Where we come from by Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, and John Coy, illustrated by Dion MBD

This is a beautiful book, expressively celebrating the similarities we share and the differences that make us unique. It begins with a smattering of colored dots across the universe, creating the outline of a human figure, "We come from stardust." It moves through early prehistory and into images from each of the creators' cultural backgrounds. They come from waving fields of grass, the Mni Sota Makhoche, from the comfort of a small Korean village, from a city in Michigan, from the north, from stories, from people across the world. Telling stories, celebrating seasons, creating family, sharing language, from difficult times of slavery, prejudice, and poverty, each person comes from a long history and a rich culture. They are formed not only by their ancestors and history but by their own childhoods, visiting the library, sharing with family, playing sports, growing up in the city or the suburbs. The story ends as it began, with a dark sky speckled with sparkling stars, but this time four unique but connected children move across it, created by stardust and stories, connected by family and future.

Back matter walks readers through each page spread, explaining the science and historical context both in a general way and specifically for the creators' own stories. There is a short section of pronunciation of non-English words, a thoughtful section on reflecting on our own backgrounds, including those with gaps or past trauma, and suggestions of children's books and adult books for further reading.

Verdict: This unique book would be the perfect selection to explore instead of the traditional "family tree" school assignment, helping students think about where they come from, their history and what's important to them, even if they don't have knowledge of immediate family. Recommended for libraries that serve elementary school populations.

ISBN: 9781541596122; Published October 2022 by Carolrhoda; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library