Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poetic, powerful tribute to African American ancestors.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THAT YOU ARE HERE IS NO SMALL THING begins with three young African American children in pastel jammies snuggled side by side in sleeping bags on the title page. Suddenly they float up into the stars and planets and awake to feel "the tug on the thread of remembering." An unseen narrator, the voice of the ancestors, guides the kids through the past, when "we raised empires from dust and clay, we danced to keep our grandfathers close, we sang to keep our grandmothers near." It's a joyous accounting, until we see an image of men shackled and marched to a ship in Africa, followed immediately by the image of a woman and child in the swamps of "that wretched new place" where "we dreamed of you." Next we see Africans and their descendants dancing and "advancing," protesting and succeeding. "We survive, we thrive—just look at you! ... That you are here is no small thing."
Is It Any Good?
This poetic, exquisitely illustrated picture book traces African American history from its origins, mythology, and culture in Africa through to the present United States. That You Are Here Is No Small Thing is an inspiring tale of love, hope, perseverance, and resilience that celebrates the ancestors for what they went through to bring you into the world. Without them, you wouldn't be here. And the fact that you are is quite an accomplishment, maybe even a miracle.
Author Traci N. Todd's spare, lyrical text keeps a gentle tone for little ones. And Vashti Harrison's dreamlike illustrations have loads of kid-appeal, not least of which is seeing the three protagonists slide down the long ribbon of blue light linking past and present that descends from the starry cosmos and weaves through the pages. The harsh reality of slavery is artfully and briefly depicted, soon followed by the freeing image of a dancer unchained.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ancestors shown in That You Are Here Is No Small Thing. How much do you know about family members who came before you? Where did they live? What did they do? How did they dress?
What did you think of how the main characters fly though history on a ribbon of light that connects them to the past? If you could travel back in time to meet someone, who would it be?
The story celebrates how African Americans were able to survive slavery and hardship to thrive and help build American culture. Why is perseverance an important character strength? Did any of your ancestors or family members face struggles before you were born?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Vashti Harrison
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism ( Racial justice ) , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 1, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 26, 2026
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