I, Too, Am Here

I, Too, Am Here is a beautiful story about a young girl celebrating her diverse neighborhood and her family's rich history. Through poetic language, the narrator shares her joy and sadness in learning about different cultures and the love that ties her family together. Each page is filled with vibrant illustrations that show her interactions with her family and community as she learns about resilience, identity, and heritage. The story tackles important themes like race, the Black experience of racism and microaggressions, intergenerational connections, resilience, and the power of literature. The book sensitively addresses how racism affects the characters while also celebrating their strength and perseverance. The bond between generations is beautifully portrayed through the grandmother's migration tales and the father's and mother’s experiences with racism, helping the young girl understand her own identity and the importance of heritage.
Morgan Christie, the author, brings depth and warmth to this touching narrative. She writes about deep, hard topics, like the experience of racism, through the eyes of a child, using simple and innocent language that resonates with readers and is easy for young children to understand. Christie's inspiration from Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too", which is mentioned in the author's note, is evident. This poem about a Black person's pride and resilience underscores the book's themes and adds a layer of literary richness. It highlights the power of literature to inspire and connect us. Marley Berot, the illustrator, enhances Christie's words with her expressive and dynamic art. With Berot's over ten years of experience, her illustrations are engaging and capture the emotions and essence of each character beautifully.

I, Too, Am Here is a great resource for teaching kids about cultural diversity, resilience, and the impact of racism. Its poetic language and vivid illustrations make it an engaging read while its deeper themes offer rich material for classroom discussions. Teachers can use this book to encourage empathy and cultural understanding among students. Activities might include discussions about the different cultures in the story, reflections on personal experiences with diversity, and creative projects like drawing family trees or writing poems about their own heritage. The book's messages about acceptance and identity are perfect for social-emotional learning, helping students appreciate and respect diverse backgrounds.