YOU MATTER, by Christian Robinson, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, June 2, 2020, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and the worldwide embrace of the Black Lives Matter movement, many people were turning to books as a way to educate and empower. Christian Robinson’s You Matter was one book that garnered a lot of attention. And for good reason.
My review copy just recently arrived, and it was worth the wait.
Robinson’s book centers on the basic idea that you matter. No matter how big, No matter how small. Who or what you are. You matter.
The publisher’s suggested age range for this book is 4-8. I disagree. I’d start reading this one young. A 2-year-old would love the Eric Carle-esque illustrations with their bold colors and interesting textures. And the text is simple enough that even though they won’t understand the context within the pages, they’ll understand the broader meaning.
There’s a reason You Matter is a New York Times Bestseller. And it’s not just because of its coincidental release date. Its universal message is one that everyone wants to share with their children and to hear applied in their own lives as well.
