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Where?
A child claims their space in the world with a hopeful response to a complicated question in this lyrical picture book.
I am from children of millions of years, a time line of humanity.
I am from this planet and all others.
When a child is once again on the receiving end of the dreaded question “Where are you from?” their answer takes readers on an intergalactic journey through the cosmos. Traveling across space and time, past collapsing stars and nebulae, the young narrator reminds us not of our differences but of our shared humanity. Debut author Jordan Collins’s poetic prose, informed by lived experience, and Phil Lesnie’s stunning illustrations create a powerful story that celebrates our intricate and beautiful connections with one another. End notes from author and illustrator relay more about the experiences both have had in fielding a question that may be familiar to many young readers.
I am from children of millions of years, a time line of humanity.
I am from this planet and all others.
When a child is once again on the receiving end of the dreaded question “Where are you from?” their answer takes readers on an intergalactic journey through the cosmos. Traveling across space and time, past collapsing stars and nebulae, the young narrator reminds us not of our differences but of our shared humanity. Debut author Jordan Collins’s poetic prose, informed by lived experience, and Phil Lesnie’s stunning illustrations create a powerful story that celebrates our intricate and beautiful connections with one another. End notes from author and illustrator relay more about the experiences both have had in fielding a question that may be familiar to many young readers.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published August 6, 2024
24 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Collins
24 books4 followersJordan Collins was born in Chicago in the United States, moved to Australia when they were eight, and currently lives in Sydney. Growing up, Jordan wanted to be many things: doctor, vet, artist, marine biologist - but stuck with 'author' because of their love of reading. Jordan is African-American-Greek-Australian, which means they have dark skin and curly hair.
Where? began as a slam poem that Jordan wrote after a lifetime of being asked questions like, 'where are you from?' They first performed the poem at the Poet's Picnic when they were fourteen. Where? has now been transformed into Jordan's debut picture book, illustrated by highly acclaimed artist Phil Lesnie.
Where? began as a slam poem that Jordan wrote after a lifetime of being asked questions like, 'where are you from?' They first performed the poem at the Poet's Picnic when they were fourteen. Where? has now been transformed into Jordan's debut picture book, illustrated by highly acclaimed artist Phil Lesnie.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 13, 2024
Read for my toddler's bedtime. The boy is often asked where is he from due to the color of his skin and the styles of his hair. He prefers to deflect the questions by making a joke. He wants to say he came from the "explosion that made the big bang and the iridescent glow of a nebula. I'm from the void and the cosmic dust around our solar system." And from "the primate who decided to walk on two legs for the first time." So basically everyone came from the same history so no need to ask that question. A good story and illustrations!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review.
July 20, 2022
Content warnings: racism.
This book has not only a powerful message, but incredible artwork to boot.
The story is easy to follow, and shows just how 'casual' racist comments can be harmful. "No, but really, where are you from?" is so racist and so many white people still think that it's fine to ask these questions.
The opening line/page is literally perfect and shows just how many people ask this of people of colour.
The simplicity of this will be a wonderful tool for younger readers - and hopefully it will show them to speak up when they see this question directed at people of colour.
Bookish links: Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / Blog
This book has not only a powerful message, but incredible artwork to boot.
The story is easy to follow, and shows just how 'casual' racist comments can be harmful. "No, but really, where are you from?" is so racist and so many white people still think that it's fine to ask these questions.
The opening line/page is literally perfect and shows just how many people ask this of people of colour.
The simplicity of this will be a wonderful tool for younger readers - and hopefully it will show them to speak up when they see this question directed at people of colour.
Bookish links: Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / Blog
April 10, 2025
Gorgeous art work combined with perfect text to explain we are all from the same place .
March 26, 2025
This book was originally a slam poem and it reads as such. I loved it. I loved the imagery. It was beautiful.
It had a lot of layers not explained to a child that a parent would get. Slavery. And the where are you from question. And it has a lot of background context to the world you need to understand the passion of what is being said.
It’s a book to spark a discussion about a larger context.
It had a lot of layers not explained to a child that a parent would get. Slavery. And the where are you from question. And it has a lot of background context to the world you need to understand the passion of what is being said.
