All Because You Matter

Praise for All Because You Matter: * Two accomplished creators invite Black children to take up their spaces in the world... the journey from beginning to end of the book sends a message that is nurturing, nourishing, loving, and reassuring, expanding and deepening the words of the movement it echoes. Collier's trademark paint-and-collage illustrations use petal shapes with patterns and faces, blue and brown hues, and family scenes and close-ups to embody the child's growth within affectionate circles of family, community, and universe. A gem for every household. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * A richly illustrated affirmation for Black children-especially boys... Stunning. Powerful. Timely. Illustrated inspiration at its best. -- Horn Book, starred review * Caldecott Honoree Collier's (Trombone Shorty) tender, close-up watercolor portraits of a growing Black boy give visual power to this celebration of young Black lives. In an author's note, Charles (Freedom Soup) writes about The Big Talk-words that every Black parent must speak to their child about discrimination and violence. Lyrical verse that aims to offer a starting point for conversations about the racial climate in our country underlines an important message: you, dear child, matter.... As a schoolchild in a green T-shirt, he faces hurdles: academic efforts go unrewarded, classmates jeer, another name is called: / Trayvon, / Tamir, / Philando. Alongside these realities, Charles delivers a ringing affirmation of his life's meaning-Did you know that... strength, power, and/ beauty lie within you?-as Collier shows the boy straight on, surrounded by collaged images of his ancestry. Universal declarations are often illustrated with images of many children; this book's focus on a single child brings his experience and life-and the ways they matter-right up close. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review A powerful tale in a broken world, this will give children hope and parents comfort... a very timely story and a wonderful addition to school and public libraries.-- School Library Journal A title sure to be frequented by not only Black children but any child looking for a kind word and confidence boost. -- Booklist Praise for Like Vanessa, by Tami Charles: * Readers of all ages and backgrounds will cheer Vanessa on and see themselves in her story. This debut is a treasure: a gift to every middle school girl who ever felt unpretty, unloved, and trapped by her circumstances. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * Superb. -- Booklist, starred review * Like Vanessa is an emotionally potent, engaging young adult story with a heroine whom it is impossible not to root for. The life lessons that Nessy learns are relevant and worthwhile for everyone. -- Foreword Reviews, starred review Charles's debut novel dexterously interlaces pathos and humor and introduces a refreshing new voice. -- Publishers Weekly Praise for Trombone Shorty, illustrated by Bryan Collier: 2016 Caldecott Honor Book Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Award Winner * This well-told and exquisitely illustrated story of a musician with a steep career trajectory will inspire young readers to pursue their passions, despite the challenges. -- Kirkus Reviews starred review Praise for Knock Knock, illustrated by Bryan Collier: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner Huffington Post Best Picture Book of the Year ALSC Notable Children's Book Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Picture Book Honor Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Books of the Year Bryan Collier's richly textured illustrations and the lyricism of Beaty's text--with its echoes of spoken-word poetry--make this story of bereavement also a story of possibility and beauty. -- The New York Times Sunday Book Review Praise for Martin's Big Words, illustrated by Bryan Collier: Caldecott Honor Book Coretta Scott King Honor Book ALA Notable Children's Book New York Times Notable Book of the Year A stunning, reverent tribute. -- School Library Journal