Just a Drink of Water

On a hot day in Louisiana, a young Black boy goes to the park with his mother, feeling the sun press against his skin and his throat grow dry. When he reaches for a drink of water from a nearby fountain, his mother gently stops him and points to a small metal sign that quietly tells him where he is not allowed to drink.

Told through the calm and observant voice of a child, Just a Drink of Water explores how segregation shaped ordinary moments during the Jim Crow era. As the boy walks through his days, he begins to notice other signs around him and listens to the conversations of the adults in his life, learning that unfair rules were created by people and can be challenged by people.

Inspired by real history and the work of photographer Gordon Parks, this picture book offers young readers an age-appropriate introduction to segregation, memory, and change. Written with care and restraint, the story invites children to notice, ask questions, and understand why remembering the past matters.

Christina Jenkins writes stories that help children understand the world with honesty, care, and courage. A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University and Mercer University, she has spent many years as a math teacher, committed to helping young people see their brilliance and ask thoughtful questions about the world around them.She is passionate about telling stories rooted in Black history and lived experience, showing how everyday moments can carry deep meaning. Christina believes children deserve stories that respect their intelligence and help them recognize fairness, truth, and hope.