Together, United

All Because You Matter

by Tami Charles, Bryan Collier (illustrator)

With an inspirational message of unity comes the profound final installment of the All Because You Matter trilogy from powerhouse author Tami Charles and award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier!



A lyrical and astounding proclamation of unity and love, this stunning picture book serves as a reminder and a clear declaration that together, we are all part of something much greater. Courageous and bold, this final follow-up to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter and acclaimed We Are Here is a message of that alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable!

Tami Charles' powerful and rhythmic text reminds young readers of their brilliance as individuals and the immense power they hold when their voices come together as one. Breathtaking illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, evoke the beauty and wonder of how we are all connected together in the world and our ability to change it for the better. Together, United is a community touchstone and a reminder that the best way to a better future is to create it together... united.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite from these collaborators.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together, United has an inspiring message and vision for the future. The planetarium scene snapped me back in time to 1986 and my first field trip experience with that wonder which is the much the same for children today. I also loved the use of “big words” both for rhyme and tickling the minds of little word nerds.

The illustrations were beautiful and captured what joy and curiosity looks like within the children’s expressions.

I have a couple of critiques which aren’t specifically negative, just observations/points to ponder. It does introduce the Big Bang theory which can be controversial depending on the readership demographic/family religious belief system. I can’t remember when I first heard about it as a kid, but if this is a new concept, there could be questions from young readers that will need to be answered with thoughtfulness and care. Secondly, I wish there was just a little bit more broader diversity shown… a few more kids from other cultures (for example, maybe a young girl in a sari, a boy with flaming red hair and freckles, kids with Asian features) and disabilities (a few kids with mobility aids, hearing aids, etc) so that every young reader can see someone who looks like them and see they are a part of the “we”.

Overall, this book carries a great message and would be a great addition to a school or personal library to demonstrate representation and unity.

Thank you to the author, Scholastic, and Books Forward the the complimentary ARC.

[Leigh Collazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! These are some gorgeous illustrations! This is a companion to All Because You Matter by Tami Charles. Bryan Collier's colorful illustrations feature diverse elementary students on a school field trip to Hayden Planetarium in New York City.

I'm honestly not sure how this would work as a read aloud. There isn't really a story - it's a celebration of human innovation and of working together to bring about change. Many concepts are abstract. Examples of these abstract ideas include: "Your art is your lucha / each color / a mirror / a door" and "We break borders / we crush barriers." These words are beautiful and are worthy of reading aloud, but young readers will not really understand them.

If I were to read this aloud with an older elementary class, such as 4th or 5th grades, I would stop often to allow students to absorb the illustrations. I would guide discussions by asking questions and clarifying rich vocabulary words like revolution, justice, intergalactic, kinetic, prophetic, and others.

This book is perfect to read before or after a school field trip to the Hayden Planetarium. I have never been to this Planetarium, but the illustrations appear to be specific exhibits there.

I recommend Grades 2-4 for this title. Younger readers will enjoy the gorgeous illustrations, but teachers will need to explain vocabulary words and abstract concepts if they want students to understand the rich language of the text.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some picture books that feel like they're giving you a warm hug while simultaneously lighting a fire in your soul, and Together United is absolutely one of them. This is the kind of book that makes you want to gather all the kids in your life, pull them close, and read it aloud with all the passion it deserves.

The message is beautifully simple yet profound: by ourselves, it's hard to achieve amazing things or feel like we've made a real difference. But together, united? We can genuinely change the world. It's a lesson our tamariki need now more than ever, delivered with such warmth and conviction that it seeps right into your heart.

What I love most about this book is how it balances celebrating individual strength with recognizing collective power. It doesn't diminish the importance of each child's unique voice; instead, it shows how those voices create harmony when they join together. It's an empowering message wrapped in gorgeous language and stunning visuals.

Together United is more than just a picture book – it's a community touchstone, a conversation starter, and a gentle reminder that the best way to build a better future is to do it together. Perfect for home libraries, classrooms, and anywhere children are learning what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.

This one's a keeper, friends. Read it, share it, live it.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book with glorious pictures. This one will delight children and their adults, their grandparents, and everyone else.
Author Tami Charles and illustrator Bryan Collier meld their talents in the third of their picture book series "All Because You Matter."
From the planetarium to open fields of stars, from gardens to neighborhoods, from friends to enduring friendships and support, this book delights from beginning to end. Because people in all their flavors and colors are what make us an amazing people.

Charles and Collier bring together light, joy, and understanding. Together we grow strong, we can tackle the world, and we make this planet a marvel to behold.

Readers will draw strength from this beautifully illustrated tale.

Thanks to Scholastic http://www.scholastic.com for an ARC to read and review

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in a trilogy of Tami Charles books encouraging and affirming the place in the world for children of all races, colors, ambitions and abilities, Together, United declares that the world is a better place for ALL who are in it and does so with artwork done with collage and watercolor by Bryan Collier. All three books, All Because You Matter, We Are Here, and this one, should find their place on the library shelves and in the hands of children ages 3-grade 4.

Thanks for sharing a print arc with me, Scholastic and the Literary Feast.

[Nicole L-P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so inspirational. As a mother, I read this book and felt so moved. We all want our children to believe that they can be whatever they aspire to. It's books like this that ignite an optimism that children deserve. We can accomplish so much with a collective goal and mindset. I love how the author cleverly wove in other languages and references to connect cultures together. I loved this book, All Because You Matter, and We Are Here. The theme rings through the beautiful graphics and writing.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was similar to the others. Along poem about space, our place in the universe and the connection we have to earth and it's beings. Pretty long for a causal read to a kid, but the images are worth a flip through and some older kids might like to hear a few pages.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in this set by Charles. This one encourages readers to look to the future and continue to believe in themselves. The illustrations are powerful and the text is inspiring. It falls a bit flatter than her first two in this series as some of the references feel a bit dated.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect way to end the All Because You Matter series.

[Brenda Kahn]

A lovely conclusion to a gorgeous trilogy. All three books are a MUST in all kinds of libraries.

[Mariann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a sweet book with a great message, it just ran a bit long for me. Also one of my pet peeves is forced rhyme and this felt like the case in a few places.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A preschool and up empowerment book about working together we are all better.