WE ARE HERE (An All Because You Matter Book) - by Tami Charles (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In another groundbreaking picture book from the powerhouse creative team behind the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter, is a stirring, poetic, and empowering follow-up that celebrates the triumphant history of Black and brown men and women throughout history with soaring language and stunning illustration.

Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are is a poignant story about the Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because Matter offers an equally poetic, inspirational, and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time.

Tami Charles shares the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Charles' powerful and empowering text reminds readers that the journey of who they are spans generations. Accompanied with illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, We Are celebrates readers with pride, joy, and love, reminding them of their roots, inviting readers to imagine a future that shines ever bright, and strengthening them for their triumphant days to come!

Review Quotes

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

B&N 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. -- 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:

* 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 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

About the Author

TAMI CHARLES is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books for young readers, including the picture book All Because You Matter (illustrated by Bryan Collier) and the novels Muted, Like Vanessa, and Becoming Beatriz. In her teens and early twenties, Tami enjoyed a taste of fame as a member of an all-girl R&B trio. They performed for Boyz II Men, BET, and Showtime at the Apollo, and had a one-hit wonder on the radio. After college, Tami worked as an educator for thirteen years before pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an author. For more information on Tami and Muted, visit tamiwrites.com

BRYAN COLLIER loves to paint. He has successfully channeled his creative energy and love of art into an illustrious career as a children's book illustrator and writer. He began painting at the age of 15 and eventually landed a scholarship to attend Pratt Institute in New York. He has won four Caldecott Honors for Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, and Dave the Potter by Laban Carack Hill. His first book, Uptown, won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Ezra Jack Keats Award. He has won five more Coretta Scott King Awards and three Coretta Scott King Honors.