Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2023 We Are Here continues the affirming message of All Because You Matter (2020) with just as much impassioned pride and love. In short, this book is a lyrical and visual masterpiece that celebrates Black creativity, work, activism, and sacrifice, in the past, present, and future. The poem flows through notable Black achievements, often referenced figuratively and made specific in the illustrations. As such, the book is well suited for a shared reading experience between adults and children. In this way, adults who recognize references to historical elements such as the jazz and blues musicians, culinary and artistic contributions, and so on can make the connections clear for children. Younger readers will likely recognize the images of BLM marches and George Floyd and contemporary musical and fashion trends. We Are Here is a book to be savored, reread, performed aloud, and whispered to a friend. The back matter includes descriptions of the contributions referred to in the poem, and the author and illustrator notes provide context for their creative choices. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/24/2023 K-Gr 2—Charles and Collier have created a luminous companion to All Because You Matter. The collaborators trace the journey of Black excellence, from the beginning of time to present day, and joyously celebrate how Black people have been an indelible part of humanity's history all over the globe. Highlighting contributions, such as different genres of music to fashion to civil rights leaders to the George Floyd protests, the unnamed narrator encourages a Black girl in pink who is seen throughout and is a stand-in for all Black children. Charles's poetic text emphasizes the pride that she should have in herself and her lineage. "Because/ you and me, we have always been heroes./ The same ones who/ sat to take a stand,/ the ones who ran/ so we could fly." With the turn of every page, readers will encounter a feast for the eyes. Collier's collage and watercolor renderings capture both cultural innovations and the history of protest and struggle. Georgia row houses, circles, and a pink balloon are motifs throughout, anchors for children as they pore over the intricate pages. Back matter includes short biographies of Black historical figures (such as Muddy Waters, Marian Anderson, and more) as well as their notable contributions to culture, glossary, and notes from Charles and Collier. VERDICT This awe-inspiring and phenomenal work of art belongs on all shelves.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 03/24/2023 K-Gr 2—Charles and Collier have created a luminous companion to All Because You Matter. The collaborators trace the journey of Black excellence, from the beginning of time to present day, and joyously celebrate how Black people have been an indelible part of humanity's history all over the globe. Highlighting contributions, such as different genres of music to fashion to civil rights leaders to the George Floyd protests, the unnamed narrator encourages a Black girl in pink who is seen throughout and is a stand-in for all Black children. Charles's poetic text emphasizes the pride that she should have in herself and her lineage. "Because/ you and me, we have always been heroes./ The same ones who/ sat to take a stand,/ the ones who ran/ so we could fly." With the turn of every page, readers will encounter a feast for the eyes. Collier's collage and watercolor renderings capture both cultural innovations and the history of protest and struggle. Georgia row houses, circles, and a pink balloon are motifs throughout, anchors for children as they pore over the intricate pages. Back matter includes short biographies of Black historical figures (such as Muddy Waters, Marian Anderson, and more) as well as their notable contributions to culture, glossary, and notes from Charles and Collier. VERDICT This awe-inspiring and phenomenal work of art belongs on all shelves.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.