Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful poem reflects on Black Americans' emotional story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Written as a melodic poem, A PLACE INSIDE OF ME: A POEM TO HEAL THE HEART is an ode to the rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions that many Black Americans face in their everyday life. The main character, a young Black boy, takes readers on a journey through his neighborhood while riding a skateboard. Activities of daily life are contrasted with violence against Black lives, and the demand for justice that follows. The poem asserts that loving yourself and acknowledging your feelings are the ways to heal your heart and remain hopeful.
Is It Any Good?
This poetic book has a serious message as it takes readers through a young boy's neighborhood and draws readers in with a sense of familiarity and warm tones. Zetta Elliott's words and Noa Denmon's illustrations in A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart break down emotional barriers and encourage love and vulnerability. The main character takes a personal journey, encourages readers to reflect on the impact of events of the past and present on their lives, and offers hope for the future. The story includes powerful images of historic Black figures such as Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, and Louis Armstrong, and moments from the Black Lives Matter movement.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the feelings language used in A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart. When is the last time you felt joy, fear, love, anger, or pride?
What do you know about the Black Lives Matter movement? What sparked it?
The boy in A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart says he remembers to love himself "most of all." What do you love most about yourself?
Can you name some of the famous Black Americans illustrated in the book?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Noa Denmon
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : February 1, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate