You Are Life

“An affirmation for Asian American youth.” —Kirkus Reviews

You are . . . You are . . . You are . . . Every child is bursting with amazing things! This joyful picture book celebrates the wonderful and complex identities of children of immigrants and refugees. Through poetic text, acclaimed author Bao Phi (Hello, Mandarin Duck!, A Different Pond) empowers readers to embrace all that they are—a dancer, a shining light, a K-pop song—and promises them, “You are not invisible.”

Alongside vibrant, collage-style artwork, this inspiring read-aloud bursts with humor, passion, and heart. It reminds young readers that who they are and what they love will always be enough. A timely message for young and old alike.

You Are Life features:

• An author’s note from Bao Phi (author of the Caldecott Honor–winning A Different Pond) about the origins of this poem, particularly the rise in anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Critical social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, including empathy, understanding, and recognizing one’s own value.
• An explanation of Vietnamese terms used within the book.

Bao Phi was born in Vietnam and raised in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis.  He is an author, a poet, a community organizer, and a father.