You Matter
By Carrie Kingsley,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Beautiful message of self-worth has gorgeous illustrations.
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What's the Story?
YOU MATTER starts with a young Black girl looking under a microscope and the unseen narrator stating that all beings have value, from the smallest bug under the lens to a dinosaur away from its group, whether you succeed or fail, regardless of race or age, even when you feel alone. The perspective shifts to a wider view, to streets and parks and homes, and to an image from space, with an astronaut looking down on Earth and then a child looking up, feeling alone. The message of worth and connectivity is simple, repeated, and amplified by the vibrant illustrations dominating each page.
Is It Any Good?
This loving, inclusive message of connectedness is poignant and simple, and its warm, inclusive, and immersive illustrations give it even more of an impact. You Matter connects with young readers, reminding them that they are important even when they feel overlooked or when it seems like people are too busy to help them. The shift in perspective is a nice way to tell the story, moving from looking under the lens of a microscope to looking at Earth from space, and all of the places in between, where we are reminded that we do, in fact, matter. Some young readers will delight in seeing their beaded hair, wheelchair, or hijab represented in vibrant colors, or feel a little less alone when a loved one says goodbye. Or maybe the reader identifies with being the gassy planet. Regardless of the topic, this beautiful book seeks to connect, and succeeds masterfully.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different situations in You Matter. Have you ever felt left out or too small, like some of the characters on the pages?
What are some ways we can show other people that we think they matter?
What other books with great pictures have you read?
Book Details
- Author: Christian Robinson
- Illustrator: Christian Robinson
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers
- Publication date: June 2, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: June 3, 2020
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