Where We Come from - by John Coy & Shannon Gibney & Sun Yung Shin & Diane Wilson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this unique collaboration, four authors lyrically explore where they each come from-literally and metaphorically. Richly layered illustrations connect past and present in this accessible and visually striking look at history, family, and identity"--

Book Synopsis

"Outstanding in all ways, this title deserves a place in most collections and adds a wonderful opportunity for upper elementary students (and higher!) to unpack our complicated histories."--starred, School Library Journal

We come from stardust
our bodies made of ancient elements.
We come from single cells
evolving over billions of years.
We come from place, language, and spirit.
And each of us comes from story.

We all come from something. In this unique collaboration, four authors lyrically explore where they each come from--literally and metaphorically--as well as what unites all of us as humans. Weaving together their individual stories, they explore place, ancestors, movement, struggle, determination, and hope.

Powerful poetic text and richly layered illustrations bring together past and present, creating an accessible and visually striking look at family, history, and identity.

Review Quotes

"[A] quilt of many details that gives the reader less a feeling of understanding one person but more a sense of the rich tapestry that is America."--Kirkus Reviews

-- (7/1/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"[The authors] individually and collectively tell the story of how this country has developed and how many unique parts are reflected in people today. . . . Children and adults will find much to study and contemplate in this unique and ambitious work."--Booklist

-- (10/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"Outstanding in all ways, this title deserves a place in most collections and adds a wonderful opportunity for upper elementary students (and higher!) to unpack our complicated histories."--starred, School Library Journal

-- (12/1/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"This collaboration of American voices offers an unusual and honest look at the complexity of identity." --Shelf Awareness

-- (9/7/2022 12:00:00 AM)