We rise, we resist, we raise our voices

Review by Booklist Review

When it seems like all around us there is bad news, tension, injustice, and racism, children now have an additional source of inspiration in their search for peace, strength, equality, and hope in this vibrant and heartfelt anthology. More than 50 authors and illustrators, including such acclaimed luminaries as Jacqueline Woodson, Margarita Engle, Jason Reynolds, Ekua Holmes, and Javaka Steptoe, share their experiences of injustice and their words of advice and encouragement in the forms of poetry, songs, and stories. Some are written in the form of letters to their own children and loved ones; others as heartbreaking stories of their own personal experiences; still others are reminders and advice that should not be forgotten, or powerful poetic words. What they all have in common is a stirring message to readers that they are not alone. The beautiful, poetic text of each story is paired perfectly with the unique, beautifully varied illustrations accompanying them, and together they serve to remind children to never give up, hold their heads up high, and always hold onto hope.--Selenia Paz Copyright 2018 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Wade and Cheryl Willis Hudson, founders of Just Us Books, offer this empowering anthology to counter today's often-unsettling political climate for children of varying ethnicities, faiths, identities, and abilities. The husband-and-wife team present 30 illustrated essays, poems, stories, and letters from more than 50 diverse children's book creators. Contributions aim to calm, sustain, and inspire children. In "A Talkin'-To," Jason Reynolds reassures readers that "everything bad and frightening and loud/ will always hide when you hold your head up,/ will always hide when you hold your heart out." Hena Khan's essay urges Muslim children to educate others about their heritage, and several authors draw on personal lessons from the civil rights movement. Photographs of children and illustrations in a variety of styles, from collage to realistic pastels, warm the pages with colorful imagery. A lengthy end section about the contributors concludes this hope-engendering treasury that truly is, as its foreword states, "a resource for rescue from any pitfalls of the day." Ages 8-12. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 3-7-This anthology of more than 30 essays, poems, stories, songs, and letters will inspire and reassure young people from all backgrounds that even when life seems uncertain, there are always people to count on for love and support. Themes range from kindness to inclusion to tolerance, and each writer shares his or her insights and words of wisdom with tomorrow's leaders. Included in the anthology are pieces from some of today's most respected writers, including Jacqueline Woodson, Kwame Alexander, Rita Williams-Garcia, Jason Reynolds, Joseph Bruchac, and Carole Boston Weatherford, along with a foreword by Ashley Bryan. Narrated by an ensemble cast, the collection gathers writing that feels both personal and universal. Listeners will be empowered to find their own unique voice and be inspired to use it to encourage positive change in our world. VERDICT A first purchase for any library serving children. This recording will also serve teachers, counselors, librarians, and any caring person looking to provide words of reassurance to students about the uncertain world in which we live.-Anne Bosievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by Horn Book Review

A whos-who of contemporary childrens and YA authors from diverse backgrounds, this anthology of more than thirty essays, poems, and letters exhorts readers to reflect on who they are and what they can be amidst todays highly polarized political climate. While only a few of the pieces are related by their writers, the voice actors are well chosen, and the pieces are read with such warmth and emotion that its easy to believe the performers have lived the words they speak. The musical selections offer an auditory change of pace that propels the volume forward and keeps listeners engaged. However, the audiobook should be enjoyed alongside the print book since that versions superbly eclectic visuals increase the impact of the words. michelle h. martin March/April 2019 p 109(c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by Kirkus Book Review

An anthology of poetry, essays, short stories and art designed to lift children up, especially children from traditionally marginalized communities, during difficult times.This collection encourages America's children to remember their history, learn from it, and choose to be kind in the face of hatred, racism, and oppression. "Throughout history, kids like you / were right there. / With picket signs and petitions.They changed this world for the better. / And you will too," Kelly Starling Lyons tells readers in her poem "Drumbeat for Change." Featuring contributions from such writers as Jacqueline Woodson, Ellen Oh, and Hena Khan, and an equally august lineup of illustrators, including Rafael Lpez, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, and Javaka Steptoe, every work packs an emotional punch. In his poem "A Thousand Winters," Kwame Alexander wonders "if words, sentences, and books aren't enough, anymore" as he reflects on the state of the world and hard conversations with his daughter. A stunning collage by Ekua Holmes accompanies Alexander's poem; in it, a vivid, violet sky surrounds a sleepy black girl sitting atop her father's shoulders. Every work in this beautiful collection feels personal and is meant to inspire and comfort.A love song from children's literature's brightest stars to America's Indigenous children and children of color, encouraging them to be brave and kind. (contributor biographies, index) (Anthology. 8-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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This book was inspired by our great-niece Jordyn. After the 2016 presidential election, she was distraught upon hearing who had won. She had heard the cruel and hateful words that had been spewed at women, those with disabilities, people of different faiths, and people of color. She had heard the talk aimed at "taking our country back." Though she was only seven, some of that language of hate stayed with her. When she found out who the new president would be, she was frightened and confused, worried that the world as she knew it was in imminent danger. We were so troubled. We knew there were thousands--no, millions--of young people like Jordyn, and perhaps, like you, too, who were fearful about the future. What could we tell you? we wondered. What words of comfort could we offer? How could we reach out to you the way others had reached out to us when we were your age and faced difficult challenges that seemed too big for us to handle? So the idea for this treasury was born. Yes, we are living in challenging times, but we created this book so you will know that you are part of a community that loves you and can give you tools to help navigate the present and the future. We grew up in the segregated South, when life for us was much different than it is today. Racial discrimination, prejudice, and hatred against African Americans were pervasive. We were prohibited from attending school with White children, so we went to all-Black schools. We couldn't go to the public library that Whites used. We were forced to sit in a "special section" in movie theaters. We couldn't even try on clothes or shoes from the stores downtown. Our parents had to purchase them, bring them home, and then see if they were a good fit. If they weren't, the items couldn't be returned. If there was no fountain designated "Colored" or "Negro" in the store, we had to wait until we got home to get a drink of water, or find another establishment that had a fountain for "us." Our parents were not allowed to vote. This segregated but unequal system we were forced to endure was extremely trying and often frightening. Yet, in our all-Black communities, we were embraced by accepting arms, motivated by encouraging words, and sheltered by watchful eyes that probed for signs of lurking dangers seeking to engulf us. We were loved! We knew it! We could feel it! Today's challenges are different from those of the 1950s and 1960s. But we have valuable advice to share with you, nuggets of sustenance for you just as there were for us when we were your age. We invited children's book creators with diverse voices to share their perspectives, words and images of encouragement, and hope and love for you. These talented and thoughtful authors and illustrators have already been creating wonderful books with you in mind. Within this collection, there's a letter from a parent to her children on kindness; there's advice on how to become confident and mindful; there are words of wisdom about finding and keeping friends; there are reminders of how to use the Golden Rule, how to cope with bullying, and how to face internal uncertainty; and there's an essay on how young people can change the world. Challenges, some seemingly daunting, will come and go. There will be dark days, and days with bright, warm sunshine. There will be periods of hope, and periods of despair. But when the dark days come, you must remember how the sun shone brightly on your face. When despair looms, you must grasp on to hope and lift it high for all to see. That way, you can face the challenges, no matter what they are, with the determination and confidence necessary not only to endure, but to grow in spite of them. This book is for you! To inspire you, motivate you, offer you love and hope, and encourage you to help make a difference. Excerpted from We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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