In a powerful effort to ignite the imaginations of young readers, Blue Banyan Books is proud to announce the release of My Name Is Marcus, a vibrant new graphic novel by award-winning author Geoffrey Philp. This innovative biography brings the iconic civil rights leader, Marcus Garvey, to life in a way that’s accessible and engaging for children aged 8-12. By transforming Garvey from a distant historical figure into a relatable hero, this book aims to breathe new life into Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage.
Marcus Garvey, a pioneering figure in the global struggle for racial equality and Jamaica’s first national hero, is now accessible to young readers and visual learners through this groundbreaking graphic novel. My Name Is Marcus takes its audience on a colorful journey through Garvey's life, from his humble beginnings in Jamaica to his influential role in the Pan-African movement. The book offers a visually stimulating narrative that simplifies complex historical events and ideas, making them understandable and relatable for children.
This isn’t the first time Marcus Garvey has appeared in Philp’s work. Known for his books Marcus and the Amazons and Garvey’s Ghost, Philp has consistently explored Garvey’s legacy through fictional narratives. In My Name Is Marcus, he combines “solid research” with a kid-friendly tone, drawing on resources like Colin Grant’s Negro with a Hat and Tony Martin’s Race First. “I wanted to create a graphic novel that kids could relate to,” Philp explains.
Philp emphasizes that Garvey’s life, marked by perseverance despite numerous obstacles, is a powerful inspiration. “I wanted to show him as a kid who loved cricket, swimming, and running. I also wanted to highlight his doubts and moments of loneliness, especially during his time in prison. Despite all the obstacles, Garvey never gave up because he had a clear purpose.”
The release of My Name Is Marcus comes at a time when discussions about racial justice and equality are prominent in global conversations. This graphic novel serves as a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce these important topics to young readers. “This is the perfect time to bring Garvey’s message of perseverance, purpose, and self-reliance back into the spotlight,” Philp notes. “We’re still grappling with issues of ‘mental slavery’ in our society, and with social media platforms like TikTok constantly grabbing kids’ attention, Garvey’s inspiring story might get lost in the shuffle.”
“Marcus Garvey's inspiring story deserves to be told to a new generation,” says Tanya Batson-Savage, founder of Blue Banyan Books. “As Garvey himself said, our children must know their history. Geoffrey Philp has done a masterful job of capturing Garvey's spirit and presenting his ideas in a way that resonates with children but can also be enjoyed by adults.”
My Name Is Marcus is slated for release in the U.S. in early October and is now available for pre-order through Blue Banyan Books’ website: https://bluebanyanbooks.com/product/my-name-is-marcus/
Don’t miss the opportunity to introduce a new generation to the legacy of Marcus Garvey.
About the Publisher:Blue Banyan Books is an award-winning independent Caribbean publishing house known for producing diverse, entertaining, and visually appealing books for children, young adults, and adults. As one of the fastest-growing trade publishers in the English-speaking Caribbean, Blue Banyan Books continues to set the standard for high-quality publishing in the region.
About the Author:Geoffrey Philp, recipient of the Silver Musgrave Medal in Literature, is an accomplished author of two short story collections, two novels, three children's books, and eight poetry collections. His work has been featured in The Oxford Book of Caribbean Verse and The Oxford Book of Caribbean Short Stories. Philp has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in Education. With over three decades of teaching experience at Miami Dade College and a commitment to honoring Marcus Garvey's legacy, Philp continues his educational mission through his latest graphic novel, My Name Is Marcus.
To order your copy of "My Name is Marcus," please follow this link: https://bluebanyanbooks.com/product/my-name-is-marcus/
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