That Beautiful Mind - by Tami Charles & Chris Charles (Hardcover)

About the Book

A young boy celebrates the joy and creativity of his unique and neurodivergent mind.

Book Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Tami Charles and her son, Chris Charles, comes a soaring and poetic celebration of the beautiful minds that make us all unique!

Some days it feels like my mind doesn't work right. Mom says otherwise. "That beautiful mind is what makes you unique."

This poetry-in-motion, sing-out-loud story follows the journey of one young boy as he navigates the challenges of his constantly running, brilliantly creative, and ever-so-busy brain. From basketball to baking with grandpa, to math class, and high-scoring video game conquests, readers will see that his one-of-kind mind is his greatest strength, and though challenges may come, he is all the stronger for it!

From bestselling author, Tami Charles, and her son, Christopher Charles, comes a rhythmic text that will speak to any child -- and every child -- who has needed an extra second or a second chance to harness the power of their own unique gifts and limitless potential. Stunning illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Nikkolas Smith (I Am Ruby Bridges, Born on the Water) brings to life the joy, frustration, and triumph of navigating the world as a neurodivergent child. That Beautiful Mind celebrates the power and diversity of every child's beautiful mind, and the dynamic and prismatic way so many children think and learn.

Review Quotes

Praise for Together, United:

* "Charles weaves spellbinding verse... her propulsive words assure readers of the power of their voices... Mesmerizing as always, Collier's signature collage illustrations underscore that much-needed message... A lushly illustrated, uplifting work that beckons us to unite around our common humanity." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Charles's evocative verse underscores a message of unity for the good of all... Collier's stunning illustrations capture the excitement of the children as they grow to realize the potential of their voices and the greater strength of their unity." -- The Horn Book, starred review

Praise for We Are Here:

An Amazon's Best Book of 2023

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023

* "This awe-inspiring and phenomenal work of art belongs on all shelves." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "A triumphant, encouraging tone permeates the messages to young people of color... asserting recognition and illuminating possibilities for their future." -- The Horn Book, starred review

* "A powerful narrative about Black yesterdays that have built the foundation for all our tomorrows." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Collaborators Charles and Collier meld pithy, free-verse lines and saturated illustrations to form an empowering treatise that celebrates the Black diaspora across time and space.​​​​​​" -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"In storytelling dotted with words in Spanish and other languages, laid against Collier's lush, gem-toned imagery, the book weaves a unifying and empowering narrative of Black people connected across bodies of water, bonded by a common identity..." -- Nikkole Hannah-Jones, The New York Times Book Review

"A stunning ode to legacies built from the past and those yet to come." -- Jacqueline Woodson, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (2018-2019)

Praise for All Because You Matter:

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

The #1 Amazon Best Children's Book of 2020

A Best Picture Book of 2020, Chicago Public Library

Barnes & Noble Best Picture Book of 2020

Best Books of 2020 by School Library Journal

Best Books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews

Best Children's & Teen Books of 2020 by Shelf Awareness

100 Best Books for Kids by NYPL

Best Book of 2020 by NPR

TODAY Favorite Children's Book of 2020

An ALA Notable Children's Book 2021

Barnes &Noble Children's Book Prize of the Year Nomination

Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text

* "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." -- The Horn Book, starred review

* " 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

"All Because You Matter is a powerful, poetic manifesto that is required reading for every family in America." -- BookPage

"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 Muted, by Tami Charles:

* "Heart-racing... [a] taut and gritty read." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Charles's heartbreaking novel in verse shows the harsh realities of the music industry." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Catapults [readers] toward a breathless, satisfying conclusion." -- The Horn Book

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 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

"A courageous testimony, an anthem for our children... simply brilliant." -- Kwame Alexander, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Door of No Return and An American Story

"This book is a gift, a powerful mirror for our children to see themselves in. Thank you, Tami Charles and Bryan Collier." -- Tatyana Ali, actress, director and producer

About the Author

Tami Charles is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books for young readers, including the acclaimed picture books All Because You Matter, We Are Here, Together, United, and acclaimed novels Muted and Like Vanessa. Her work has earned multiple starred reviews, Junior Library Guild selections, and national recognition in Essence Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed's Top 40, and The New York Times Book Review. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Morning Blend, and CBS Mornings. Tami worked as an educator for thirteen years before pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an author. She now visits schools across the country and abroad, sharing stories that affirm and inspire. For more information on Tami, visit tamiwrites.com.
Christopher Charles makes his picture book debut with That Beautiful Mind, a story he co-authored with his mother, Tami Charles, inspired by his own experiences and desire to celebrate the diverse ways we all think and learn. He is a high school honor roll student, a Varsity basketball player, a delicious brownie baker, and a talented writer with a passion for science and storytelling. Chris was the inspiration for Tami Charles' New York Times bestselling picture book, All Because You Matter, brought to life by award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier.
Nikkolas Smith is a native of Houston, Texas, and a Master of Architecture recipient from Hampton University. He is an ARTivist, concept artist, children's book author, film illustrator, and movie poster designer. His books include The Artivist, The Golden Girls of Rio (nominated for an NAACP Image Award) and My Hair Is Poofy and That's Okay, and World Cup Women. He is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, I Am Ruby Bridges, Black Panther Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream, and That Flag. He lives in Los Angeles, California.