"Four square,
hoop dreams,
grounders,
double Dutch, and
freeze tag.
Too soon
morning whistles."
Today seems the perfect day to take a close look at this book that comes straight from the heart of a young narrator. He's a boy who knows exactly where he comes from, and wants to let readers know all that has brought him to where he is today.
The I come from phrase is often repeated, beginning early in the day when he wakes from sleep under a 'handcrafted blanket knitted with memories'. Breakfast follows, and a rush to leave with dad before he is late for work. The lineup to catch the bus is filled with friends, a lot of noise and a warning from their driver that sitting down is the only way to get that bus to move!
Morning games come to an end when the bell calls everyone inside for the work of the day. It's not all fun and games. The days are long, the questions many. One, in particular, affects his responses.
"WHERE ARE YOU FROM?"
So many places and experiences. He is ready to share what makes him who he is. Back home, there are many more reminders.
"Bear-tight cuddles,
late-night belly laughs,
taking turns,
and rolling dice.
Is it bedtime already?"
Ms. Mora's gorgeous brightly-colored collages - created using acrylic paints, gouache, china markers, colored pencils, tissue paper, an airbrush, pastels, patterned paper, and old book clippings - are filled with movement and scenes that require careful consideration. They sing with details of family, favorite moments, and his family's hopes and dreams that inspire the child every day.
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