A good book to introduce younger elementary readers to DEI topics. The illustrations are vibrant and complement the text well. The text placement enhances the illustrations creating a visually pleasing book.

This is a powerful read!
It is a picture book, so it is obviously meant for children. But I still found it strong and empowering.
With just a few words it acually tackles quite a few topics that might be different for children who don't fit a narrow norm.
And all of this is delivered with so much powerful emotion!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

A solid entry in the children's illustrated book world showcasing inclusivity, diversity, and range in every child. It's nothing more special than others I've read similar to it but it's a solid choice.
If you are the type of parent or person that likes rhyming or rhythm in a story you read aloud then this is for you. Written by actual musicians, the Alphabet Rockers', there is a lovely lyrical pace to You Are Not Alone. Although one could perhaps argue that the phrase "You are not alone" is a bit overused. I believe this is in an effort to really punch the saying, and what it means, home. However for me it got a bit too repetitive and annoying in the end.
All that said this is an excellent library resource to pick-up for any child; and certainly for one whom may be in the visible minority. To show them they are not alone; and not only noted for their visible distinction but also for them as a person, completely unique and special in their own way.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

Schools are emphasizing social and emotional learning for all grades, and this new picture book fits right into that mission. A school-age Black boy describes how he often feels alone or misjudged, and reminds readers there are friends that will make sure “you are not alone.” Other characters include an Indian girl who is troubled by those who won’t pronounce her name correctly, and a Native American girl who wants to tell her history. The text is somewhat long for a picture book, but this will work well in elementary school classes that discuss bullying, self-esteem, and related issues. There is repetition that makes this inviting as a read-aloud. The digitally created illustrations feature bright, bold colors and charming ethnically diverse characters, which will appeal to a wide age range. ARC.

In a time when there is increasing notice of which voices are being heard or silenced and which faces are being shown or neglected in children's literature, Alphabet Rockers are moving their message into picture books. This "intergenerational group creates brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop" and has now written a book addressing some of those inequities.

Young people from different cultural backgrounds, racial and gender identities, and other characteristics that society uses to pigeonhole individuals are shown in the pages as their challenges are addressed. Situations that arise every day such as having their names mispronounced or laughed at, invasive questions asked about their gender, or the struggle of indigenous youths to claim their history and culture are illustrated in vibrant colors throughout the pages. Repeated refrains of "you are not alone" transition readers from one scene to the next.

The characters speak directly to the reader asking, " Have you ever felt like people didn't get you?" Questions like that pull the reader in, encouraging them to empathize by remembering their own hard times. The most powerful may be "When I say something is unfair to me, but you say it's fair to you, what does that make it?" Just that one sentence can open up a dialogue about fairness and equity that could lead to better understanding between friends and classmates.

Children share their experiences in being made to feel they don't belong, even though they have contributed to their communities in many ways--art, music, social activism. The audience will be appreciate the poetic rap as well as the ability to participate in the call and response of “You are not alone!” Bright vibrant artwork will pop from the page. Great purchase to foster inclusivity.

This book focuses on inclusivity and empowering kids to remember they are not alone. The illustrations are great throughout and the text is simple and repetitive which will make the themes easier for children to understand. It is nice to see some diversity while encouraging readers to use their voices for good.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Beautifully inclusive, this book explores different ways to experience life. It offers relatable stories for younger readers to understand and sympathize with, and gives them the language to better articulate their experiences. At times the narrative can get a little dense and attentions might wander, but ultimately this is great book and I can't recommend it enough.

Overall this is a good book with a great message. The imagery was a bit overwhelming, yet worth the read.

This book is beautifully diverse and just what we need to hear right now. Young readers will love it!

Important message and gorgeous artwork. It’s written by a children’s musical group, and maybe it would have worked better as an actual musical song because it felt heavy-handed and a little clunky as prose.

The diversity and self-love content reminds me of Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder, which I loved.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. Where this book was by the Alphabet Rockers, I expected it to be a rhyming text to accompany one of their songs, but it doesn't appear to be the case. I like the message, The illustrations are vibrant and it's a sweet story.

You Are Not Alone is a book every school library needs. Every public library needs. Every home needs. The words and illustrations in this book are words that every person who feels just a little bit "different" (and don't we all?) needs to read.

This book is a perfect introduction to diversity for elementary school students. Students will see children from different backgrounds and different experiences. It's a great way to show a child that they truly are not alone.

You Are Not Alone shares an important message with children: everyone deserves to be seen for who they are and deserves to know that others in the world will accept and support them. Personal differences are alluded to through the illustrations, but the only written difference is being nonbinary. The book would have benefitted from the addition of in-depth backmatter to help explain things such as racism, physical disabilities, gender identity, indigenous people, and other topics alluded to throughout the illustrations. The publisher recommends the book for ages four and up. However, I would recommend the book for early elementary (K-2) since the text is dense and leaves much unsaid to be unpacked. You Are Not Alone could be an effective introduction to reflections on identity and acceptance, but the topics should be unpacked with a teacher or family member.

gorgeous art, lovely messages throughout. a straightforward but heartwarming picture book that is great for introducing children to diverse, intersectional messages of comfort.

This book has a good message with a lot of inclusive examples. Perhaps it could be used as a conversation starter and for thinking of other identities, groups, etc. that could be included as well since one book cannot encapsulate all differences.

You Are Not Alone Review

Happy Publication Date to You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers and Ashley Evans.

Thank you @ sourcebooks for my eARC copy of You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers and Ashley Evans.

What is this book about?:
You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers and Ashley Evans is an empowering children’s picture book that invites kids to love themselves, stand up to hate, and foster inclusivity among their peers.

Overall Thoughts:
Overall, this children’s picture book was beautifully illustrated and had important messages about loving yourself, understanding and respecting others’ differences and standing up to hate. 5/5

Who would like this?:
Anyone who enjoys diverse children’s picture books

TRIGGER WARNINGS: mention of racism, mention of sexism, mention of queerphobia

This is a nice book to read and open a conversation with children for inclusion and diversity. It is also a good book for social emotional learning.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy of this wonderful book. This empowering book helps children explore different cultures and communities, encouraging them to ask questions in order to learn about others who are different from them but face similar struggles and desires. Looking forward to adding this gem to my classroom library and share with other teachers and students as soon as it gets published in January.

You Are Not Alone is a beautiful book about empowerment, embracing others, and having empathy. I love the messaging, but the text is a little long and there wasn't a cohesive story. Overall, it's a beautiful book about embracing our differences.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.