Devale Ellis Books

The Ellises & The Time Machine is a series created to empower young children to learn more about often untold American history. Why Do We Have To Say 'Black Lives Matter'? is the story of 9-year-old Jackson, who has trouble reconciling the term 'Black Lives Matter' as he watches his favorite athletes wear shirts with the phrase while they play sports on a national stage. When Jackson asks his father, Devale, why the phrase is used, Devale decides to take the family on a journey through time to learn about over 400 years of Black history in America. Jackson and his brothers, Kairo and Kaz, are not excited about this history lesson at first, until Devale reveals that their closet has a hidden time machine!

Exploring the theme of racial identity, a young boy named Jackson struggles to understand the phrase "Black Lives Matter" as he observes its significance in sports. His father, Devale, introduces an engaging way to learn about over 400 years of Black history in America by unveiling a hidden time machine in their closet. This adventure promises to transform Jackson and his brothers' initial reluctance into excitement as they embark on a journey that connects them with their heritage and the importance of the phrase.

"The stars of the YouTube show The Ellises and hosts of the Webby award-winning podcast Dead Ass share the core pillars of their relationship as Black millennial lovers and parents that have allowed them to thrive in marriage"-- Provided by publisher