Tami CharlesRecensioni

K-Gr 3—A parent conveys a loving message to a Black boy who will be challenged by school, injustice, and more.
Still, as a descendant of kings and queens, he is ready to take on his destiny and grow. Spirited, thoughtful
illustrations depict a luminous journey from past to present.

PreS-Gr 3—A mother is planning a special day for her daughter, Fallon, in the markets of Port-au-Prince. Charles
sprinkles Haitian words into the text of this loving book, which is part interpersonal story and part travelogue. There
are metaphors for carrying the panye (a large woven basket) that extend to Haiti itself—that it sways under the
weight of sad events but is not crushed.

Gr 2–4—Charles and Skidmore unveil the personality behind her calm demeanor while grounding Ketanji Brown
Jackson's story in hard work, focus, and the support system that readers may have witnessed in her confirmation
hearings. The paintings are a glorious match for the biography.

K-Gr 3—If All Because You Matter was an anthem to Black childhood, this companion piece is a march of ancestral
pride, highlighting how Black history is one with world history, and that the long, steady train of accomplishment
continues. Luminous paintings, glorious writing.

Collier's collage and watercolor artwork is, as ever, gobsmacking. Charles' poetic text is supported by back matter on "historic figures and contributions in We Are Here: Muddy Waters, Ella Fitzgerald, Howlin' Wolf, Marian Anderson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., foods, and fashion. There is also a glossary (words in Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and French), an author's note, and an illustrator's note.

k-4
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books AWARD 2019.
NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Books for Young People AWARD 2020.
NCTE Notable Children's Trade Books in the Language Arts AWARD 2020.

This was a nice book, but noting stood out, I have heard this story before.

A lovely and compelling biography of the first Black woman Supreme Court justice. This is an excellent introduction to Brown Jackson for children and all readers. I would like to read a full length biography about her, one written for adults, and with photos. I wish that there had been photos in this book, not just of the subject at different ages but also of her family and others. Her daughter Leila seems really cool and I assume that her other daughter is too.

I gained even more appreciation for her reading about her hard work and also about how she learned various stills and participated in a variety of activities in her youth. I greatly admire this woman.

In addition to covering her life the book does an excellent job of covering her family history and history in general.

I recommend this book particularly to children old enough to appreciate the extra information in the back (Author’s Note, Important Dates, Important People and History Shown in the Art, and a Bibliography) because the information really enhances the book. Younger children can get a lot from just the story proper too.

The storytelling style (with the illustrations playing a part) took a bit of getting used to for me but then I really appreciated it and I think that it will appeal to children, the target audience.

The illustrations are good and fun to view. I thought it was good & effective that they are rooted in current times and liked that a couple of people wearing (covid) masks is shown.

Another prediction is this book is winning a LOT of awards at ALA Midwinter. It's going to be something with the Coretta Scott King awards. But it could possibly be a contender for Newbery or Caldecott.

Collier's illustrations are great. In his words "I started with the shape of a single flower to build a blossoming effect in all backgrounds.....faces appear on those petals, representing the voices of ancestors chanting 'you matter.'" What a story, am I right?

My biggest concern is this book will be awarded partly for its merit....but also because of the hot button issues it talks about. As an author or an illustrator, I would always wonder about my award's validity.

Still, this is an excellent starting point to talk about race across ALL races and creeds. Because face it ALL do matter!

A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will.

Beautiful rhyme and illustrations

All Because You Matter

I Picked Up This Book Because: #BlameItOnLitsy

Media Type: eBook
Source: Clark County Public Library
Dates Read: 2/24/23
Stars: 5

The Story:

This was beautifully written and illustrated.

This was an incredibly well written, emotional, keep you up all night until you finish, heart wrenching, breath taking Novel in Verse. It was written in the same vein as Tiffany D. Jackson's Grown, however, it has a twist you don't see coming. A novel full of diverse characters, focusing on a hot topic of today: abuse of power, the price of fame, and the ripple effects it can have on you and those you love. Lesson to be learned from this novel: be careful what you wish for...

Zuri Ray's parents agree to an end-of-summer party, but when her mom suggests an '80s theme and "olive Jell-o mold," Zuri and her diverse bunch of friends take over the planning. But when everything doesn't go perfectly, can Zuri take her parents' advice to just have fun? (Yes!)

