna Taylor. Breonna is an 8-year-old time traveler living in Southeast DC. As she watches 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she sees her once-vibrant community wilt into sadness and anger. She is filled with questions about what is going on and why — and she’s determined to do something about it. Breonna travels back in time and then sees the future in order to learn about the power of speaking out. Can a visit with a youth activist from the past inspire her to bring change to the present day?
Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!
ISBN: 978-1-950807-07-9
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 570L
Page Count: 38
Published: Fall 2020
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