Together, United

PreS-Gr 3–In the third and final installment of the trilogy that began with All Because You Matter, a school field trip to Hayden Planetarium in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City serves as the backdrop. It provides a perfect connection between the children, depicted in a variety of skin tones, and the star imagery. They learn that a long time ago, there was a big bang that brought everything into existence. Everyone is made up of stars, each person effortlessly crafted and capable of using the gifts they’ve been given to do great things and get into good trouble, just like the famed U.S Representative John Lewis. Collier uses a collage style with watercolor paint that gives the illustrations a fascinating three-dimensional effect. There’s a poetic rhythm to the words that makes for a unique and engaging reading experience, one on one or for group sharing.