Sweet people are everywhere

K-Gr 4--A outwardly simple text in praise of the sweetness to be found in humanity is anything but simplistic when combined with the diverse and bright illustrations featuring a global community engaging in the activities and moments that bind us together. Walker's poem encourages readers to remember that there is goodness to be found in people all over the world and that, "We are lost if we can no longer experience how sweet human beings can be." Whether addressing the music in Cuba or Iran, or soccer in Israel or Palestine, this ode to humanity provides multiple opportunities for readers to recognize that people are more similar than different despite divisive political or social constructs. The text is accessible for a wide audience and the message could not be more important in today's world. The illustrations provide wonderful opportunities for readers to make inferences which are then explicated in a note in the back matter. There is also a very interesting interview with Walker that would add to the experience of sharing this book with young people. VERDICT A celebration of the goodness of people and the commonalities that connect us. Deepened and expanded by its illustrations, this is a stunning introduction to the true meaning of a global community.--John Scott, Baltimore County P.S.