Hold Them Close, a love letter to Black children, is a picture book celebration of African American past, present, and future, written by celebrated author of Your Name Is a Song, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, with gorgeous collage artwork by celebrated Brooklyn-based artist Patrick Dougher and photography by renowned Brooklyn photographer Jamel Shabazz.

This lyrical and poignant treasure honors the glory, triumph, and pride of African American history and future. Each word on the page encourages young children to hold close their joy, the words of their ancestors and elders, and their power to change the world.