From "Books of Wonder": "In this powerful, affirming poem by award-winning author Zetta Elliott, a Black child explores his shifting emotions throughout the year. A stunning debut from illustrator Noa Denmon that articulates the depth and nuances of a child’s experiences following a police shooting ― through grief and protests, healing and community ― with washes of color as vibrant as the words."

Read aloud to "Stamped" book discussion group in spring 2021. The students and staff loved it!! ( )

A young black boy is going through emotions that continue to change and evolve. He has to learn about his emotions and why they are affecting him. He acknowledges different bottled emotions and addresses them.

A poem exploring the emotions of a black child through a year of change. Summertime is filled with things he enjoys until there is a police shoot in his community. ( )

This is such a remarkable book! Like the cover of the book says, A Place Inside of Me is "a poem to heal the heart". In this poem, we are able to see a child explore his shifting emotions throughout the year. It delivers positivity, despite the inclusion of police brutality, a Black Lives Matter protest, and a vigil for the deceased. This poem shows Black representation and deals with many important topics going on in our world today, which is why I know it would be a powerful addition to my classroom library. I would love to dive into this poem deeper with my future students and have discussions with them regarding grief, protests, healing, and community. A Place Inside of Me would allow my students to have a better understanding of poetry and show them the importance of self-reflection. ( )