Where Are You From?

When classmates and acquaintances persistently ask her where she is from, refusing to accept her answer that she is from here, a young girl turns to her Abuelo (grandfather) for answers in this lovely new picture-book from author Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrator Jaime Kim. His poetic answers allude to the young girl's Argentine and (possible) Puerto Rican heritage, but when she persists in her question, he replies that she is from his heart, and from the heart of all her ancestors...

A picture-book debut from Méndez, Where Are You From? highlights the unfortunate fact that some American citizens face rather insensitive questions about their heritage, questions that imply that somehow they (the ones being questioned) are less show more American than others. I appreciated the wisdom of Abuelo's replies, but I also appreciated the fact that the young girl here continues to question, in the face of those replies. Curiosity is natural, and much like her own interrogators, the girl wants definite answers. I'm not sure that parallel was one the author intended to highlight, but I thought it was interesting nevertheless. It's clear from various references - mention of the pampas and the condor in the text, a memorial to the May Revolution in the artwork - that the girl is part Argentine. Given that Méndez is married to a Puerto Rican, I would assume that the references here to a Caribbean island indicate that the girl is also of that heritage. This makes me think that perhaps the girl is one of the author's own children, and that perhaps this story reflects an experience she had?

Whatever the case may be, Where Are You From? is a lovely book, one which offers affirmation to children who may have confronted this kind of experience. It highlights the idea that while it's important to know where we come from, from a cultural heritage perspective, it is just as important to know that our families love us. The artwork from Jaime Kim, who also worked on Kate DiCamillo's La La La: A Story of Hope, is beautiful, boasting a deep and vibrant color palette and cute, stylized figures. Recommended to children who may have confronted this kind of questioning, or to anyone looking for children's stories exploring identity and heritage. show less

"After being repeatedly asked variations on “Where are you from?” the narrator finds out that “I’m from here, from today, same as everyone else,” is not an answer that will satisfy those asking. They want to know “where are you really from.”

The child, who has light-brown skin and hair worn in two afro-puffs, turns to Abuelo for help. He in turn “looks inside his heart for an answer.” Lyrical language and luminous illustrations convey his thoughtful response. “You’re from the gaucho, brave and strong.…But you’re also from the warm, blue oceans the copper warriors tried to tame…where our ancestors built a home for all, even when they were in chains because of the color of their skin.” By pointing out the show more child’s Argentinean and Puerto Rican cultural heritage as well as mixed racial makeup, Abuelo’s answer addresses the multilayered and varied possibilities of a Latinx identity. Ultimately, Abuelo points out, the questioning child comes from his love and that of all those who came before. The question of where someone is “really” from, in the United States, is too often understood as meaning: You look different; you must be from somewhere else. In this case, the illustrations portray a very diverse group of children and adults posing that very question, demonstrating the particular frustrations often experienced by people of mixed race.

An ideal vehicle for readers to ponder and discuss their own identities. (Picture book. 4-8)" A Kirkus Starred Review, www.kirkusreviews.com show less

This lyrical picture book tackles the question many children, especially those from diverse backgrounds, often face: "Where are you really from?" This story is about a little girl who, after being repeatedly asked, "Where are you from?, seeks guidance from her abuelo (grandfather) for an answer. Instead of a simple geographical answer she can pinpoint on a map, Abuelo takes the little girl on a beautiful journey through her family's heritage, connecting her identity to the landscapes, history, and love of her ancestors. His response celebrates her roots, resilience, and her rich history, emphasizing that the question" Where are you from?" is deeply intertwined with the love and experiences of those who came before her.

The pictures are show more accurate, vivid, warm and inviting. This books makes the reader think about their own heritage. show less

This diverse picture book tells the story of a young young who is constantly asked about where she is from by adults and her peers. Every question is a microagression. She turns to her grandfather, Abuelo, for answers. He responds with scenarios and situations that encompass where she is from. The girl learns that she is from the heart of her ancestors. This book would be good to share with young readers during the beginning of a school year to build friendship and unity in the classroom.

I love the way this book is written and how the illustrations go along with the words. This book does a good job, especially in the beginning, or showing the experiences that a new student could go through. They get asked a lot of questions and can feel like sometimes they don't belong. My favorite part is how the grandfather took a simple question and answered it so deeply and took it a step further than just naming a place. I think this book would give student the perspective that everyone is more than just a place or a name, there's more to a person than that. I would read this book on the first day of class after having students introduce themselves, then let them think about this book or come back the next day and reintroduce show more themselves. show less

Little kids face the "where are you from?" question just as adults do. When one little girl's answer doesn't satisfy ("I'm from here, from today, same as everyone else"), she asks her Abuelo, and he tells her of her ancestral lands and ancestors and family ("You are from all of us").

A little girl often gets asked where are you from, but she has no answer for it. They ask where her mom is from and where her dad is from, and they are never happy with the answers she gives. So she seeks her wise grandpa’s help to answer the question. He always has answers for everything. Grandpa tries to help the child with philosophical explanations beyond the little girl’s understanding. Unsatisfied, the little girl asks again, where am I really from? Did grandpa give out the answer?

We picked this book for its classy cover. The illustrations are gorgeous and capture the words and emotions elegantly. We often question children from different ethnicities about where they come from. This book is an excellent read for them and show more others to understand the emotional aspect of being asked for something that may not always have a perfect answer. We loved the way the book answered the question at the end.

Where Are You From? is an excellent pick for young children and adults on the quest to find an answer to where they are from. show less