Together

by Mona Damluji, Innosanto Nagara (Illustrator)

A breathtakingly simple poem of universal experience shows us the transformative power of collective action."Together offers a vision of the world we want for our children, one in which all living things flourish, our communities thrive, and justice prevails.” --Ibram X. Kendi, author of Antiracist BabyIn Together, social justice kids book pioneer Innosanto Nagara teams up with poet and activist Mona Damluji for a stunningly tender and pitch-perfect visual feast that juxtaposes individual action with the power of people acting together. Each of the ten free-verse couplets in the poem is spread across four pages of imagery, to make a unique and different kind of board book for young kids to discover with their families.The first illustrated book in which Nagara applies his extraordinary visual imagination to words not his own, Together is simplicity itself--a poem about the transformational change that happens when people stop acting alone and start doing things together. Together is Nagara's third board book, following the immensely popular social justice board books A is for Activist and Counting on Community.

Genres: Picture Books, Social Justice, Childrens, Activism

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

3/1/2024 - Great book on the power of unity and compassion.

4/25/2024 - Read again with Madi.

[Katie Guiborat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Together by Mona Damluji is a super adorable book. The story starts with giving examples of objects or things that are good on their own, but better together. It focuses on how one thing is always better when put with others. Like when one star shines it's bright but, a galaxy is more luminous. I like the message of how a child is stronger when they have a family or a support system around them. I think it's a very important lesson to learn that they are never alone and will always have people around them.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me tear up practically every time I read it. I deeply appreciate its message about people working together being able to accomplish more than individuals. I also really appreciate that the dialogue is minimal (and repetitive in a really powerful/poetic way). And the illustrations depict different (largely environmental) issues impacting the world today. I appreciate that caregivers have the ability to share with the children what the images are depicting in ways that that individual child is ready for. There is also a different iteration of a frog on practically every page of the book—and I really loved trying to find the different unique frog image on each page. Beautiful.

[Skylar Kilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021, NCTE excellence in poetry award, diversity, activism, and justice.
This board book shows the power that a group of people can have versus the power of an individual. It seeks to show the audience that if we want to see a change in society, no matter how big or small, we must stand together. I loved this book so much and would love to have it available for my students in my classroom. I think the lessons taught in this book are ones that I want all of my students to learn in my classroom as much as possible.

[Kathryn Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

2021, NCTE Excellence in Poetry, Fiction

This is poetry book that teaches the readers about the power of collective action and collaboration. It shows readers about how collaborative forces can do so much more and bring such big change as a group, when working solo is not always enough. The story is written to also show social justice, and how one voice makes a difference but how a group can bring about an entire new world of possibility for change. I would use this book to teach about teamwork and collaboration in my classroom.

I liked this book, but I did not really feel it was amazing. I thought it was a great read for elementary school students, but that it gets a bit repetitive. It is a story that children can learn an important lesson from, but I think it could have been written in a more captivating way.

[Hannah Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Award won: NCTE
genre: picture book/ poetry
Star rating: 3/5
Publishing date: 2021

This is a very cute story about how single things come together. This would be a great book to read during a science class, because it tells us what groups of birds, trees, mountains, etc. are all called as they come together. We could also use this book to teach SEL and talk about community. One lesson we could do with this book, is we can use it to teach about community and then have our class come together just like in the book to do a community building activity. Overall this was a great read, however as an adult reading it I found it a bit boring which is why it is a 3/5.

[Jada Shigeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award: NCTE Excellence in Poetry Award
Date: 2021
Genre: Board book, social justice
This board book really opened my eyes to the impact books can have on even the youngest of children. Prior to reading this book, I hadn't considered using board books much in my classroom, but this book could be a great book to use to get students to engage in the picture analysis. Theres just enough words to get the points across clearly but the artwork within this book is so beautiful and thoughtfully created.

[Alyssa Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I love the message behind the book but overall I think the message can be represented in a more descriptive way. I found the book to be a little simple. Although this book is probably made for readers who are younger and are just learning how to read, I think it could have been more exciting and entertaining. The lesson and message that was coming across I found very relevant to today's time. The work was great, it was just lacking a bit of entertainment.

[Alex Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published October 5, 2021
Poetry

I liked this book. It is short and easy for students to read since there are only a few words on each page, but it promotes togetherness and i think it would be a beneficial book it have in a classroom even in middle school. I also like how there is a frog on the front page and it continues to be on each page hidden throughout the book so it gives something for kids to look for (and I enjoyed it because I love frogs).

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Together" resonated with my entire family and lead to empowering conversations with my children. I believe that this book will most certainly touch the hearts of children and adults alike and I will be including it in our school's library as a transformative tool: collective empowerment for an inspirational future.

[Kathleen Tanel]

This is a beautiful and important book for adults and children alike - Stunning illustrations and a very powerful message about the importance of “ togetherness “ on all levels. It would also make a beautiful picture to use in the classroom.

[KieraK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how it's good to be impactful as one but even better with a group.

[mg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful board book about solidarity.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful message about the power of community in multiple forms. Lovely lyrical text, too.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all those "A is for Activist" fans dying for another uplifting book with Innosanto Nagara's gorgeous artwork!!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shows the power of one and then the power of a group.

[Lori Buesking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. A favorite bedtime read with Syd.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book and concept. Idealistic, yes, but worth a read.

[Onix Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having fun reading books with my nanny kid. Cute read.

[Arash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful children's book with a positive and inspiring message. And I like the frogs :)

[Emma Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Date: 2021
Award: NCTE Excellence in Poetry
Genre: fiction
Book type: board book

"Together" by Mona Damluji is a children's book that celebrates the power of unity and collaboration. It teaches young readers the value of working together and supporting one another. I gave "Together" 3 stars because while the message of unity is important, I found the storyline to become predictable after a while. However, the colorful illustrations and relatable characters still make it an enjoyable read for young children. This book can be used to teach kids about collaboration and unity.

[Kayla Nakasato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published 2021
NCTE Excellence in Poetry Award
Poetry

This book relates humans and nature together in a theme of unity. It is for a younger audience but still has a great message. We can all work together to create change and opportunities for everyone.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

3/1/2024 - Beautiful story and illustrations. Read with Momma.

4/25/2024 - Read again with Momma.