See also: Meet Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi½

Truly lovely story rooted in Haitian tradition and culture. A great choice for those studying Haiti or the Caribbean. An absolute celebration.

Goodreads Review:
A love letter to Black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will.

Tami Charles pens a text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter.

"Two accomplished creators invite Black children to take up their spaces in the world.

Charles’ lyrical text addresses “you, dear child,” in the voice of a loving caregiver, recounting how the world anticipated and prepared for the child’s existence. The child was “dreamed of, / like a knapsack / full of wishes / carried on the backs / of your ancestors,” who worked and built, “because to them, / you always mattered.” The word “matter” is used in both ways: as a noun, as the child is made up of the same stuff that makes up the universe, and as a verb, because “strength, power and beauty / lie within,” even though the world will sometimes make the child question whether “they, / or you, / will ever matter.” The universe made room for “you, / your people, / their dreams, / your future,” Charles assures the child. The protesters (“take a breath, / take a stand, / take a knee”) and victims of racist violence (“Trayvon, / Tamir, / Philando”) are mentioned explicitly without becoming the focus; the journey from beginning to end of the book sends a message that is nurturing, nourishing, loving, and reassuring, expanding and deepening the words of the movement it echoes. Collier’s trademark paint-and-collage illustrations use petal shapes with patterns and faces, blue and brown hues, and family scenes and close-ups to embody the child’s growth within affectionate circles of family, community, and universe.

A gem for every household. (author's note, illustrator's note) (Picture book. 5-10)" www.kirkusreviews.com, a kirkus starred review

Beautiful Message!

This picture book for young readers (age 4 and up) is addressed to “you, dear child”: a young African American boy confronting the world around him.

The boy learns:

“Long before you took
your place in this world,
you were dreamed of,
like a knapsack
full of wishes
carried on the backs
of your ancestors . . .

. . . to them, you always mattered.”

Similarly, he is told, no matter what happens, he always has, and always will, matter to his family.

Nevertheless, the author says to the little boy, “there will be times when you … will question your place in the universe.” She gives examples of those times, such as:

“. . . . when your Pop Pop turns on the news, and you see people everywhere take a breath, take a stand, take a knee. And you hear Pop Pop’s whispered prayers, as another name is called: Trayvon, Tamir, Philando, and you wonder, if they, or you, will ever matter."

The author writes:

"But did you know that you do?

Did you know that you were born from queens, chiefs, legends?

Did you know that you are the earth?
That strength, power, and beauty lie within you?"

“Since the beginning of time,” she concludes, “you mattered. They mattered. We matter. . . . and always will.”

In an Author’s Note, Tami Charles explained that when her son began to ask questions, she knew she needed to have “The Big Talk” with her son:

“The one where I tell him that while there are many nice people in the world, not everyone is. And that sometimes people will treat others unfairly because of their skin color, race, or religion.”

She explains that she wrote this book to provide parents with a starting point for those conversations, and to remind all children that no matter where they come from, they matter.

Bryan Collier has won a number of Caldecott Honors, in addition to other awards, for his illustrations. Here he employs paint and collage images in a rich palette to show the young boy surrounded by all the influences in his life. He adeptly conveys the emotions of the boy as he reacts to his world with wonder, fear, love, and joy. In his Illustrator’s Note, Collier writes that his grandmother, who raised him, was a quilt maker, and explains how her influence is reflected in his artwork in this story. The use of collage to suggest quilts is evident throughout the story, and adds to the meaning of the words about ancestry, inheritance, and cultural influences.

Evaluation: The words and illustrations combine to create a caring, reassuring message, and perhaps more importantly, an empowering message. Children of all backgrounds will find something to take away from this story.

Thanks to @scholasticinc and @coloredpagesblogtours for the gifted copy.

