RATING: 🟢 Recommended
REVIEWER: Sophia Hines
REVIEW METHODOLOGY: Louise Derman-Spark's Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books
“My hands tell a story if you listen.” -- Kelly Starling Lyons
In My Hands Tell a Story by Kelly Starling Lyons, a grandmother and granddaughter stand in the kitchen making cinnamon bread together with the sun shining through the window. While making bread, the grandmother tells granddaughter Zoe all about the many things her hands have done over her lifetime, and Zoe begins to imagine all the things her hands have done and will do in her life.
Kelly Starling Lyons is a Black author who has written many children's books. She grew up in a family that was very artistic and is continuing the legacy through her writing. My Hands Tell A Story encourages children to imagine what their hands will do and what their lives will look like in the future and shows that hard work and time pay off. It also teaches the importance of cooking with loved ones. Like the young protagonist Lyons often baked with her own grandmother, and reflects on her writing saying, “My mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship, and heritage and show all kids the stories they hold inside.”
The world is tough on everyone, yet My Hands Tell A Story shows that with hard work and love, anything is possible. I recommend this book to all young readers not only for the delicious recipe in the back but also because it allows everyone to dream big and know that there is a world of possibilities out there for us all.
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ABOUT THE REVIEWER
REVIEWER BIO: As a nanny and swim instructor, I value helping children learn new things and use their imagination to explore the world around them. My hope is that one day, all children can grow up in a world where they are accepted and loved for who they genuinely are.
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