The World Belonged to Us
Colorful tribute to the past honors inner-city culture.
Parents say
Based on 2 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The World Belonged to Us is an ode to the joy of summer "not so long ago" experienced by children in Brooklyn, New York. Written by Newbery Medal winning author Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Pura Belpre Honoree Leo Espinosa, the book celebrates the freedom and activity kids enjoyed in a much simpler time. The lively illustrations depict life in the 1970s, from the bellbottoms and roller skates to afros and pigtails, from old-fashioned cars to games like cat's cradle. The rhythm of the text is sometimes conveyed in uniquely structured verses, and the key words "In Brooklyn in the summer not so long ago" are repeated throughout. Young readers will be hooked by the book's lively energy, and parents and grandparents will enjoy the nostalgia of life "back in the day." A Spanish language edition is availble: El mundo era nuetsro.
Community Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE WORLD BELONGED TO US, author Jacqueline Woodson paints a beautiful picture of summertime of yesteryear for children in Brooklyn. Told from the perspective of a grown-up looking back, the book highlights the energy, activity and freedom kids experienced once school was out. Leo Espinosa's colorful, '70s-era illustrations show how children would play in the water gushing from the fire hydrants, jump double-dutch, tell stories, build forts, play games, and get treats from the ice cream truck, all day long, until their mothers called them home. In the process, they were creative, worked together, supported each other, and honored their differences.
Is It Any Good?
This collaboration between powerhouse author Jacqueline Woodson and compelling illustrator Leo Espinosa is not just a fun read, but an experience to connect the generations. The World Belonged to Us is the book version of older adults telling kids about how life was in the good old days. What makes it even more special is the social commentary that celebrates the beauty of life in the inner city -- a story not often told -- while honoring the joy of childhood.
The text and illustrations convey the kids' shared feeling that the world belonged to them. Readers will feel that it was a truly magical time to be a kid, filled with possibility about what the future -- or even just tomorrow -- would bring.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about tradition in The World Belonged to Us. What are some of the traditions the kids in the book have? What are some of your favorite traditions?
Author Jacqueline Woodson shows the beauty of life in Brooklyn "not so long ago." What's special about the kids? What's special about the neighborhood? Would you want to grow up there?
Why is summertime such a special season? What are your favorite summer activities?
Book Details
- Author: Jacqueline Woodson
- Illustrator: Leo Espinosa
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Gratitude, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
- Publication date: May 10, 2022
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: May 9, 2022
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