Commemorating Their Contribution

If any individual's story ends in triumph, should we not cheer outwardly, or at the very least, inwardly for them?  Are we not glad for their success, whether they are known to us or not?  They might be someone from the past or present who spent or are spending time on this planet.  They might exist because of someone's imagination.  And if this individual is one of a group, a group bound together by history, culture, and resilience, we should exalt their accomplishments.

Each time All Because You Matter (Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., October 6, 2020) written by Tami Charles with illustrations by Bryan Collier is read, you find yourself saying in your heart of hearts, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"  You repeat that word of affirmation because of the truth and power in the words you've read and in the artwork you've seen.  This same collaborative team released the second book, We Are Here (Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., January 3, 2023), in this trio as our new calendar year started.  It is as compelling and eloquent as its predecessor.  

The journey of who we are

stretches beyond

   rivers,

      roads,

mountains high-fiving

blue skies.

This sentence is followed with a reminder that this is the way it has always been and always will be.  This unseen narrator speaks with joy and purpose.  They say as seeds our roots go deep, pulsing with potential.  That potential has been realized repeatedly in the achievements of others.

Their marks have been made in space exploration, building and music made with instruments and voices.  Those voices rang out on stages, steps, and in stadiums.  They still do.

This journey being taken is reflected in the array of food prepared, seasoned, and eaten.  Those walking on the path break barriers, heads held high at points around the world.  They are understood by all, talking in a universal language.  They march placing one foot in front of the other so no one is forgotten.  As long as your story is told, you will be remembered.

Even a condition that swept around the world, bringing everything to a standstill, did not stop these courageous people.  This child is told by this narrator that these courageous people did not stop because 

we have always been heroes.

Hold tight to your promise regardless of what others might say.  You are remarkable in every respect.  

The author's note by Tami Charles begins with this sentence.

For a long time, I have wanted to write something in honor of my daughter, whom I didn't get to meet.

Word by word, each rhythmic phrase builds something beautiful and . . . strong.  The voice in this narrative speaks to this beauty and strength created over time and seen in the determination of a people to be the best of the best.  The imagery fashioned by the words of Tami Charles are something to see with our eyes and hold close regardless of the ups and downs life has and will deliver.  A precious daughter has indeed been honored.  Here is another passage.

We are joy!

Igniting the world,

like stars caliente and bright,

like trumpets blaring at

midnight!

You hear that?

   Skit-skat-

      caddy-wack!

Even if you had not seen his name on the dust jacket and book case, you would know by looking at them the artwork is by Bryan Collier.  His color palette first seen on the matching and open jacket and case is rich like royalty.  See how the color of the text, the girl's headband and shirt contrast and complement the deep blue and purple hues.  The use of light and shadow is exquisite.

The opening and closing endpapers are a pattern of portions of row houses.  In the illustrator's note, Bryan Collier explains this choice.  The dedication, verso, and title pages use the sky and circular elements seen on the jacket and case as a background.

Rendered 

with collage and Winsor & Newton watercolor paint on 300lb. Arches watercolor paper,

these images each span one and one-half pages.  In many of the pictures, the child seen on the front, right side, of the jacket and case is featured.  She is shown with her family, very close to us so we see only a portion of her face, and we look, like a gliding bird, down on her as she builds something.

Subsequent illustrations highlight Black Americans showcased in the text.  Those row houses appear many times.  We see Bryan Collier's use of rays.  In four of the five final pictures, the girl returns.  Careful readers will see the balloon shown in the first picture appear again and again.  The artwork of Bryan Collier for this book lifts up the beauty and strength of the words until you want to shout it out loud.

One of my many favorite illustrations is the girl standing outside the home shown in the first picture of her with her family.  We are very close to her.  The upper portion of her body fills most of the space with the home and the vibrant blue and purple sky behind her.  She is leaning toward us.  Her lips are shaped to blow air toward the wand she holds in her right hand.  The wand has been dipped in a solution to make bubbles.  They float in front of her and to the right.

This book, We Are Here written by Tami Charles with artwork by Bryan Collier, is a song to be sung to Black children (to all children so all children will know).  You can sing it out loud like a choir or softly like a lullaby.  This is a heartwarming, inspirational, exhilarating, and hopeful title.  There are seven paragraphs at the close of the book dedicated to those honored in these pages.  There is a short glossary.  Be sure to read the author's note and illustrator's note.  You will want to share this often and widely by having it in your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Tami Charles and Bryan Collier and their other work, please follow the link attached to their names to access their websites.  Tami Charles has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Bryan Collier has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.