Elijah’s Easter Suit

By Emanuel Berger | November 10 2023 | Children'sBlog

In a story full of style, sass, and significance, a young boy goes on a quest for the perfect Easter church outfit, inspired by elders from his community. Along the way learns about the importance of Easter traditions to his family, his ancestors, and the Black church.

Elijah is on a mission to find the perfect church outfit for Easter. Failed attempts at his town’s stores leave Elijah crushed, but an important conversation with Deacon Brown and Mother Green about tradition, culture, and clothing gives him the courage to create his own Easter masterpiece: a patchwork of perfection that tells his story with style.

Families at Easter will appreciate seeing the themes of church and Black culture throughout Elijah’s quest, in this sweet yet important story about a young boy’s journey toward an understanding of those who came before him.

An afterword from the author delves into the traditions and culture of Black communities at Easter and the historical importance and significance of Easter clothing and style.

Enjoy this Activity Sheet

Elijah's Easter Suit
978-0-593-64995-4
In a story full of style, sass, and significance, a young boy goes on a quest for the perfect Easter church outfit, inspired by elders from his community. Along the way learns about the importance of Easter traditions to his family, his ancestors, and the Black church.
$18.99 US
Jan 23, 2024
8-1/2 x 11
Hardcover
32 Pages
Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Age 3-7 years

Bedtime Bonnet
978-1-9848-9524-0
This joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime.
$18.99 US
Apr 07, 2020
10 x 10
Hardcover
40 Pages
Random House Books for Young Readers
Age 3-7 years

Nana Akua Goes to School
978-0-525-58113-0
Winner of the 2021 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award! In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother--whose face bears traditional tribal markings--to meet her classmates. This is a perfect read for back to school!
$18.99 US
Jun 16, 2020
10-1/2 x 10-1/2
Hardcover
40 Pages
Anne Schwartz Books
Age 4-8 years

Grandma's Purse
978-1-5247-1431-4
Spend the day with Mimi and her granddaughter in this charming picture book about the magic found in Mimi's favorite accessory, perfect for readers who love How to Babysit a Grandma!
$18.99 US
Jan 09, 2018
11 x 9
Hardcover
32 Pages
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Age 3-5 years

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
A Story About Knitting and Love
978-0-553-49710-6
A heartwarming winter picture book featuring multicultural characters that's sure to appeal to families who enjoy knitting.
$18.99 US
Oct 11, 2016
8 x 10
Hardcover
40 Pages
Anne Schwartz Books
Age 4-8 years

Chicken Sunday
978-0-698-11615-3
After being initiated into a neighbor's family by a solemn backyard ceremony, a young Russian American girl and her African American brothers' determine to buy their gramma Eula a beautiful Easter hat. But their good intentions are misunderstood, until they discover just the right way to pay for the hat that Eula's had her eye on. A loving family story woven from the author's childhood. "Polacco has outdone herself with these joyful, energetic illustrations, her vibrant colors even richer and more intense than usual, while authentic details enhance the interest. A unique piece of Americana." —Kirkus Reviews, pointer review "In this moving picture book, the hatred sometimes engendered by racial and religious differences is overpowered by the love of people who recognize their common humanity." —Booklist, starred, boxed review "The text conveys a tremendous pride of heritage as it brims with rich images from her characters' African American and Russian Jewish cultures--A tribute to the strength of all family bonds." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
$8.99 US
Feb 09, 1998
8 x 10-1/4
Paperback
32 Pages
Puffin Books
Age 6-9 years