This picture book is brimming with life, from colorful illustrations to heartfelt affirmations for those of us in asian communities.

The arrival of “You Are Life” comes in the midst of the COVID pandemic, a devastating global event that has also brought anti-Asian violence onto a national stage in the United States. According to a recent report released by Stop AAPI Hate, there have been nearly 11,000 self-reported hate incidents against the Asian American Pacific Islander community since March 2020. It’s devastating to hear that AAPI communities across the country have experienced enormous amounts of pain and suffering. This is why creative work that uplifts AAPI communities and is made by members within our communities is so essential now more than ever.

According to the author’s note, Bao Phi was inspired by the desire to have a glimmer of hope during this time of struggle. He says that we must mark this time, but also, celebrate our lives. “You Are Life” does exactly that by combatting negative anti-Asian sentiment by highlighting our lives through a multifaceted lens that goes beyond the boxes we are squeezed into. It’s a love poem to Asian Americans, and it’s a book every child should read because no matter your background, we all deserve love.

This is a beautiful book bursting with colorful and joyful illustrations that highlights the many attributes and talents children of immigrants and refugees possess. This book focuses on inclusivity and will make all younger readers feel good about themselves.

I loved how so many different cultures and backgrounds were represented in the book.

What a great read for all!

This was a beautiful, inclusive book. Perfect for all children, but especially Asian children maybe feeling a bit different in their environment. I wish their was translation for the few foreign language words, to better include children. The illustrations were bright and I appreciated the diverse depiction of children.

An empowering story that anyone can relate to! All humans are prone to insecurity and doubt no matter where they come from or what they look like. This book is able to reach multiple kinds of people and cultures in a few short pages. The illustrations are as beautiful as the message - props to both the author and illustrator for their excellent work!

Also thank you to the publisher & Net Galley for sharing this story with me!

I couldn’t quite follow the poem throughout this story. The illustrations however were beautiful, and I enjoyed seeing the different characters.

A charming, and beautifully illustrated book.

<i>You are life</i> honors the complex and amazing identity of children of refugees and immigrants. It grasps who they are, and it promises that they are not invisible. Being who they are is good enough, and I really love that message!

I hope this book will inspire children (and adults) to see that they are enough; it’s good enough being You!

I’d recommend it!

This is a beautiful book that is a love letter to Asian American children, and diversity of all kinds, It had. a lovely and important message, and this is such an important book for kids to have right now especially with the rise in/awareness of anti-Asian racism in the US. There was so much diversity just in the background drawings, including a child in a wheelchair and a child with vitiligo.

The illustrations were fun and colorful, and I’d love to see more picture books from this artist - I feel like the art style lends very well to a picture book format.

rating: 5/5

You Are Life is a colourful picture book which celebrates all diversity with a special focus on accepting members of Asian cultures. In an author note at the end of the book there is mention of the anti-Asian hate and prejudice surrounding COVID-19 and while there are children of all diverse backgrounds in the story you can see pictures of items like sushi, Bollywood, K pop, incense, dragons, etc. I like that there is a special interest in celebrating Asian cultures but also love that there are other diverse elements like wheelchairs, protests, refugees and adoption.

Each page has beautiful pictures and short sentences/limited text. Some words are coloured/bolded to stand out, including words in other languages difficult words like refugee or just words that the author wants to stand out, such as “you can do anything”. I think this picture book would fit well in any early years classroom or for children ages 4-9. I think that there are opportunities for all children to see themselves in this story which is very important.

I really appreciate the opportunity from Netgalley and the publisher to read and review an advance copy of this book! I am looking forward to purchasing a copy for my students in the future!

The book is beautifully illustrated and has a powerful message. The poems are meant to share the experiences and opportunities that an Asian American can have. My only criticism is that some of the poem's construction misses opportunities. Overall, book has a fantastic message.

This is a beautiful book with exciting illustrations and easily accessible poetry. It provides some important perspectives, as well as telling a unique story for readers. My students will enjoy learning about the new concepts and ideas, as well as relating to those depicted in their own life.

You Are Life shares an important message about the value of Asian people and the beauty of their culture. The writing flows beautifully at times, however, the flow is disturbed due to jumping themes in the pages. Without a doubt the message comes across and is supported by the colorful illustrations.

This picture book is stunning — the perfect mix of heart and humor, poetic writing and vibrant illustrations. The love and care it was made with clearly shines through, and I am so happy that Asian American children will get to have this on their shelves soon.

This was a sweet book that my son and I enjoyed reading together. I feel like while my son and I may not have been the specific targeted audience, it was still a lovely tale. Some of the wording came across a little jarring, like it wasn't quite translated right, but it was easy enough to ignore since you could still understand the flow of the story. The illustrations and message of the book are lovely, my favourite line is "You are not a burden. In a basket of arms, you are the most precious thing". All in all a sweet read for little kids.

This book is interesting. I like the cover and the illustrations are well done. It has some funny lines for example "you are a portrait of farting cats". I know my kids will think that's very funny. I love the overall message and the fact that there is lots of diversity among the children represented in the illustrations.

This was an amazing book. I cannot wait to get my hands on an actual copy so that I can see the illustrations and just slowly enjoy what this book offers.

Very sweet book love the illustrations in the message it was sending. I read it to my 4 year old and she liked it. She loved the idea of being anything and being compared to music and animal. Beautiful

You are life is an illustrated book for children. I love reading children books, they usually give an important message through the words.

This book talks about refugees, diverse ethnic groups in a very simple yet elegant way. Everything is amazing in this book, the prose, the illustrations, the writing style. Adults can also read it, as it familiarises you with the values that we oftenly forget about.

This book is a celebration of immigrants and refugees. I feel like it makes every kid feel like they belong exactly as they are. You don’t have to be one way because you are much more.

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

This was really nice, and I loved the illustrations and the message. I didn't feel like the prose flowed as well as it could, considering this is aimed at children, but this also just might be me! Definitely would buy and use in the classroom somehow!

Sweet verses and gorgeous illustrations.
This is such a cute and inspiring little book. And I think not only children will love it, but adults too, we all have lessons to learn about love, support and community.