
By Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)
A boy confronts nightmares by uncovering his family's powerful history.
Dante, a young Black Choctaw boy, is haunted by nightmares. His mother believes that understanding their family's past will help him find peace. As Dante delves into his heritage, he uncovers stories of survival and resilience, learning hard truths and discovering a love that transcends generations. Will these revelations give him the strength to conquer his fears and find restful sleep? This journey through history promises to reveal more than Dante ever imagined, offering a profound connection to his ancestors and a newfound inner strength.
Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors.When Dante struggles with nightmares, his mother believes learning his family’s history will help him cope. The roots on both sides of his family tree run deep, with stories of survival through events Dante’s mother calls “daymares.”Taking discovering his heritage into his own hands, Dante finds out hard truths–but also a love that shines through generations and, finally, a strength to sleep through the night.Features author and illustrator notes, historical references, a glossary, and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.
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