An empowering follow-up to New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter that celebrates the rich history of Black and brown men and women throughout history with soaring language and stunning illustration. Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time. Tami Charles shares the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Charles's powerful and empowering text is accompanied with illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree. We Are Here celebrates readers with pride, joy, and love, reminding them of their roots, inviting readers to imagine a future that shines ever bright, and strengthening them for their triumphant days to come!
All Because you matter is a book that can be used to read aloud in classroom. This book can inform students to think about others presective in life and why they matter. The illustrations are done by Brian Collier. The theme is family, and culture. This picture book would be a great addtion to a classroom library, or even a school library.
Follow up to the beautiful and encouraging ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER, author/illustrator duo Tami Charles and Bryan Collier bring another picture book that exudes pride and joy, but this time in an entire group of people rather than simply self. With watercolor art that will stimulate much conversation and extension of text, Tami’s words laud the contributions of Black people in a variety of fields and locations-the music of Blues singer Muddy Waters, Jazz musician Ella Fitzgerald and guitarist Howlin’Wolf, and the voice of Marian Anderson, civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. plus food and fashion from all over the world. Back matter explains the specific people represented in the illustrations and a glossary gives the meaning of several non-English expressions used within the text. (Note from a former ELA teacher—The context is rich around these expressions making them perfect for guiding young readers through using context clues for unfamiliar words.) The author and illustrator’s notes add much to the “heart” that comes through reading this book and has me excitedly anticipating the upcoming release of a 3rd book in this series: UNITED TOGETHER.
This book is a must-have for K-3rd grade collections seeking to represent BIPOC readers and will go a long way in teaching respect for the contributions of Black people to our wonderful world.
Thanks for the finished copy of this book, Scholastic!
While reading this book, I felt like I was part of a movement that celebrated identity and who you truly are. Early on in the book, I realized that this was in the story but an affirmation of celebrating your background and who you are. The author is telling the readers they're worth it and, in a way, rooting for us as readers that anything is possible and that we should be resilient and strong in our identity and background. Although this didn't feel like a story, the author still had a theme of inspiring the readers to understand the power they hold and their ability to change the world around them and that they should always know their worth while also celebrating their identity and cultural background as the author discusses “turning numbers into season,” which is a phrase used to let one know of their ability to change something for the better, basically turning nothing into something.
This book belongs in the poetic poetry genre, as it was also a picture book as if it was a children's book. The author incorporated illustrations that filled the page that were colorful and bright, grabbed your attention, and made you stay engaged. This book would be perfect, especially as a children's book, as it inspires children to understand the sky's the limit and that they are possible to accomplish anything. It also discusses cultural diversity in the illustrations. They were not typically the illustrations you see in regular children's books; they were different races and illustrations of scenes, which are important. This could help children explore their family's history and understand the power of poetry and how it helps connect the audience to an individual's personal story. This was a whole book for me because it was poetically well written, but the words also inspired me and reminded me to celebrate life and the possibilities. The illustrations in this book kept grabbing my attention.
The author's use of literary craft perfected the main message of this story. The author's use of repetition, “we are, was an important piece of the writing, as it was reassuring that this was something we accomplished together, ensuring the readers that nobody is left behind and everyone sticks together, and it creates a sense of unity and community, keeping the readers engaged and connected but also an affirmation that gives the readers resilience to do greater things. By now we've all understood the importance of imagery and illustrations in children's books, but in this store specifically, the imagery and illustrations not only make the text more engaging but also create a sense of unity and an emphasis on the dynamism of cultural expression.
This story was very biased because it was more focused on uplifting underrepresented or marginalized groups of people without accusing any other specific group of people. This story focuses on uplifting everyone and encouraging the readers to understand that they are capable of achieving more than they know. The author does a great job of realizing the struggles without pointing any fingers. Instead, the author chooses to bring everyone together like it's a movement of hope and change.
This book's poetic text and lavish, colorful illustrations will appeal to audiences looking for positive portrayals of Black history and culture. The artwork is unique and expressive, and the book casts a broad vision to include different elements of the African diaspora, including people who identify as both Black and Hispanic. The book speaks directly to Black children, affirming them and speaking to them about different historic and cultural themes.
The pages about 2020 will become either dated or historic, depending on your perspective. The book doesn't get specific about the pandemic or the year's protests, but depicts a George Floyd mural and includes an illustration of children sitting at school desks with face masks on.
This book does a nice job of instilling cultural pride without fostering division, and the backmatter includes short introductions to the historic figures and general contributions mentioned in the book. However, even though I am impressed with this overall, it is more for adults than children, since the text is very poetic and abstract. For example, the line "we turned numbers to seasons and patterns" will do much less for a child than simply telling them that African scientific exploration led to the 365 day calendar. Only the author's note explains the reference, and she still doesn't share much information beyond what I just summarized.
