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Elijah's Easter Suit

Author Brentom Jackson
Illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng
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Hardcover
$18.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Doubleday Books for Young Readers
8.88"W x 11.25"H x 0.32"D   | 13 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Jan 23, 2024 | 32 Pages | 978-0-593-64995-4
Age 3-7 years | Preschool - 2
Reading Level: Lexile AD570L | Fountas & Pinnell M
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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. But when failed attempts at his town’s stores leave Elijah disappointed, 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.
★ "A picture book honoring both the past and the present."—Booklist, starred review

★ "Jackson’s culturally rich text, which rhymes at key moments, and Boateng’s vibrant images—particularly of the textured patterned of clothing—make for a delightful and entertaining read. From character names to illustrations depicting each person with a unique physique and style, these creators’ attention to detail is notable. . . . A wonderful story of a tradition as unforgettable as the fabulous titular suit."—Kirkus, starred review

"A sweet, unique take on Easter that also functions as an homage to the Black American experience."—School Library Journal

“Listening closely is the key to creativity. Telling your story is the key to fashion. And Elijah’s Easter Suit is a book that unlocks these ideas in the mind of the reader.” —Dapper Dan, fashion innovator
 
“A culturally significant moment, Elijah’s Easter Suit shines a light on Black family, community, and creativity.” —Mechal Renee Roe, creator of the Happy Hair series
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit demonstrates the brilliance, resourcefulness, and creativity of a Black child, his supportive family, and his community at large. In young Elijah, I saw myself—as will all young Easter fashionistas!” —Don Tate, illustrator of Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions
 
“This is a stunning and upbeat reminder of how the past can be made new. Elijah’s Easter Suit gets a roaring round of applause and a resounding HALLELUJAH! —Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, author-illustrator of Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit captures the legacy, pride, and love the Black community holds when it comes to looking good on Easter Sunday.” —Leah Henderson, author of Daddy Speaks Love
 
“This book is just like Elijah’s suit; it has the best of everything and deserves a ‘Hallelujah!’” —Valerie Bolling, author of Let’s Dance!
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit is a fun, fashionable tale that weaves the threads of the past with the fabric of today’s community.” —Kevin Johnson, author of Cape
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit is an exuberant ode to donning your Sunday best. It practically shimmers with Black boy joy!” —Anne Wynter, author of Everybody in the Red Brick Building
BRENTOM JACKSON is a psychotherapist who writes about the universal lessons within Black American culture. His work reflects his hope for the future, where every child can see themselves in the pages of a book. Elijah's Easter Suit is his debut children's book. Brentom lives in Texas with his wife and son. Follow him on Instagram at @brentomjackson and on Twitter at @BrentomJackson. View titles by Brentom Jackson
EMMANUEL BOATENG is a Ghanaian self-taught artist, born and raised in the city of Kumasi in the Ashanti region. See his work on Instagram at @mind.of.el. View titles by Emmanuel Boateng
Classroom Activities for Elijah's Easter Suit

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Read More

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About

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. But when failed attempts at his town’s stores leave Elijah disappointed, 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.

Praise

★ "A picture book honoring both the past and the present."—Booklist, starred review

★ "Jackson’s culturally rich text, which rhymes at key moments, and Boateng’s vibrant images—particularly of the textured patterned of clothing—make for a delightful and entertaining read. From character names to illustrations depicting each person with a unique physique and style, these creators’ attention to detail is notable. . . . A wonderful story of a tradition as unforgettable as the fabulous titular suit."—Kirkus, starred review

"A sweet, unique take on Easter that also functions as an homage to the Black American experience."—School Library Journal

“Listening closely is the key to creativity. Telling your story is the key to fashion. And Elijah’s Easter Suit is a book that unlocks these ideas in the mind of the reader.” —Dapper Dan, fashion innovator
 
“A culturally significant moment, Elijah’s Easter Suit shines a light on Black family, community, and creativity.” —Mechal Renee Roe, creator of the Happy Hair series
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit demonstrates the brilliance, resourcefulness, and creativity of a Black child, his supportive family, and his community at large. In young Elijah, I saw myself—as will all young Easter fashionistas!” —Don Tate, illustrator of Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions
 
“This is a stunning and upbeat reminder of how the past can be made new. Elijah’s Easter Suit gets a roaring round of applause and a resounding HALLELUJAH! —Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, author-illustrator of Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit captures the legacy, pride, and love the Black community holds when it comes to looking good on Easter Sunday.” —Leah Henderson, author of Daddy Speaks Love
 
“This book is just like Elijah’s suit; it has the best of everything and deserves a ‘Hallelujah!’” —Valerie Bolling, author of Let’s Dance!
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit is a fun, fashionable tale that weaves the threads of the past with the fabric of today’s community.” —Kevin Johnson, author of Cape
 
“Elijah’s Easter Suit is an exuberant ode to donning your Sunday best. It practically shimmers with Black boy joy!” —Anne Wynter, author of Everybody in the Red Brick Building

Author

BRENTOM JACKSON is a psychotherapist who writes about the universal lessons within Black American culture. His work reflects his hope for the future, where every child can see themselves in the pages of a book. Elijah's Easter Suit is his debut children's book. Brentom lives in Texas with his wife and son. Follow him on Instagram at @brentomjackson and on Twitter at @BrentomJackson. View titles by Brentom Jackson
EMMANUEL BOATENG is a Ghanaian self-taught artist, born and raised in the city of Kumasi in the Ashanti region. See his work on Instagram at @mind.of.el. View titles by Emmanuel Boateng

Additional Materials

Classroom Activities for Elijah's Easter Suit

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Read More

Other Books by this Author

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Elijah’s Easter Suit

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

Read more

Elijah’s Easter Suit

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