K-Gr 2—A Black boy asked the question "Where are you from?" answers in the best way possible by highlighting his
home and culture, as well as all the things that make him who he is. Heartfelt text and vibrant illustrations work
together in this beautiful story about embracing one's identity.

A resounding retort to the invasive and insulting "Where are you from?"

A little boy narrates his world as he goes throughout his day, from a breakfast of pan-fried bologna, homemade pancakes, and strawberry jam to a loooong day at school, to dinner, cuddles, and games before bed, and a last goodnight wish from grown-ups: "Sleep tight, and remember, you're from...our dreams, hopes, ambitions, lionlike traditions." The boy drifts off to sleep, knowing "I come from somewhere." Mora's ingenious mixed media illustrations, featuring collage, paint, and hand-lettering, evoke all the senses, including sounds and smells.

"I'm from notebooks, stubby pencils, drawing my own heroes, writing my own stories."

Caldecott contender? ( )