You Are Not Alone

by Alphabet Rockers, Ashley Evans (Illustrator)

Overview

"Exuberantly affirming and infectiously joyful." –Kirkus Reviews

Empower kids to love themselves, stand up for what's right, and have each others' backs with this inspiring and inclusive picture book from the Grammy Award–winning Alphabet Rockers. The perfect graduation gift book!

It can be scary to feel like you're all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice and injustice. But always remember: you are not alone! With uplifting text and colorful art, You Are Not Alone shows readers that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong.

This empowering children's book is the perfect inspirational preschool and kindergarten graduation gift. Featuring a heartfelt message and stunning illustrations, this special story makes for a read-aloud that parents, caregivers, and children will want to return to again and again.

Why readers love You Are Not Alone:

• Perfect for teaching empathy and inclusion for ages 4-7—both in the classroom and at home
• Characters with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences will resonate with readers
• Encourages conversations about what it means to be an ally
• Inspires kids to use their voices to support and celebrate each other

If you feel it in your heart and you're ready to take part, say I'm not alone—I'M NOT ALONE!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728240282
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	01/11/2022
Pages:	56
Sales rank:	1,098,829
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Led by Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd, they create brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop, as Two-time GRAMMY-nominees, Othering & Belonging Institute Fellows and industry leaders for change. They work in partnership with community to create media that reflects the culture of belonging we want to see in the world. Reaching over 3M families since 2007, Alphabet Rockers inspire American kids and families to stand up to hate and be their brave and beautiful selves.

Ashley Evans loves creating colorful, fun, and dynamic images, especially if they are figurative or portraits.

Born and raised in Queens, she now lives in North Carolina. When she’s not creating art you can find her decorating cakes, enjoying her family or catching a much needed nap!

Editorial Reviews

11/08/2021

Employing the refrain “You are not alone,” Grammy nominees the Alphabet Rockers offer a lyrical exploration of solidarity. The book begins by following a short-haired Black child: “You don’t know me,/ but I wonder if you look at your/ skin the way I look at mine./ You don’t know me,/ but I need you to know that/ I don’t always feel safe here.” The child invites readers to get to know them, highlighting using one’s voice to both speak one’s truth and amplify others’. Subsequent pages explore other frequently marginalized experiences from the first-person perspective, as Evans’s warm digital art portrays bright, inclusive spreads: a cued–South Asian child with a braid says no one pronounces their name correctly; a light-skinned, black-haired child DJ with a prosthetic arm speaks about their music and limitless possibilities; a Native child asks readers to uplift Indigenous land acknowledgment; a light-skinned child speaks about being nonbinary; and more, as each child offers an example of a friend’s support. If the book skews long, its earnest advocacy and heartening message is clear. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"Grammy nominees the Alphabet Rockers offer a lyrical exploration of solidarity. The book begins by following a short-haired Black child… [who] invites readers to get to know them, highlighting using one’s voice to both speak one’s truth and amplify others’. Subsequent pages explore other frequently marginalized experiences from the first-person perspective, as Evans’s warm digital art portrays bright, inclusive spreads… earnest advocacy and heartening message." — Publishers Weekly

"Exuberantly affirming and infectiously joyful." — Kirkus

"Exuberantly affirming and infectiously joyful." — Kirkus

"...a diverse group of kids showcasing their experiences and the need for everyone to listen and raise their voices in protest or support." — Booklist

"This title... strives to convey to the reader to love yourself, appreciate who you are, be proud, and to find your own voice. The simplistic, relatable text can lead to discussions about topics such as differences, race, and gender identity." — School Library Connection

From the Publisher

2021-12-03
The founders of the Grammy nominated hip-hop children’s music collective Alphabet Rockers encourage kids to celebrate who they are and tell their stories.

In first-person narratives, six diverse young people take turns sharing their experiences of prejudice; their identity struggles; and their desire to be seen, understood, and respected. “No one says my name right at school,” an Indian girl reveals sadly as the artwork shows her being taunted by classmates. On a double-page spread showing a Black boy being racially profiled by a White storeowner, the text reads “You don't know me, / but I need you to know that / I don't always feel safe here.” Despite being made to feel like they don’t belong, the characters are making positive contributions to the world. “I’m making music that sends a signal to kids everywhere that / there is no limit to being you,” says an Asian girl with a prosthetic hand who is a DJ. “When I help the community, / I MAKE THE PLANET BETTER / FOR SEVEN GENERATIONS / TO COME,” declares a Native American girl who is a land and water protector. A White nonbinary kid welcomes questions, acknowledging that some can hurt: “I have a friend who loves me for me. / Doesn’t ask about my body parts, / but does want to know what / it is like being nonbinary.” A biracial boy contemplates the starry night sky and reminds the reader that “I've always been here. Shining.” Evans’ digital illustrations present the kids cartoonishly, with large, glowing eyes and differentiated skin tones. The text—which might be imaginatively enhanced via spoken word or rap—sometimes reads choppily. The kids’ engaging stories build to an empathic, call-and-response coda: “If you feel it in your heart and you’re ready to take part, / say I’m not alone—I’M NOT ALONE.”

Exuberantly affirming and infectiously joyful. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-10)

Kirkus Reviews