Children’s book on racism recognized in Living Now Book Awards

  

CHICAGO, August 17, 2020—Everyone Belongs, written by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, received the gold medal in the Children’s Picture Books category of the 2020 Living Now Book Awards. The Living Now Awards recognize books that help readers live a healthier, more fulfilling, and productive life.

Everyone Belongs empowers young readers to reflect on the reality of racism in our society, to see it through the lens of history and faith, and act towards respect, understanding, and friendship. In the picture book, Ray Ikanga is a young boy whose family fled violence in their home country to come to the United States as refugees. The family moves into a new neighborhood and Ray begins making new friends. His excitement is interrupted, however, when someone spray paints a hurtful message on their garage.

The children’s book, inspired by the USCCB’s statement “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” has been a resource for communities in the United States following the death of George Floyd and the social justice movement against racism. Everyone Belongs is featured on the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and has been discussed on webinars for Catholic parents and educators on how to talk with kids and teens about racism.

Loyola Press was recognized in last year’s Living Now Book Awards, including the honor of an Evergreen Book Medal for Spiritual Leadership for Sharing the Wisdom of Time by Pope Francis and Friends. God Isn’t Finished with Me Yet by Barbara Lee and Pope Francis Says… by Pope Francis were also recognized by the Living Now Book Awards.

Everyone Belongs is available on the Loyola Press online store, Amazon, and select bookstores. For media inquiries or more information about Loyola Press, please contact Mandy Lemos at lemos@loyolapress.com.Visit our shop to learn more about the award-winning books.


About Loyola Press

An apostolate of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, Loyola Press embraces the Jesuit passion for helping people find God in all things. We continue the Jesuit tradition of excellence and service by providing inspiring faith-filled content for children and adults and by being people for others.

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