I Am the World - Hardcover

Smith Jr., Charles R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1442423021 ISBN 13: 9781442423022

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2013

Synopsis

From the Coretta Scott King Award–winning photographer of My People, an illuminating pairing of poetry and portraits depicts the splendor of our global community.

I am the world.
I am strong.
I am the spirit
of generations gone.

The children of our world come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Celebrate the vibrancy, the fibers, and the ingredients that define the unique nature of cultural heritages across the globe and the universal truths that unite each and every one of us in this rich, elegant verse paired with striking, diverse images from award-winning poet and photographer, Charles. R. Smith, Jr.

About this title

About the Author

Charles R. Smith Jr. is an acclaimed poet and the Coretta Scott King Award–winning illustrator of My People, a picture book based on the poem by Langston Hughes. He is also the illustrator of If, the author and photographer of I Am the World, and he won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for his book Twelve Rounds To Glory. He grew up in California and attended the Brooks Institute of Photography. A magazine and book cover photographer in addition to a picture book creator, Charles lives with his wife and kids in Poughkeepsie, New York. Visit him at CharlesRSmithJr.com.

Reviews

K-Gr 3-In this slim volume, photography and verse come together to present a youthful showcase of diversity, beauty, strength, and joy. Lush and ethereal color imagery brings deep meaning to the simple, rhythmic lines. Each page explores what makes us who we are, from heritage ("I am the blood of emperors") to food ("I am the snap in biscotti") to clothing ("I am the pleat of the Highland kilts") to music ("I am the clickety-clack-clack of castanets in flamenco") and language, tying everything together to make a unique world. The book ends with a glossary defining cultural terms presented throughout the book. A powerful jumping-off point for children beginning to study their own culture and those of the youngsters around them.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This lyrical salute to the world’s children begins, “I am the world. I am strong. I am the spirit of generations gone.” Touching on the diversity of respected historical figures, geographical areas, ethnic foods and clothing, and greetings in several languages, the poem concludes, “I am the world and the world is me.” The ebullient lines are nearly as charming as the appealing, full-color portraits of children that grace each verse. Words and photographs showcase and honor cultural differences yet avoid stereotypes. Children are the focus of each page except for those mentioning food, where images of food and text crowd the page and obscure the handsome young faces. Still, this exuberant celebration of the world’s children will enhance primary multicultural units and inspire children to express their own thoughts through words and pictures. Grades K-3. --Linda Perkins

Edition details

• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1442423021
• ISBN 13: 9781442423022
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48