Stronger Than

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 Features author and illustrator notes, historical references, a glossary, and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.