We Are Shining

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

If you are looking for a book that will go with topics of peace, joy, diversity, kindness, and international acceptance, you have found the right book We Are Shining for children ages 4 - 10. This poem by Pulitzer Prize winner Gwendolyn Brooks who died 17 years ago is still relevant today. The short poem is in the voice of child who expresses her (but it just as easily been illustrated with a boy) joy of life and love for all people. The colorful watercolor illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist Jan Spivey Gilchrist lead the reader/viewer around the world in a swirl of locations, religions, and ethnic groups. This a powerful, short message of happiness and love that contemporary children can understand.

Overall Book Score: very good