A CITY DREAM

Dreams for urban improvements make a hopeful appeal for civic action.

“Sometimes my neighborhood feels forgotten.” While walking to school, a Black child with bubble braids passes trash piles and concrete-choked trees, but, with a warm teacher’s prompt, “We write about rights and wrongs and all the things we’d change.” Accordingly, the youngster brainstorms ways to enhance the quality of life and aesthetics in the community. “I’ll paint rows of sunflowers, rainbows, and smiles” along brick walls and walk to city hall to “ask for more murals.” Envisioning soaring playgrounds and “gardens on every block,” this creative exercise offers more tangible problem-solving and self-actualization than many of its affirmation-focused peers. City improvements such as water cleanliness and reclaimed housing go beyond beautification to meet basic human needs, emphasizing empathy and collaboration. Full-page spreads feature wide urban expanses in vibrant colors, and Hemans’ upbeat digital portraiture highlights a dynamic and diverse community. There’s a buoyancy to the main character’s energy that will make readers want to be a part of the action; the book will pair well with change-making stories including Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell’s Maybe Something Beautiful (2016), Tony Hillery and Jessie Hartland’s Harlem Grown (2020), and Amanda Gorman’s picture books. An author’s note identifies Baltimore City as the story’s inspiration.

An optimistic and actionable call to community engagement.