Muted by Tami Charles is a timely and necessary read that illuminates the dirty, secret side of the music business and how it preys on young girls of color, steals their dreams and eventually their innocence. The industry perpetuates the impossible beauty standards, fatphobia, violence against women and promotes low self esteem and self hate of being a Black and brown girl in a white washed world. The story is ripped from the headlines but the message will hit you like a ton of bricks. Once I started reading I could not tear myself from the pages. This book grabs you by the throat and suffocates you with raw emotion. You want to yell. You want to scream. You want to do anything to warn Denver of the danger that lies ahead. The ending left me in shambles and I was sobbing unconsolably. I was utterly devastated and my heart literally broke in a million pieces. I'm still thinking about all the girls like Denver and how our society has failed them, silenced them and stolen their dreams by refusing to cast out rape culture, misogyny and patriarchy.

🎵 Black and brown girls need protection. Believe them period.
🎵 Predatory men should be punished, not innocent girls who are the victims.
🎵 Teenage girls are not adults and deserve love, support and nurturing.
🎵 Stop silencing girls. End rape culture.

Here are some quote that stay with me:
🎼 there lived a girl
racked with pain,
drilled down to the none
who suddenly felt
her body was no longer her own

🎼 The body splits itself in two.
The before
and
The after
The before was for me;
an imperfect sculpted
shell of who I chose to be.
The after,
that is for him,
or I guess,
them.

Read this book because we owe it to our girls to do better and stand up for them. Read this book so you can protect future generations. Read this book because you're ready to use your power to help girls regain their voice that may have been muted.

To all the girls: I SEE YOU AND I BELIEVE YOU

This book is a lyrical letter to black and brown children everywhere. This book is about reminding children of color that they have a purpose and that they matter. I recommend this book to every child to see difference of color and that no matter what you look like, we all have a purpose.

Black Lives Matter is an international group advocating against violence, oppression, and racism toward Black people. Originating in the African-American community, this movement has sparked demonstration around the world.

Read the recently published picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by Tami Charles with illustrations by Bryan Collier is a visually stunning picture book celebrating the life of a black child. The timely and powerful message focuses on struggle, hope, and love.

HELPING KIDS UNDERSTAND THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT is a project of the popular educational group BrainPOP. In addition to providing access to an animated, educational video that explains the movement, the page provides suggestions for educators and links to additional resources.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/2Ys2w6N.

To hear from the author and illustrator, go to https://youtu.be/zWQhFhunqh0.

ARC courtesy of Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic.

This books is beautiful. This is something that parents and teachers should consider reading to their class. It’s about a little boy, on the cover and just the steps of life for him, and how not everyone understands other cultures.That although there are downfalls that you matter and you can accomplish anything you want.

Newark, NJ, 1983: Thirteen-year-old Vanessa Martin is thrilled when another Black woman named Vanessa wins the Miss America pageant. But Vanessa's skin is much darker than the new Miss America, so even when a new (white) teacher tells her about the very first Miss King Middle pageant and encourages her to audition, Vanessa is reluctant. Mrs. Walton, however, won't take no for an answer and is willing to help, even as Vanessa's best friend Tanisha falls away into basketball practice. Vanessa feels the unexplained absence of her mother keenly: her father is either at work or locked in his room and won't talk about her, leaving her with her loving, alcoholic veteran Pop Pop and a cousin, TJ (who, incidentally, is studying fashion and agrees to make Vanessa's dress for the pageant). Beatriz Mendez, a popular mean girl, suddenly becomes friendly toward Vanessa, and Vanessa accepts her overtures even as Tanisha warns her. Throughout, Vanessa confides in "Darlene," her diary. Over the course of a few months, Vanessa's support team - small as it is - helps her have the confidence to sing onstage, and the courage to seek answers in her own life.

Triumphant. See also: Miss Meteor (YA), You Should See Me In A Crown (YA), Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson

Quotes

Closed mouths don't get fed...If you don't say what's in your heart, it ain't never gonna come to you. (50)

What in God's eyes did I do wrong to not have a mom like that? (104)

No mother would leave her daughter without a good reason. There has to be an explanation. (105)

...and right then I realize we'll never be okay. We'll never be us again. Our old selves are buried deep in our pretend selves. We pretend that life is normal...that it's okay to live like this - hungry and angry and empty and wanting. (194)

When all along what I really needed was to find a way to be like...me. Like Vanessa. (230)

You can't buy beauty or pray for it to come in the form of what you see on the television screen. Beauty is just something you gotta be. (249)

From the back matter:
Life is an arrow. Sometimes you get pulled back only to be launched into something beautiful.½