
Reach for this book when your child expresses doubt about their own abilities or feels that they are too small to make a difference. We Can: Portraits of Power is a visually arresting collection of short biographies and portraits featuring Black leaders and icons, ranging from Kamala Harris to LeBron James. Through the eyes of teenage artist Tyler Gordon, children see that power comes in many forms, including art, sports, and activism. This book is a perfect choice for parents of children aged 4 to 8 who want to celebrate heritage and foster a sense of social justice. Its emotional themes of self-confidence and hope provide a beautiful framework for discussing how one person's talents can inspire an entire community. It is an uplifting read that transforms history into a reachable goal for the next generation.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book addresses identity and social justice through a secular, direct, and highly celebratory lens. While it touches on the struggle for civil rights and equality, the approach is overwhelmingly hopeful and focused on the triumph of the human spirit.
A first or second grader who is beginning to notice social inequities or who feels 'different' due to a speech impediment or physical disability, seeking a mirror for their own potential.
This book is excellent for a 'cold read.' However, parents may want to brush up on the specific achievements of figures like Stacey Abrams or Mamie Till-Mobley to answer follow-up questions from curious older children. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I can't do that because I'm just a kid,' or 'People like me don't become leaders.'
For a 4-year-old, the book is a visual feast of beautiful faces and a lesson in pride. An 8-year-old will engage more with the specific historical contexts and the fact that the author/illustrator is a young person who overcame his own obstacles.
Unlike many biographical anthologies, this one is created by a teenager. The 'youth-to-youth' connection provides a unique layer of peer-inspiration that adult-authored books lack.
The book is a curated gallery of influential Black figures who have shaped modern history and culture. Each page features a vibrant portrait painted by young artist Tyler Gordon, accompanied by brief, accessible biographical text highlighting the individual's contributions and the 'power' they represent.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.