Where We Come From by John Coy

Where We Come From by John Coy

"Outstanding in all ways, this title deserves a place in most collections and adds a wonderful opportunity for upper elementary students (and higher!) to unpack our complicated histories."--starred, School Library Journal

We come from stardust
our bodies made of ancient elements.
We come from single cells
evolving over billions of years.
We come from place, language, and spirit.
And each of us comes from story.

We all come from something. In this unique collaboration, four authors lyrically explore where they each come from--literally and metaphorically--as well as what unites all of us as humans. Weaving together their individual stories, they explore place, ancestors, movement, struggle, determination, and hope.

Powerful poetic text and richly layered illustrations bring together past and present, creating an accessible and visually striking look at family, history, and identity.

Sun Yung Shin is the author of Skirt Full of Black, a poetry collection that won the Asian American Literary Prize in 2008. She is the co-editor of Outsiders Within: Transracial Adoption Literature and the author of Cooper's Lesson, a bilingual Korean/English illustrated children's book. The Archibald Bush Foundation, Minnesota State Arts Board, Jerome Foundation, Bladdock Nature Sanctuary, and the Loft Literary Center have all given Sun Yung artist scholarships and fellowships. She has taught writing at the University of Minnesota, the College of St. Benedict, and the University of St. Thomas. Catherine, the Loft Literary Center, Intermedia Arts, and other local institutions. Sunyung Shin's website is www.sunyungshin.com.