Praise
In this inspirational story, readers will learn about the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre, as well as the continuing problems that racial hatred causes in our communities and lives in the present day. Today, race and equality are topics that impact everyone’s lives. But did you know that they’ve been the center of controversy throughout American history? Jake has discovered he has superpowers—in his avatar form of Jake the Cardinal Bird, he can travel back in time! Journey back in time with Jake, as he visits Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921—the year that a violent White mob, aided by police, massacred people of color in the area known as Black Wall Street. Horrified by the violence, he uses his powers to bring his new friend Teyanna back to life and realizes he can do more—he can go even further back in time, to before the massacre, to spread love and understanding in the hearts of the shooters! But will it be enough to stop the violence?
Jake is a warm-hearted role model, and readers will love his combination of superhero powers, like his cardinal avatar suit, and good old-fashioned values, like love and acceptance. Vibrant digital artwork throughout the story illustrates the diversity and beauty of people of color and helps readers imagine themselves in the events of 1921 alongside Jake.
In addition to historical facts, readers will learn an important message, eloquently captured in the final page’s call to action—that continuing to spread hope and love is the only way to combat hatred and violence.
Glow Power, by Jacqueline Lopez and Joy Peyton, follows Jake, a boy who gets trapped in an elevator, transforms into a Cardinal Avatar, and travels back to 1921 Tulsa, where he witnesses the beauty of Greenwood before the Tulsa Race Massacre and then the terror of its destruction. Through his bond with Teyanna and the other Dunbar children, Jake learns that history is not just something to study for school, but something to feel, grieve, honor, and carry forward through love, justice, and daily acts of healing.
Jake inhabits his avatar to go on a horrendous journey to the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, but ends up alongside Teyana and her Glow persona, learning that “horrendous” can be transformed through hope and happiness into the glow of love. As the book concludes: “Love in a multicultural and multilingual global society is refreshing and promising. Caring and embracing our differences for the sake of our humanity builds bridges and fulfills dreams.”
GLOW POWER is a magical description with a powerful lesson for the youth of today, as it shows them that they are the voice and vision of a pathway from horrors and trauma to a more beautiful and peaceful world. Truly empowering and inspirational.
“Glow Power is a powerful story that will bring parents and children together to share learning about history and how to find creative ways for change. The color and illustrations are empowering images for children to remember.”
Reading this book is a bold, courageous, empathetic experience with a magical twist that makes discussing the atrocities at the heart of the story, bearable. It is a timely story for the complexities of our current times. I highly recommend it for kids ages 9 and up, as well as all adults with an open heart and mind to a perspective and voice different from their own.
The story’s imaginative power inspires hope despite inescapable feelings of anger and sorrow, which as readers we are encouraged to responsibly own and powerfully transform via reflections and a creative call to action.
The writing is delightful and energetic, with an agility that is able to carry our emotions across a range of feelings.
It is a book that encourages our children to lead the way towards healing from the many sources of violence often normalized by adults.
In Glow Power, Jacqueline Lopez and Joy Peyton masterfully take a gravely serious chapter of American history, the Tulsa Race Massacre, and turn it into a children's story that is accessible, hopeful, and honest.
Through touches of magical realism and friendships you'll root for, readers experience the thriving community of Black Wall Street before it was destroyed. They then follow Jake's journey from grief toward healing and forgiveness. Cheyenne Lewis's stunning illustrations bring the adventure vividly to life.
Glow Power is a beautifully written, deeply moving story that masterfully balances a captivating adventure with powerful real-world history. It tackles heavy themes with incredible tenderness and care, making it both engaging and entirely accessible for younger readers. The artwork is stunning and adds so much life to the story.
What a great book for older kids that not only educates them about a crucial event in history, but also teaches them about the power of kindness and healing. I highly recommend.