Publishers Weekly
09/13/2021
In her accessibly written picture book debut, Jackson centers Deja, a Black child of Jamaican descent who asks myriad questions regarding Santa’s methods of reaching her city home. When classmates instill seeds of doubt, Deja worries about Santa’s existence—and his limitations. Not only does her apartment lack a chimney, but her city does not look like classic Christmas towns: “Okay, but where does he park his sleigh? There’s no free parking spots on our block at night and ain’t none of them big enough for nine reindeers!” But as her mother, neighbors, and relatives offer reasonable explanations, Deja sees the light (“Makes sense”), and it’s revealed that Santa, who is also Black, has no issues visiting. Warm, imaginative digital art by debut illustrator Brown offer a nuanced portrait of Deja’s family and community in this reassuring book for any child who’s ever worried about Santa’s magic reaching them. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
A 2021 Black Caucus American Library Association Best of the Best Booklist selection
* “The representation in this work will win the hearts of many children looking to see themselves in Christmas stories…A winner for Santa skeptics and believers alike.” –Booklist, starred review
* "A delightful holiday story... Brown’s cartoon-style illustrations are awash in purples, blues, and grays—not colors one would typically associate with a holiday story, but that fit perfectly in a book about Christmas in the city." –SLJ, starred review
"Warm [and] imaginative...[a] reassuring book for any child who’s ever worried about Santa’s magic reaching them." –PW
"Lively digital illustrations portray a close-knit Black family and urban community in a story that will reassure kids with the same concerns as Deja’s." –Horn Book
School Library Journal
★ 11/01/2021
K-Gr 2—Deja's friends tell her Santa isn't real. How can Santa navigate the city? Storybooks tell them Santa needs a chimney, a place to park his reindeer, and the North Pole is just too cold. How can Santa find Deja when she's visiting family in Jamaica? Full of questions and doubt, Deja peppers her mother and the other adults in her life with all of the aspects of Santa that she can't piece together. They each give her a plausible explanation with warmth and patience, but Deja decides she needs proof. Jackson, best known for her young adult thrillers, has created a delightful holiday story, especially for children who are beginning to question Santa's existence or who have wondered how Santa will find their apartment. The book is ideal for a read-aloud, though the short sentences would not be intimidating to beginning readers. Brown's cartoon-style illustrations are awash in purples, blues, and grays—not colors one would typically associate with a holiday story, but that fit perfectly in a book about Christmas in the city. VERDICT A good purchase for public and elementary school libraries, especially those in urban environments.—Monisha Blair, Glasgow M.S., Alexandria, VA
Kirkus Reviews
2021-08-18
Deja still believes in Santa, but her friends’ challenges leave her with questions.
Deja loves Christmas so much she counts down the days, hours, and seconds until it arrives. But the kids at school ask her how Santa finds her apartment if she has no chimney and insist that no one can live at the North Pole. Carmen says that even if Santa existed, “he’d never visit us in the city.” Mommy finds Deja weeping in her bedroom, and when Deja asks if Santa is real, Mommy sets about showing Deja just how Santa operates. No chimney? No problem: Santa has magic keys, like the superintendent. No parking? That’s OK: Santa parks on the roof of the apartment building and takes the stairs. Deja is satisfied with Mommy’s explanations, but more and more questions keep occurring to her. Finally, when Mommy says she has met Santa, Deja gets an idea. She decides to stay up to meet him herself and get her questions answered. Predictably, she falls asleep on the couch and misses his visit, which is depicted. But Santa leaves a note that assures her that “magic really does find a way.” This unique Christmas story will speak to many children whose lives don’t resemble the typical Christmas picture book featuring single-family homes with lawns and fireplaces. The vibrant colors and expressive faces give the illustrations an engaging energy. Deja’s family is Black with Jamaican roots, and Santa too is Black. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A valuable addition to the holiday shelf. (Picture book. 4-8)