It’s a book to spark a discussion about a larger context.
August 29, 2022
Currently sobbing on the Dymocks shop floor
I always stop and read kids books when I'm at work. In so many ways this book healed the inner child who grew up in a Western country constantly being asked where I was from. I think this is so important and I'm so glad that children in this generation have books like this, that see them and speak to them.
I always stop and read kids books when I'm at work. In so many ways this book healed the inner child who grew up in a Western country constantly being asked where I was from. I think this is so important and I'm so glad that children in this generation have books like this, that see them and speak to them.
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September 21, 2024When I agreed to review this children's book, I assumed it was simply a sweet children's book that dealt with understanding our differences such as our different cultures, skin color, hair, customs, speech. Frankly, I'm just an older Southern lady that hasn't traveled a great deal; and I am fascinated by our differences and love talking with folks about their background, history, cultures. I'll never get to meet a Chinese person in China, an African in Africa, and a modern-day Inca descendent from South America. But I respect them and would love to give them the opportunity to share their background (current or historical) with me.
So every time someone asks "Where are you from" it isn't racial! It is a natural curiosity and real interest in who they are and what makes them different from me, an uninteresting American from the South.
I take issue with polluting children's minds with political trash.
Now about this book..... The art is interesting and lends itself well to the telling that the "where" of the body's composition is the same as that of the entire universe. This is true in that we are composed of atoms and other teeny tiny bits and molded into the form that is human. Personally, I have a firm believe that we are created by God and that He also created the entire universe.
The write up for this book should have alerted me to it's contents and purpose when it said "A passionate, personal and political picture book that calls out racism..." When I read the write up about the author, I see she is politically "woke" and uses "they/their" in the description of herself. Firstly, she is entitled to call herself whatever she wants, but she has incorrectly used the pronouns and this creates difficult in reading. An author should endeavor to always use correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
So I can not endorse this little book. A shame, since you take out politics, racism, etc. you find an interesting take on identity where a child can see himself as part and parcel of the entire universe.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
So every time someone asks "Where are you from" it isn't racial! It is a natural curiosity and real interest in who they are and what makes them different from me, an uninteresting American from the South.
I take issue with polluting children's minds with political trash.
Now about this book..... The art is interesting and lends itself well to the telling that the "where" of the body's composition is the same as that of the entire universe. This is true in that we are composed of atoms and other teeny tiny bits and molded into the form that is human. Personally, I have a firm believe that we are created by God and that He also created the entire universe.
The write up for this book should have alerted me to it's contents and purpose when it said "A passionate, personal and political picture book that calls out racism..." When I read the write up about the author, I see she is politically "woke" and uses "they/their" in the description of herself. Firstly, she is entitled to call herself whatever she wants, but she has incorrectly used the pronouns and this creates difficult in reading. An author should endeavor to always use correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
So I can not endorse this little book. A shame, since you take out politics, racism, etc. you find an interesting take on identity where a child can see himself as part and parcel of the entire universe.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
January 9, 2025
Thank you to @candlewickpress for the gifted copy.
If you’ve never been asked the question “Where are you from?” In a space where you look different from the other people occupying it, then this book is going to be a learning experience. In case you are wondering, this is not a polite or innocent question. It’s a question about race, belonging and otherness. It’s a question framed so that the asker can put you into a space of their own understanding that centers them instead of the other person’s humanity. It’s an othering question.
Inspired by his own slam poem, the author takes you on a journey through a child’s response to that question. It’s more amazing than you one could imagine and it definitely does not fit into someone’s neat box. It also explores the unsaid meaning behind the question. I love the phrase, “You see skin and I see supernovas.”
This is a great book to open the floor on conversations regarding the feelings behind this question. As always, do the work as an educator first before trying to lead it with your students. Think about your reaction to that question and this book.
If you’ve never been asked the question “Where are you from?” In a space where you look different from the other people occupying it, then this book is going to be a learning experience. In case you are wondering, this is not a polite or innocent question. It’s a question about race, belonging and otherness. It’s a question framed so that the asker can put you into a space of their own understanding that centers them instead of the other person’s humanity. It’s an othering question.
