Zuri Ray Tries Ballet

Instant New York Times bestseller!A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier. The #1 Amazon Best Children's Book of 2020A Chicago Public Library and New York Public Library's Best Books of 2020A TODAY's Favorite Children's Books of 2020A Shelf Awareness's Best Children's and Teen Books of 2020A Best Books of 2020, School Library JournalA Best Picture Books of 2020, Chicago Public LibraryA NPR's Best Books of 2020A Best Picture Books of 2020, Barnes and NobleA Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2020* "A gem for every household." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Stunning. Powerful. Timely. Illustrated inspiration at its best." -- Horn Book, starred reviewDiscover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to Black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardship of adolescent struggles, and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most.

"A compelling read about the quest for fame!"<BR>      —Debbie Allen, star of Fame <BR> <BR>"Redemption is a heartbeat away."<BR>      —Guadalupe Garcia McCall, author of the Pura Belpre Award winner Under the Mesquite <BR><BR>Beatriz dreams of a life spent dancing--until tragedy on the day of her quinceañera changes everything. <BR><BR> Up until her fifteenth birthday, the most important thing in the world to Beatriz Mendez was her dream of becoming a professional dancer and getting herself and her family far from the gang life that defined their days--that and meeting her dance idol Debbie Allen on the set of her favorite TV show, Fame. But after the latest battle in a constant turf war leaves her brother, Junito, dead and her mother grieving, Beatriz has a new set of priorities. How is she supposed to feel the rhythm when her brother's gang needs running, when her mami can't brush her own teeth, and when the last thing she can remember of her old self is dancing with her brother, followed by running and gunshots? When the class brainiac reminds Beatriz of her love of the dance floor, her banished dreams sneak back in. Now the only question is: will the gang let her go? <BR><BR>Set in New Jersey in 1984, Beatriz's story is a timeless one of a teenager's navigation of romance, her brother's choices, and her own family's difficult past. A companion novel to the much-lauded Like Vanessa.