The poetry is really nice and well-crafted, but it is so vague at times that children won't understand it without an adult pausing to interpret it for them. This is best for people who are older and already have an appreciation for Black history. Certainly, someone can read this to their child to start celebrating their culture early even while most of the content goes over their head, but I find it disappointing that books like this are so often geared to the adults who will buy them and praise them, not the children that they are ostensibly for.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
Our journey is not restricted to our current location or history. It crosses boundaries and broadens our horizons. We are like seeds that can bloom into tremendous accomplishments and dreams, making the impossible possible. We are a part of everything because of our various origins and experiences. We aim to make the world a better place for everyone. Despite our differences, we are emotionally attached and have a shared aim. We picked this book for its title. This book is a tribute to the black community throughout history, demonstrating their unwavering determination and resilience. Captivating imagery brings the story to life. However, young readers may struggle with complex words and require adult support when reading.
Tami Charles' We Are Here is a poetic narration that beautifully captures the spirit of the black community, complemented by the stunning illustrations of Bryan Collier. The words and images encourage readers to embrace their identity and celebrate their cultural heritage. Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books
"We Are Here" is a very powerful piece of literature, showing that black culture and history are everywhere in society. I loved the way the author used the words to rhyme and give meaning to what the book was talking about. 2 themes that stuck out to me were strength and Pride. Strength was shown in the community and how everyone worked together to achieve a goal and Pride was for the way the book talked about how you should embrace your cultural identity. It is important to know where you come from and to celebrate your ancestors. This literature is categorized as novels in verse. Understanding your culture and heritage is extremely important. Perseverance and pride can be attested to in this book because the author spoke about black excellence which can be a source of future inspiration for many generations. Some forms of literary devices are metaphors and tone. Metaphors can be from looking at black stars in a constellation and the tone that was used was a form that can be used to celebrate and honor the history within the black community. We Are Here serves as a great book for black heritage and spreads a story that we are all connected and should work together to achieve higher levels of life. This book shows nonbias because it sheds light on the black community coming together and showing strength.
If any individual's story ends in triumph, should we not cheer outwardly, or at the very least, inwardly for them? Are we not glad for their success, whether they are known to us or not? They might be someone from the past or present who spent or are spending time on this planet. They might exist because of someone's imagination. And if this individual is one of a group, a group bound together by history, culture, and resilience, we should exalt their accomplishments.
Each time All Because You Matter (Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., October 6, 2020) written by Tami Charles with illustrations by Bryan Collier is read, you find yourself saying in your heart of hearts, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" You repeat that word of affirmation because of the truth and power in the words you've read and in the artwork you've seen. This same collaborative team released the second book, We Are Here (Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., January 3, 2023), in this trio as our new calendar year started. It is as compelling and eloquent as its predecessor.
ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER and WE ARE HERE are definitely top of my list of books I recommend because they are books I wish existed when I was a little girl.
ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER reminds kids, and particularly Black and Brown kids, that they matter because "long before you took your place in this world you were dreamed of" by resilient, loving, and brave ancestors that paved the way. From first steps to first words to challenges at school,
WE ARE HERE gives us a glimpse into the extraordinary impact and legacy Black people have contributed throughout history. From MLK to Marian Anderson are role models and heroes that show us that we are seeds, joy, fearless, and intercontinental.
Thank you so much Tami Charles for writing such beautiful books with such necessary messages, even in the face of book bans. Thank you to Bryan Collier with the breathtaking illustrations tell a story unmatched and that I love to revisit time and time again with my daughter.
The second of a trilogy of picture books celebrating and affirming Black culture.
Like they did in All Because You Matter (Scholastic, 2020) this dynamic duo team up again with Charles' lyric poetry and Collier's amazing artwork. The focus here is on a young girl. The text talks about the past and expresses hope and possibilities for the future, doing this with spare and elegant text. Collier's artwork, rendered in collage with Winsor & Newton watercolor paint on 300 lb. Arches watercolor paper, is nothing short of spectacular. He includes identifiable role models from the past - from Muddy Waters to Ella Fitzgerald to Marian Anderson to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to George Floyd - each one inspirational. He maintains his quilt-like texturing of illustrations that provide a feast for the eyes and works well with Charles' words for the soul.
Include in units on diversity, self-esteem, and just because.
The illustrations are beautiful and the text is lyrical and inspiring. I had briefly glanced at the appended material and knew there were biographical sketches of various black Americans who have made great contributions to our culture. However, upon finishing the book I was dis appointed that only four people were in the biographies, there could have been so many more. If not biographies a listing of names of people making contributions in specific fields. Upon reading the third page I thought certainly Nathaniel Bowditch would be named as well as the women who did all the mathematical calculations for orbiting and landing on the moon.
Yes, this is an inspiring picture book, but I wanted names to read more about the ones I might be unfamiliar with.
I really loved the illustrations. Of all the books I've read, it's one of my top Caldecott contenders. There is an Afrofuturistic, geometric vibe to the illustrations. The colors and patterns are bold and eye-catching. The use of patterns was a meaningful choice that conveys the repetition and connection in ancestry/community identity, a major theme of the book. My only critique is that the same page spread style is used throughout the book. Still, the illustrations are the distinguished work of a master artist. But will this be the book that wins Collier his medal? He's been honored multiple times, and his signature style hasn't changed much over the years. I guess it depends on the committee.
