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“Collins, making a picture book debut with this work that began as a slam poem, employs energetic prose, giving voice to a child, portrayed with brown skin and curly hair, explaining how they respond when asked, “Where are you from?” … Recognizing the basis of the question, the speaker ponders, “Because what they mean to ask me that is,/ ‘Why is your skin that color?”.. Digital illustrations by Lesnie depict the child traveling across various realistic and fantastical landscapes, accompanying responses that build to a final, powerful response.”
—Publishers Weekly

 

Where?

Written by Jordan Collins
Illustrated by Phil Lesnie
Published by Candlewick Press

When a child is once again on the receiving end of the dreaded question “Where are you from?” their answer takes readers on an intergalactic journey through the cosmos. Traveling across space and time, past collapsing stars and nebulae, the young narrator reminds us not of our differences but of our shared humanity.

Debut author Jordan Collins’s poetic prose, informed by lived experience, and Phil Lesnie’s stunning illustrations create a powerful story that celebrates our intricate and beautiful connections with one another.

End notes from author and illustrator relay more about the experiences both have had in fielding a question that may be familiar to many young readers.

Primary ISBN: 9781536232738
Publication Date: August 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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