Inspired by his own slam poem, the author takes you on a journey through a child’s response to that question. It’s more amazing than you one could imagine and it definitely does not fit into someone’s neat box. It also explores the unsaid meaning behind the question. I love the phrase, “You see skin and I see supernovas.”
This is a great book to open the floor on conversations regarding the feelings behind this question. As always, do the work as an educator first before trying to lead it with your students. Think about your reaction to that question and this book.
November 21, 2022
A powerful and heartfelt picture book about identity, racism and the narrow minded stance of those who judge by appearance. Originally a slam poem,
‘Where are you from?’ they say.
What they mean is,
‘Why is your skin that colour?’
‘Why does your hair look like that?’
this collaboration presents a provocative, challenging plea to confront preconceptions. Depth and nuance expand the poem through the flowing layout of the text and the stunning illustrations to present a message:
"‘Where are you from?’
I'm from the same place that you are."
Phil Lesnie illustrations bringing Jordan’s words to life on every page page with full deeply coloured. moody and mysterious images that hold your attention as you seek details and ponder the contents and messages they provoke. Where? challenges the reader to see everyone as human, regardless of appearance - we are all alike, rather different. This is a powerful and emotionally charged picture to explore identity and belonging, and challenge racist and prejudice preconceptions.
‘Where are you from?’ they say.
What they mean is,
‘Why is your skin that colour?’
‘Why does your hair look like that?’
this collaboration presents a provocative, challenging plea to confront preconceptions. Depth and nuance expand the poem through the flowing layout of the text and the stunning illustrations to present a message:
"‘Where are you from?’
I'm from the same place that you are."
Phil Lesnie illustrations bringing Jordan’s words to life on every page page with full deeply coloured. moody and mysterious images that hold your attention as you seek details and ponder the contents and messages they provoke. Where? challenges the reader to see everyone as human, regardless of appearance - we are all alike, rather different. This is a powerful and emotionally charged picture to explore identity and belonging, and challenge racist and prejudice preconceptions.
December 20, 2025
A story for every classroom followed by frank discussions of the book's theme: why ask someone "Where are you from?" just because they look different or their accent or skin color does not match their own? In this retelling of the author's childhood experience ~~ born in Chicago, moved to Australia ~~ of having to answer for his color, curly hair, and accent.
Lesnie's brilliant art adds an other-worldliness to this story which tells of Jordan's response to "Where are you from?" "I'm from the interior of collapsing stars..." We are all from the same beginnings. In Lesnie's crafting of image of a young boy (African Greek Australian American) his head is knit cap covered, he wears today's bright athletic wear, but there's an agelessness to his visage in closeups that defies the need for response to that question, "Where.."
Originally created as a slam poem, celestial references to the beginning of mankind are lavishly illustrated in bright skylight colors that explode off the page.
Lesnie's brilliant art adds an other-worldliness to this story which tells of Jordan's response to "Where are you from?" "I'm from the interior of collapsing stars..." We are all from the same beginnings. In Lesnie's crafting of image of a young boy (African Greek Australian American) his head is knit cap covered, he wears today's bright athletic wear, but there's an agelessness to his visage in closeups that defies the need for response to that question, "Where.."
Originally created as a slam poem, celestial references to the beginning of mankind are lavishly illustrated in bright skylight colors that explode off the page.
July 4, 2022
Release date: 5 July 2022.
A visual feast of a picture book which captures such an important story, one I can certainly relate to.
A powerful, important and timely story told through a poetic voice which explores what it is like for people whom are constantly asked the nagging question "Where are you from?" and why are we asked these questions? Due to the colour of our skin, difference in appearance - one sees skin colour, difference in hair colour - but we are all the same so no need to ask again.
Beautifully written and illustrated, highly recommended for a young readership and definitely should be on the shelves in all primary schools across Australia.
With special thanks to Allen and Unwin publishers for sending me a review copy of this book.
A visual feast of a picture book which captures such an important story, one I can certainly relate to.
A powerful, important and timely story told through a poetic voice which explores what it is like for people whom are constantly asked the nagging question "Where are you from?" and why are we asked these questions? Due to the colour of our skin, difference in appearance - one sees skin colour, difference in hair colour - but we are all the same so no need to ask again.
