Elijah's Easter Suit

by Brentom Jackson, Emmanuel Boateng (Illustrator)

Overview

Elijah wants the perfect Easter outfit, but feels discouraged after a failed shopping trip until two community elders encourage him to create his own Easter masterpiece.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593649954
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	01/23/2024
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	405,680
Product dimensions:	8.88(w) x 11.25(h) x 0.32(d)
Lexile:	AD570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the 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.

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.

Editorial Reviews

12/01/2023

Gr 1–3—Inspiration may be found in this story for those who love to don their finest during the spring holidays. This year, Elijah is determined for the reverend to deem him the best-dressed at their Easter service, so he tries on a multitude of colorful suits. Yet none feel right. After an inspiring discussion with church elders, he uses his ingenuity and a sewing machine to take fabric scraps from his family to create a perfect patchwork suit to impress and honor his community. While young readers will appreciate the triumph of Elijah's creativity, elementary classroom teachers may also find this to be a useful tool for discussions about Black history. In the back matter, Jackson shares memories of suit shopping with his father before offering readers insight into the historical and cultural significance of Black churchgoers' elaborate and beautiful clothes. Adults will likely pick up on the homages to Prince and other Black celebrities as Elijah tries on suits in the beginning of the story. This otherwise capable picture book's only hiccup is its illustrations: while they are adorable, there are times when the wide-eyed faces come off as flat and expressionless. VERDICT A sweet, unique take on Easter that also functions as an homage to the Black American experience.—Alexandra Quay

School Library Journal

★ 2023-11-18
If you can’t find what you want, make it.

Elijah, a young Black child, attends Third Avenue Church, where the two rules of Easter are “show up” and “look good.” Last year, Mother Green’s “hat the size of Saturn” earned a shoutout from Reverend White; the year before, it was Deacon Brown’s head-to-toe red getup. Hoping to be the first kid ever to earn the preacher’s Easter kudos, Elijah tries hard to find the right outfit. But nothing seems right. Mother Green and Deacon Brown tell Elijah that when laws prevented African Americans from shopping in stores, they repurposed family clothes to make new ones; knowing where “every stitch of cloth came from” made it special. Deacon Brown reminds Elijah that Easter isn’t about competition but about honoring history. Elijah goes home and gathers fabrics that hold fond memories to create his Easter suit. 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. The backmatter explores the role of slavery and the post–Civil War era to explain why Easter ensembles have historically been so important in the Black community.

A wonderful story of a tradition as unforgettable as the fabulous titular suit. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews

★ "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

From the Publisher