As You Are
- A touching children’s book celebrating identity, resilience, and belonging for young men of color.
—GoodDay Sacramento
A mother’s love. A son’s light. A message the world needs to hear.
Every Black mother sees her son as brilliant, worthy, and full of promise. But as he grows, she worries the world may not always see him the same way. As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons is a touching picture book for kids ages 4–8 that reminds every Black boy he is loved, powerful, and enough just as he is.
With lyrical words and stunning illustrations, this inspiring story celebrates identity, resilience, and belonging. It’s a meaningful book for families, classrooms, and story times that encourages self-love, confidence, and pride in who you are.
Key features:
- affirming story for black boys: helps children build confidence, emotional awareness, and pride in their identity
- beautifully illustrated picture book: warm, expressive art captures the love and hope between mother and child
- conversation starter: Includes an author’s note with expert guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators
- perfect gift book: Ideal for Mother’s Day, birthdays, graduations, and Black History Month celebrations
- trusted publisher: from Magination Press, the children’s imprint of APA, experts in child development and well-being
Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, PhD, is a writer of picture books and novels, emeritus professor of child and adolescent development, and a lifetime lover of books. She heads the SCBWI PAL group for California North Central and is also a member of Inked Voices, Black Creators Headquarters, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She has a BA in Psychology and Music from the University of Redlands and a PhD in Child and Adolescent Development from Stanford Graduate School of Education. She lives in Sacramento, California. Visit her websiteopens in new window and online at BlueSky Socialopens in new window.
David Wilkerson’s love for art, storytelling, and community led him to study animation at the Savannah College of Art & Design and to earn an MA from the Academy of Art University. He’s been shortlisted for Cover of the Year by The Week Junior Book Awards 2024 in the UK. He lives in Denver, Colorado. Visit him on Instagramopens in new window.
Reminds Black Boys They Are Loved…The book has guidance on how teachers, caregivers and parents can support children when they experience racism and prejudice. It includes themes of self-worth, pride and building a positive self-identity and how parents can help.
—The Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group
A heartfelt picture book celebrates love, identity, and self-worth for young readers. It’s a meaningful story that encourages confidence and belonging.
—Your California Life, ABC News 10 Sacramento
Hot Off the Press
—The Children's Book Council
Watch the author read As You Are.opens in new window Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.
