All Because You Matter
(Genre: Children's Literature/Fiction)
A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier.
"A gem for every household." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.
Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardship of adolescent struggles, and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter.
Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.
Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most.
PRODUCT INFO
- Author/Illustrator: Tami Charles/Bryan Collier
- Format: Hardcover
- Pages: 40
- Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (October 6, 2020)
- ISBN-13: 9781338574852
- ISBN-10: 133857485X
- Dimensions: 10" x 10"
- Language: English
- Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
- Recommended Grade Level: Preschool to 3rd Grade
BOOK REVIEWS
(From commonsensemedia.org)
This rhythmically rich story inspires hope and ignites pride in readers who will end the story knowing that their lives are important. All Because You Matter celebrates difference and motivates readers to think outside of the box, and understand why all children, of all colors, matter. This story seamlessly connects the lived experience of children who feel different, to those who have lost their lives due to racial injustice. It is also passionate tribute to the power of storytelling and familial love and pride. Readers will close the book with the author's words echoing in their minds, "You mattered. They mattered. We matter... and always will."
Bryan Collier's illustration leap off the page and will certainly appeal to adult and children readers alike. This unique style of illustration is a fusion of quilted petals, with hidden imagery, and collage art. The similes used in the book's text compliments the art, and will create imaginative imagery in the reader's mind. This piece promotes powerful messages and images, which will help to inspire dreams of a more accepting world.