Author Sanya Whittaker Gragg is announcing the release of her book, Momma, Did You Hear The News?, in hardcover format. The title is available for sale now on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Momma-Did-You-Hear-News/dp/1542332532.
Momma, Did You Hear the News? tells the story of 10-year-old Avery, who is in a panic over the shooting of another unarmed black man. His parents decide it is time to have “The Talk,” during which they teach him a catchy and easy way to remember what to do if approached by a police officer.
The book instills the five things to do to come home A.L.I.V.E., beginning with a catchy chant, “A to the L to the I.V.E.! Come home ALIVE! That is the key!”
“As a social worker I know that when kids have an acronym, it’s easier for them to remember,” Gragg says. The acronym stands for Always use your manners, Listen and comply, In control of your emotions, Visible hands always, and Explain any movement.
The main message, to “Memorize the 5,” mirrors what Gragg and her husband repeatedly preached to their own sons. “As a mother, I don’t need you to argue or claim who’s right or wrong. In that moment, I just need you to do whatever’s necessary to come home alive.”
Gragg is committed to creating books that make a difference and helping parents have conversations with their children about real life challenges. She says although she wrote this story five years ago, she’s saddened and disappointed to see that the lesson is still relevant, in the wake of the continuing series of police shootings.
The author says African Americans often do everything right and still end up in unfortunate situations. To that point she uses the seatbelt analogy. “We wear them understanding it can save our life if we have an accident, but that’s not guaranteed.” Gragg adds, “My book can’t guarantee your safety either, but I believe doing these five things will increase your chances of a safe encounter with police. And as a mom, I’m determined to equip my kids the best way I can.“
Gragg adds that the book emphasizes the message that all police are not bad. “This book is not anti-police. Rather, it’s anti-police brutality.”
Momma, Did You Hear the News? received a starred review from The School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews calls it “a heartbreakingly, necessary work.” Gragg’s career includes work as an assistant to best-selling author E. Lynn Harris. Her second book, Daddy, Did You Hear the News?, provides guidance when parents are talking to their children about bullying. Her upcoming title, In Cahoots With My Boots, features Saniyah as the central character, who believes her boots have special powers to give her the confidence to conquer the world.
