Review by Booklist Review
Sellers and Brown join forces in this affirming picture book that traces the struggles, dreams, and pride of African Americans. Using the question of "Who are your people?" as a refrain, the book looks to accomplishments of Black Americans through history, touching upon the escape from the bondage of slavery to the sit-ins and protests of the 1960s and '70s. The thoughtful text focuses on the heritage and sense of belonging for African Americans with sentences such as, "Your people were mighty activists, champions that struggled for justice and equality" and "You are from a place filled with love and hope and expectation." Brown's illustrations convey both the joyful experiences and painful history of African Americans, using bright colors and pastels to signal hope and healing to the reader. They also do an excellent job of blending moments from the past with the present, subtly reinforcing their continued importance on life today. Pair this with Shani King's Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter (2021).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Politician and political commentator Sellers (My Vanishing Country, for adults) writes a tale steeped in pride, centering two Black children learning about their familial and cultural legacy. Employing portraiture and soft textures throughout, Brown (Santa in the City) captures the unbridled curiosity of two small Black children viewing historical and present-day scenes under a caregiver's caring yet watchful eye. As the trio enters Remembrance Park, text reads, "When you meet someone for the first time, they might ask, 'Who are your people?' and 'Where are you from?' " The next pages address the first query as the children glimpse enslaved ancestors fleeing via the Underground Railroad, a diner sit-in protesting segregation, and a march for justice and equality, followed by images of "trailblazers who changed laws and broke records. Today we stand on their shoulders." Addressing the second query and turning to a present-day picnic, the straightforward text offers a range of characterizations, building to "You are from a place filled with love and hope and expectation. Where people rooted for you to succeed." As the sun sets and fireworks erupt over the park, this consistently affirming meditation concludes with a simple question: "So what will you dream, and how will you change the world?" Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--In this inspirational picture book that depicts children from the African Diaspora, readers can reflect on who they are and where their ancestors came from. The book opens on a scene of a father sharing with his children the importance of their heritage, their lineage, and how far they have come in overcoming obstacles from the time of their ancestors to the present. Sellers covers the very beginning of the forefathers' journey via the slave trade; the candidness of this story follows the time line of many African people who, through struggles, became Americans in the new land. The illustrations reveal the anguish along the way, as well as the march for equality in later years. Sellers lets the readers know that although the road may be filled with trials and obstacles along the way, they can still emerge out of a situation that can be seen as hopeless to become anything and anyone. VERDICT A motivational story of knowing and embracing family birthright, this book is great for every collection for kids.--Annmarie Braithwaite
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Black man teaches two Black children about their roots. "Who are your people?" and "Where are you from?" These questions open the book as a man leads an unnamed boy and girl, presumably his children, into "Remembrance Park," where they gaze up at Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Stacey Abrams, and Martin Luther King Jr., who appear as cloudy apparitions in the sky. This imagery gives the misleading impression that Abrams, very much alive, is in heaven with the other figures, who are all deceased. Later on in the story, another potentially delusive illustration shows the main characters visiting a Mount Rushmore--like monument showcasing Kamala Harris alongside departed Black icons. After highlighting inspirational individuals who are not descended from people enslaved in the United States, the illustrations paradoxically depict enslaved Black Americans working in cotton fields. The portrayal of slavery is benevolent, and the images of civil rights marches and sit-ins likewise lack the necessary emotional depth. The text's statement that "you are from the country where time moves with ease and where kindness is cherished" erases centuries of African American struggle in the face of racist violence and systemic exclusion. The book tries to instill pride in African Americans, who continue to struggle with a lack of shared identity or common experience; ultimately, it stumbles in its messaging and attempts to turn an extremely complicated, sometimes controversial topic into a warm and fuzzy picture book. All characters are Black. A simplistic take on the complex issue of Black identity in America. (Picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
