Where Are You From?

By Yamile Saied Méndez, Jaime Kim (illustrator),

Book cover of Where Are You From?

Book description

This resonant and award-winning picture book tells the story of one girl who constantly gets asked a simple question that doesn't have a simple answer. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom-a book to share, in the spirit of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A.…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Where Are You From? as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Where Are You From? boasts breathtakingly gorgeous text and expansive illustrations. I love this book because it first draws attention to how our world wants to simplify a person’s story. The book then counters with the beautiful reality that we are complex. As the child of immigrants, I could relate to this little girl seeking answers to the narrow question people keep asking her. She turns to Abuelo, who refuses to answer in ways that might categorize her. Instead, his poetic words sweep her up in a triumphant story rooted in deep ties to generations past and ongoing connections with…

This book, dedicated to kids from everywhere, resonates deeply for me and likely for anyone who is asked the question “Where are you from?.” The young child in the story turns to Abuelo, who looks inside his heart to find a wide-ranging answer to this question. Abuelo’s response doesn’t involve a specific country or city, but conveys a broader sense of source from the pampas, mountains, the ocean, ancestors and beyond. Each of these places is beautifully described and depicted with vibrantly colorful illustrations. As the child continues to press Abuelo he finds a response that resonates. I was comforted…

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