Who Are Your People?

Politician and political commentator Sellers (My Vanishing Country, for adults) writes a tale steeped in pride, centering two Black children learning about their familial and cultural legacy. Employing portraiture and soft textures throughout, Brown (Santa in the City) captures the unbridled curiosity of two small Black children viewing historical and present-day scenes under a caregiver’s caring yet watchful eye. As the trio enters Remembrance Park, text reads, “When you meet someone for the first time, they might ask, ‘Who are your people?’ and ‘Where are you from?’ ” The next pages address the first query as the children glimpse enslaved ancestors fleeing via the Underground Railroad, a diner sit-in protesting segregation, and a march for justice and equality, followed by images of “trailblazers who changed laws and broke records. Today we stand on their shoulders.” Addressing the second query and turning to a present-day picnic, the straightforward text offers a range of characterizations, building to “You are from a place filled with love and hope and expectation. Where people rooted for you to succeed.” As the sun sets and fireworks erupt over the park, this consistently affirming meditation concludes with a simple question: “So what will you dream, and how will you change the world?” Ages 4–8. (Jan.)