I’m From

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About this item:

A poetic, heartwarming ode to the small, defining moments of a boy’s life, by a critically acclaimed debut author and a Caldecott Honoree. For fans of Last Stop on Market Street. 

Early morning wakeups and homemade pancakes, 

Raucous bus rides and schoolyard games, 

Family games and bedtime rituals… 

These are the small moments that shape a child’s day. I’m From is an invitation into the vivid world of one small boy, a poetic account of all the people and places and things that shape who he is and define where he is from. 

A Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee

Review

"The reiterative phrase 'I come from...' frames the reflections of a Black child narrator discussing their identity in this tenderly observed picture book. Layered collage spreads by Caldecott Honoree Mora pulse with vibrant color and movement. Poet Gray, making a picture book debut, models the process of, and the power in, learning that 'I come from/ somewhere.'" — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"While describing a seemingly ordinary routine, the lyrical text is a journey through Black language and culture, evoking a sense of identity, community, and connectedness. Mora's mixed-media illustrations enhance the poetic storytelling. The colorful collage-work adds texture and motion to the pages, while selective hand-lettering emphasizes parts of the verse. This beautifully rendered picture book serves as a reminder of the importance of familial and cultural identity and the grounding that it offers in the wider world." — Horn Book (starred review)

"In a book that comes right from the heart, Gray explores a young Black boy’s experience during a typical day in his neighborhood. Mora’s beautiful illustrations enhance the view of the hero’s environment and experiences. Although the focus of this book is on a Black family, children of all ethnicities and gender identities will be able to relate to the main character feeling out of place for something that outwardly casts him as “different” from others. A beautiful, simple look into one child’s typical experience that all readers can learn from and relate to." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Elegantly crafted verse alternates between alliteration and sounds that pack a vocal punch. To match the impact of the text, Mora’s art is varied and attractive, utilizing mixed media to convey a patchwork of textures and the purposefully unpolished hand of a kid’s drawings as a riot of color splashes every page. This picture book is a beautiful, dreamy, powerful answer about identity in response to a racist question that attempts to reduce kids of color to something easily contained." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

"For some, 'Where are you from?' has a geographical answer, but this kid offers a thoughtful and poignant alternative perspective that showcases the layered textured papers and gouache paints of Mora’s illustrations. The answers he ultimately offers readers are as tasty as 'buttermilk biscuits' or as touching as 'bear-tight cuddles,' as soft as pecks on the cheek or as far-reaching as the hopes and dreams of his family. An origin story for the ages—intimate, poetic, singular, and broadly relatable." — Kirkus Reviews

"Multiple-award-winning illustrator Mora creates a vibrant world: double-page spreads pop with bright, detailed collages of painted and patterned paper, including well-considered swatches of printed paper. In his picture-book debut, poet Gray shines a light on a contemplative child who sees his family ethos as a place of reassurance and pride and recognizes his own belonging there as a reader and storyteller. A satisfying and affirmative read about self-awareness and family." — Booklist

About the Author

Oge Mora graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in illustration. Her debut picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor Book, a New York Times Notable Book and Editors’ Choice, and a Junior Library Guild selection. She is also the author-illustrator of Saturday as well as the illustrator of The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read.Oge lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and invites you to visit her website at ogemora.com.

Review:

5.0 out of 5

100.00% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for children (and adults too!)

R.E. · 26 November 2023

Had the chance to hear the author speak at a conference and immediately ordered the book. The way it captivated adults and inspired so many made me think, wow, this is special! My students really enjoyed the text and illustrations and it led to so many great discussion around identity, moving past the typical answers. The illustrations are really beautiful and dynamic and fit so well with the text.Highly recommend for classrooms of all ages as it worked really well in our adult education session as well!

Being loved, belonging, and the colourful chaos of childhood...

M. · 1 October 2023

This is a visually stunning book which brings a heartwarming and important story to life. Gary Gray's poetic narrative captures the warmth and wonder of growing up feeling seen, loved and secure in one's family and wider community...contrasted against the confusion of being confronted by messages of 'you don't belong' as the protagonist ventures further out into the world. There is so much to love about this book - connections to home, family, food, familiar places and the colourful chaos of childhood. The importance of knowing where you are from, the importance of standing strong and proud in one's identity, the importance of belonging 'somewhere' and the importance of honoring diversity...are themes that all readers will find a connection to. Oge Mora's illustrations are simply divine and bring this story to life in the most delightful way. A must for your bookshelf, and every classroom library.

A celebration not to be missed

S. · 18 November 2023

This book is a celebration of things that are meaningful to a young boy. Children will find much to relate to – from pancakes to recesses that are too short and school days that are too long and personal moments spent with family. This story will inspire young readers to think of where they are from – what makes them unique and what makes them feel special. In fact, I bet kids will be inspired to come up with their own “I’m from” lists. This book is sure to inspire connections and build relationships in classrooms and communities.

Best present

A.C. · 14 January 2024

Used as a gift to teacher, and she loved it!

Great children book

P. · 21 September 2023

It's a great read, and my six year old loves the book and the art work. He love's to stop and talk about the art work and how it reminds him of things in his life.

Amazing

S. · 22 October 2023

What a perfect book!

I’m From

4.8

BHD9397

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Product origin: United Kingdom

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