Where Are You From? - Hardcover

by Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Jaime Kim (Illustrator)

This resonant and award-winning picture book tells the story of one girl who constantly gets asked a simple question that doesn't have a simple answer. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom--a book to share, in the spirit of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo.

When a girl is asked where she's from--where she's really from--none of her answers seems to be the right one.

Unsure about how to reply, she turns to her loving abuelo for help. He doesn't give her the response she expects. She gets an even better one.

Where am I from?

You're from hurricanes and dark storms, and a tiny singing frog that calls the island people home when the sun goes to sleep....

With themes of self-acceptance, identity, and home, this powerful, lyrical picture book will resonate with readers young and old, from all backgrounds and of all colors--especially anyone who ever felt that they don't belong.

2019 Nerdies Fiction Picture Book Award Winner Silver Medalist for Bank Street College of Education's Best Spanish Language Picture Books of the Year Named one of Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2019 A Mighty Girl's 2019 Book of the Year Named one of New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids 2019

"Lyrical language and luminous illustrations. An ideal vehicle for readers to ponder and discuss their own identities." --Kirkus (starred review)

"An enchanted, hand-in-hand odyssey [and] opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the many, many backgrounds, roots, histories, of those who live in these United States." --Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"A much-needed title that is a first purchase for libraries and classrooms." --School Library Journal

"This touching book addresses a ubiquitous question for children of color, and in the end, the closeness between the girl and Abuelo shows that no matter the questions, she knows exactly where she's from." --Booklist

"Although the book begins as a gentle riposte to narrow cultural and ethnic categorizations, its conclusion reaches out to all readers, evoking both heritage and the human family." --Publishers Weekly

A Spanish-language edition, De dónde eres?, is also available.

Back Jacket

A powerful story about a simple question--

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

When a young girl is asked where she's from--where she's really from--she's no longer as sure as she was. She decides to turn to her dear abuelo for some help with this ever-persistent question. But he doesn't quite give her the answer she expects.

Yamile Saied Méndez's lyrical text and Jaime Kim's stunning illustrations celebrate the importance of family, love, and home through embracing one's rich heritage and culture.