I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams

by Tanisia Moore, Robert Paul (Illustrator)

Overview

YOU are your ancestors' wildest dreams. How will you express YOUR greatness? Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing, Little Legends, and All Because You Matter.

"Affirming. . . . A joyful tribute." — Kirkus Reviews

“A vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Black excellence.” — School Library Journal

I AM FLY.

From my crown

down to the kicks

on my feet...

I AM my ancestors' wildest dreams.

In this electrifying anthem to Black boy joy and pride, a young child discovers his place in a distinguished lineage. As he meets ten exceptional Black men—historical and contemporary figures who have paved the way for his own future success—he internalizes their greatness. Just like them, he can reach his dreams. And just like him, you have within you big potential.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338776171
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/19/2023
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Tanisia Moore views writing as her avenue for giving hope, sharing life's lessons, and sparking imaginations. Her companion picture books I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams and When Black Girls Dream Big empower young readers to dream and live big, and remind them of their strength and potential. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband and three young children. Learn more at tanisiamoore.com.
Robert Paul Jr. has a love for people and everyone's unique story. He hopes to help children lead fun, positive, and enriched lives through storytelling. Illustrating When Black Girls Dream Big allowed him to pay tribute to the legacy of the prolific Black women in the story, as well as the countless Black women throughout history and his own life who have inspired him. Robert lives in Houston, Texas, with his family. You can see more of his work at steadfast.tv.

Editorial Reviews

"The energetic text reads like a smooth stream of affirmations. . . . The cartoonlike illustrations use bright colors, cheerful faces, and confident poses to emphasize the power of the child's positive self-image. . . . With the resonance of the titular saying and additional affirming phrases in the child’s assured voice, this book will lend confidence to Black children and remind all readers of the dignity and contributions of African American people. A joyful tribute to share with young children." — Kirkus Reviews

“A vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Black excellence and Black ancestors. . . . invokes hope and resilience while still being a positive, uplifting meditation. . . .Spot on for young readers [and] older readers who may be more familiar with the ancestors depicted.” — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2023-07-13
A Black child finds inspiration in the legacies of 10 African American men.

Whether playing with friends, shooting hoops on the court, or doing good deeds, our young narrator knows “I AM my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” Naming rappers, judges, athletes, writers, actors, and activists, the child ponders how to follow their worthy examples, such as “[using] my voice to touch hearts” like Biggie and Tupac or starting “a bit of good trouble” just as John Lewis did. Dr. Charles Drew, Chadwick Boseman, Muhammad Ali, and other ancestors are pictured alongside the child, who mimics their actions and wears similar clothing. These scenes are interspersed with those depicting the child in a welcoming, diverse community. The energetic text reads like a smooth stream of affirmations honoring the self and cultural pride. The cartoonlike illustrations use bright colors, cheerful faces, and confident poses to emphasize the power of the child’s positive self-image, fortified by a strong relationship with past and contemporary heroes. With the resonance of the titular saying and additional affirming phrases in the child’s assured voice, this book will lend confidence to Black children and remind all readers of the dignity and contributions of African American people. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A joyful tribute to share with young children. (author’s note, further information, illustrator’s note) (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews