This book was such a joy to read. I really enjoyed the author's note on how this poem came to be and the overall message that each child, as they are, is enough. As a child of a refugee, I really wish I had this book growing up. Especially in a time of continuing anti-Asian violence, this book serves as a much needed reminder for Asian American children that they are are not invisible, alone, or forgotten. They are loved and their existence is a celebration in itself.

Thank you so much to Capstone and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review

This was really cute, what a sweet message to help Asian-American children know that they are important, to give them confidence and that everyone is similar and different to each other no matter their culture.

The story is told in a simple poem style way, focusing on what is great about all these children, from their hobbies and interests to how important they are in this world. It was really precious and really important.

It had really adorable illustrations and so much inclusion throughout the pages. I loved that it was written in an easy way for little ones to read themselves. It was a really sweet read.

Representation: 10
Story: 10
Illustration: 10

You Are Life is a beautiful book with an impactful message. Unfortunately, anti-Asian hate exists; I am happy that it has been made aware recently. Books like these are essential to stop this hate. This book is an excellent resource for any child who needs to know they are unique and matter.

** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **

Terrific picture book! The poem is powerful, words that have great meaning to myself and my own children. The illustrations are beautiful. As an Asian American, the recent Anti-Asian sentiment has been devastating. Protecting my children but also sharing with them their own heritage is of upmost importance. Books like this help.

We should be celebrating diversity! I am so thankful that books like this exist. While it's intended for younger children, I think all elementary aged children would benefit from having this book available to them.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this picture book!

A mesmerizing poem empowering students to see themselves in a positive light. You are Life celebrates all the contributions that children are and is a great addition to any school library. Just in time for Asian Heritage Month, this was a wonderful read with illustrations that animate right before your eyes.

Until the pandemic I had no idea that hatred against Asians still existed. More the fool me.
This visual poem reassures that Love will always be enough, they should never be invisible, and to celebrate life and heritage.
Illustrator Hannah Li fills the pages with simple artistry which adds to the impact of this wonderful poem. All libraries need this book so we can all remember this message of no difference among ALL children: Asian, visible/ invisible disabilities, immigrants, adopted, mixed race, refugees.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Capstone/Capstone Editions via NetGalley. Thank you!

What a beautiful celebration of Asian children! The perfect message of love, acceptance, and joy. Would definitely recommend this one.

I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. A beautiful celebration of the children of immigrants and refugees.

This is a great picture book for young children starting education and the worries and insecurities that come with new environments and change. A book celebrating their individuality with affirmation. "You are a story, shaped like a spinning globe!" I especially like the Asian child illustrations throughout the book, as of late, I haven't seen too many new books in print that highlight Asian immigrants. Since I live near Vancouver, this story would be especially useful in Canadian school libraries. The illustrations are bright, bold and very child friendly.

A very heartfelt and emotional read. This beautiful poem teaches children that they are understood, loved, appreciated and important coupled with absolutely gorgeous illustrations.

Anti Asian violence is nothing new, this issues raising significant when the pandemic start. As response and courage for Asian kids, especially immigrant this book is made.

Written beautifully with poem style with colorful , this book feel soothing and easy to read. The messages implies so many details tradition that Asian kids should proud and celebrate their identity heritages. I think, maybe additional plotline will attract more younger readers.

Thanks Netgalley and Capstone Publishing for provide my copy.

A beautifully constructed book aimed at celebrating culture and showing children that they are not different, and that they are valid

As the author mentioned in the notes, anti Asian violence is nothing new, but since the pandemic it has unfortunately come to prominence. This book takes an aim at that and helps children recognise that their culture is something to be celebrated not ashamed of.

Illustrations are also beautiful and reminiscent of paper dolls.

You Are Life is a book about the violence and anti-Asian rhetoric that was brought to light during COVID. This story is about the immigrants and refugees.

This is a lovely book with beautiful, engaging illustrations. I however thing the poetry is too abstract for a young child to really understand the true meaning. It seems poetry more aimed toward adults.

I think any child will enjoy the illustrations and the greater meaning that we are all important and we all have something to give to society.

Written in response to the recent wave of violence being carried out against Asian Americans, this colorfully illustrated children's poem addresses the children of Asian immigrants and refugees. The book is bright and cheerful and pre-school children will enjoy hearing about all the things they are, but the book is very specifically for first or second-gen children and includes lines like, "You are not a virus... You are not forever foreign./You are immigrant...Refugee, you fled a war..."

The author writes in his notes, "To those who are not Asian-American : thank you for taking the time to read and learn about an experience outside your own. To Asian-Americans: you are not alone, and you are loved." Because the words so specifically address the reader, though, I would need to explain to white children that the author is especially addressing children whose families are from Asia, something I don't feel I often have to do when I read inclusive books with children of color as the main characters. This book would make it worth it, but it's unusual and worth noting.

With that said, there is plenty of activity that all children will relate to: dancing, parading, making blanket forts, loving our families. I recommend this lovely poem for everyon

This is the most perfect book for any age! Rather one was targeted or not during the pandemic, it sums up how everyone was feeling and how one should feel about oneself. One shouldn't listen to the hurtful words and only focus on expressing oneself through what one is.

It was great! The illustrations were so amazing and so colorful that it’s so soothing to look at. The message in the book is very important to acknowledge. The writing was beautiful although it was quite hard to understand at some parts, it still made quite an impact. Hope many people read and see this bookz

You Are Life by Boa Phi has cute illustrations. Although I did not care for the wording as I thought it was confusing, I’m sure children will love it. I don’t know if young children would be able to understand the true meaning of it though. You Are Life encourages children to embrace who they are and their heritage. I love the colorful illustrations. It shares a message about the value of Asian people and their culture.

Thank you NetGalley & Capstone Publishing for allowing me to read this digital ARC .
#YouAreLife #NetGalley

A beautifully written story of how important we all are, written like a love letter to your kid which makes your heart flutter and with the most amazing illustrations.

This was a beautifully written and illustrated response to the Asian violence and discrimination that has affected our country in recent years. By the end, I had tears in my eyes. However, the book does not linger on any traumas faced. Instead, it showcases the beauty of the AAPI community. The illustrations are bright and colorful. This book is just phenomenal all around.

A strong poem that connects with readers of all ages and gives confidence and reassurance for immigrants and refugees. Highlighting a voice and perspective too often overlooked in picture books the engaging illustrations and flowing, yet specific text will amplify that no one is invisible and you have a right to be celebrated! The power of own voices!