I Promise

Dedicated to the families that James’s foundation, I Promise, serves in the NBA star’s Ohio hometown, this picture book delivers an uplifting message to children, emphasizing accountability and persistence. The text takes the form of a rhythmic first-person pledge: “I promise to ask questions/ and find answers,/ to believe in next time and second chances.” Disembarking from the school bus, the children attend class, have fun at recess, and partake in extracurricular activities. Lively digital art by Mata features expressive characters of color spending time at school, on basketball courts, and at the playground. The illustrations infuse the book with heart, reflecting a contemporary neighborhood that effectively represents the racial makeup of many U.S. cities. Back matter includes an author’s note about the I Promise school and a further distilled list of goals. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)