
By Yamile Saied Méndez, Jaime Kim (Illustrator)
A girl seeks her abuelo's wisdom to answer a question about her true origins.
A young girl is repeatedly asked where she's really from, leaving her unsure of how to respond. Seeking guidance, she turns to her abuelo, who offers an unexpected and profound answer. Through his words, she discovers a rich tapestry of identity woven from storms, songs, and heritage. This lyrical journey explores themes of belonging and self-acceptance, resonating with anyone who has ever felt out of place. Will she find the confidence to embrace her unique roots and answer the question in her own way?
This resonant picture book tells the story of one girl who constantly gets asked a simple question that doesn’t have a simple answer. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom—a book to share, in the spirit of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo. When a girl is asked where she’s from—where she’s really from—none of her answers seems to be the right one. Unsure about how to reply, she turns to her loving abuelo for help. He doesn’t give her the response she expects. She gets an even better one. Where am I from? You’re from hurricanes and dark storms, and a tiny singing frog that calls the island people home when the sun goes to sleep…. With themes of self-acceptance, identity, and home, this powerful, lyrical picture book will resonate with readers young and old, from all backgrounds and of all colors—especially anyone who ever felt that they don’t belong.
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