This follow-up to All Because You Matter, Tami Charles writes the story as a celebration of the impact Black people have made throughout history, highlighting people like Dr. King and Marian Anderson, foods and places. Bryan Collier's beautiful illustrations creatively embed the history they want to emphasize while also celebrating a young girl's possibilities as she travels throughout. "You are brilliant, extraordinary, far-beyond-ordinary, the very best of who we are." He uses row houses as a timeline of the lives lived and celebrated. It's a glorious and poetic telling with some explanation at the back and notes from both Charles and Collier.
We Are Here was designed to showcase the contributions of Black people. I was a little disappointed that specific people and events were not named. Tami Charles really speaks in generalities. She used verse for her text. Bryan Collier’s illustrations are well-done. They have a definite African-American feel to them which is appropriate for the text. I encourage K-12 Christian school librarians to review We Are Here for themselves to determine if the book is appropriate for their audience. I’m not sure I’d put it in my library, mostly because I didn’t think it would appeal to my audience. I received a complimentary copy of We Are Here. This is my honest review.
This is a gorgeous picture book in free verse that is an ode to Black people everywhere, showing how they are all tied together by music and food and community--but by protests too. "We speak the language of books and streets, feet stamping concrete...countless steps that set the world on fire." Charles shares prominent Black figures in history and in contemporary society and how their efforts inspire people today. A very uplifting and inspirational book, would make a great gift. Beautiful art that is just fabulous; I think they're watercolor paintings, they're awesome.
A love letter to her unborn child, Tami Charles writes this book in celebration blackness in all its forms. From those who came before, to fashion, food, music, and more, many areas of black culture are highlighted in the lyrical text by Charles and mixed-media illustrations by Caldecott Honor Illustrator Bryan Collier. The title also does an excellent job of connecting the past to the present, an important element in understanding racial issues in our country today.
**Thank you to Scholastic for providing this book to SWON Libraries Consortium for professional review.**
I like this book It is an empowering book that shows the Black History and culture. It promotes embracing your identity and family.
This book shows the contributions and accomplishments of black and brown in American History. It shows the historical figures and global cuisines like Ethiopian, African, Caribbean dishes and music.
I would add this book to my future classroom library. I would have a class discussion, Do you recognize historical figures. I would ask the class to write down what they love about themselves. The intended audience is Kindergarten to 3rd grade.
A powerful continuation of All Because You Matter. Charles and Collier join together again to share this important message that you exist and continue the message that everyone matters. They take readers on a voyage through Black history and celebrate the wide areas of the world where cultures come from and blend together. This works as a class and family read aloud but be sure to take time to study the messages in the illustrations too.
This book by Tami Charles is more lyrical than the first book of hers I've read, "Freedom Soup." And this one has a different illustrator, Bryan Collier.
It reads -- or sings -- like an extended poem. I really enjoyed the shout-outs to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., also to Ella Fitzgerald, Muddy Waters, Marian Anderson, and Howlin' Wolf.
What a wonderful gift to instill meaning, pride, continuity, hope in young readers!
A celebration of the contributions made by Black people throughout history. This book focuses on black people from all cultures. It certainly includes Africa but also Haiti, Puerto Rico, and other countries. There are notes at the end that explain people pictured in the illustrations. Drowning out the hatred with love and encouragement. It is a beautiful book. Reading the author and illustrator notes at the end will help you appreciate it even more.
Featuring evocative artwork and lyrical text, this story is a celebration of the achievements of African-American ancestors and an affirmation of Black children’s potential and the bright future ahead of them. Endpages include brief bios of the historical figures mentioned in the text and a glossary of foreign words. The Author’s and Illustrator’s notes give further insights into the creation of this positive, confidence-boosting portrayal of African-American history and culture.
There's no need for a review here. It's a beautiful book that highlights the beauty, intelligence, and strengths of people of color. My favorite part is the end, where the author discusses the historical figures discussed throughout the book. It gives you a chance to make a deep connection with your children and make sure they understand the power of words and how these people changed the world and, therefore, how they can change the world.
The book, "We Are Here", was written by Tami Charles, for middle grade students. I believe this is a great book for Black American students. Just to be reminded, that they came from a people, who left a good spirit of heritage, to stand, fight verbally, and hold was left for them to grow on. The have competitiveness in their blood, a passion for singing, a strong leg to stand on to speak God's truth. This book will give the students, something to spring off on, to move forward.
First, I have to say that I desperately want a quilt that looks just like the end pages of this book. Bryan Collier is an amazing artist. Tami Charles' wordsmithing is incredible, too. But. I don't think most children will engage with this book without help. This is a book for teachers and librarians to share. It's not as much a book for children to pick up and enjoy and understand independently.
A great book to empower and embolden black young people. It's a proud history in this book of the culture that has risen up.
It's a great book to tell a child, you matter. Be proud.
The artwork is fantastic. It's collage and watercolor. The people are beautiful and I love the artwork of the buildgins and how it's put together. Beautiful.
A great book to inspire children. For young kids or kids who are struggling.