Beautifully written and illustrated, highly recommended for a young readership and definitely should be on the shelves in all primary schools across Australia.
With special thanks to Allen and Unwin publishers for sending me a review copy of this book.
January 27, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Candlewick through Edelweiss+.
Richly colored illustrations throughout enhance the text. The story begins with a powerful illustration covered in the word "Where?". This is the question that starts readers thinking and the protagonist sharing their thoughts and feelings. "Where are you from?" can be a casual question yet turned to push for an answer the person asking has already decided. Collins captures the bias involved in such an inquiry and offers a look at how connected each of us is at our basic structural level. She then uses these connections to show the pain felt when this question is used to make someone feel like an other. A painful and needed book for younger readers and those who need a reminder that words matter.
Richly colored illustrations throughout enhance the text. The story begins with a powerful illustration covered in the word "Where?". This is the question that starts readers thinking and the protagonist sharing their thoughts and feelings. "Where are you from?" can be a casual question yet turned to push for an answer the person asking has already decided. Collins captures the bias involved in such an inquiry and offers a look at how connected each of us is at our basic structural level. She then uses these connections to show the pain felt when this question is used to make someone feel like an other. A painful and needed book for younger readers and those who need a reminder that words matter.
September 17, 2024
👦🏻reviews: powerful book about being different from others. I live in a town with many small communities and I don’t belong to any of them. As a minority it is tough and this book says it all. Sometimes I wanted to tell them that I came from the moon so they’ll stop bothering me and honestly I don’t owe anybody any explanation of myself. This is sad how I feel that why should we compartmentalize things and now people too. I feel that this book is so perfect to be shared to the 1st and 2nd graders who will be going through this journey despite anything.
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March 23, 2025Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm sure some people who ask the question are racist. But when I was a child, and when my children were in school, we did family trees as a focused unit of social studies. We were all encouraged to know, be proud of, and share our family history.
If I see someone who looks different, of course I'm curious about their family history. What stories can they tell about what brought their parents and grandparents together? Of course I can't ask them unless I get a chance to know them well... but I won't apologize for wanting to learn.
If I see someone who looks different, of course I'm curious about their family history. What stories can they tell about what brought their parents and grandparents together? Of course I can't ask them unless I get a chance to know them well... but I won't apologize for wanting to learn.
August 8, 2025
An Australian author waxes poetic on how he answers the question where are you from. He knows what people are asking and he chooses instead to connect all of us as humans and connected to our natural world. Though this sounds heavy, this book is necessary. I hear this question often in my elementary school and it is often seen as a question that divides us. Collins and illustrator Lesnie create a magical combination of poetry and illustration that is simply beautiful. This book unites us all in our natural world and humanity in a way that will be understood by children everywhere.
September 13, 2024
WHERE? is a beautiful response to the question, "Where are you from?" It is a powerful poem about the complexities of answering that question. The illustrations are rich and the language is beautiful. I only struggle with who to recommend this to because a lot of the lines from the joke about how babies are made to the scientific answers to where you are from feel like they are written for older kids. For the right kid though, this is a gorgeous book.
November 8, 2024
This concept has been done before, but in my opinion it's never been done this well. Collins's poem is brief, but it somehow captures so many different threads of this conversation and definitively ties them off.
"'Where are you from?' I'm from the same place that you are. So no need to ask again."
Oh, and those illustrations!!! Incredible props to Phil Lesnie.
"'Where are you from?' I'm from the same place that you are. So no need to ask again."
Oh, and those illustrations!!! Incredible props to Phil Lesnie.
October 3, 2022
Powerful.
Free verse text and stunning illustrations add extra impact to this story of origins and common humanity.
Free verse text and stunning illustrations add extra impact to this story of origins and common humanity.
December 8, 2022
A random read while standing around at the library. Good message :)
October 8, 2023
The art in this is stunning and the text is so powerful yet minimal. Important picture book about belonging, prejudice, and acceptance.
November 19, 2024
Taht boy didn't like that they asked him where he was from. Why did they ask him that? - Khi 4
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews