I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage is anthology of memories and reflections of the lives of 14 award-winning and bestselling multicultural authors and 16 illustrators. The collection adheres to the themes of diversity, what makes us unique, what experiences do we share, what do we celebrate and value about our families, friends, and communities. Lots of beautiful diversity in perspectives and imagery, curated by Lee Bennett Hopkins.

This book is a compilation of fourteen award winning poets and their work, describing childhood experiences that celebrate their diversity and their unique cultures. This book is a great resources for elementary and middle school students as the importance of being exposed to different heritages is crucial for developing greater awareness of the diversity around us. ( )

I love this book and think that it would be perfect for any student in middle school. I think it shows our backgrounds beautifully while promoting tolerance and love. ( )

poetry, art, and racial identity that we can all feel a part of ( )

How do you check “other” on a form asking about your race when you are bi-racial and more than an other? Do you have childhood memories spent with your grandmother? When you taste a specific food what memories come to mind that evoke your childhood? These questions and more are pondered in this book that’s rich with the voices of well-known diverse authors sharing their childhood memories through poetry.

Each poem is accompanied by a full page, brilliantly illustrated, full-color interpretation of the author’s words. The strength of the poems lie in their diversity of subject matter, because of the diverse authors and illustrators who created this compilation, and in the teachable moments that allow readers to better understand not only their own heritage but that of someone else.

Lee Bennett Hopkins mentioned in the introduction “Heritage makes us who we are…. [so] Read. Look. Listen. Hear. See.” Make sure you do. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.

Every public and school library should have a copy of this book, and should plan activities around it with their community. A compilation of childhood memories, written in poetic form by schools and communities across the country, would be an amazing tribute to the authors and to Lee Bennett Hopkins who passed away a few months ago.

Highly recommended for ages 8 and older.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2019/11/23/i-remember-poems-and-picture... ( )