Laura Purdie Salas is our Poetry Friday hostess and a favorite author in my gifted classroom. Her lyrical, poetic language sings. We love to read her words again and again. Laura graciously sent me an F&G of her latest book, We Belong.
Check out this video where Laura talks about how it came to be.
There are so many things to love about this book. I love that it’s full of literary elements that make writing stronger. When we read good writing, we become better writers. The theme is set up by the title, but inside, the book is full of surprises. You can be quiet or loud, short or tall, and still you belong.
Maybe you’re happy.
A fun magic trick.A sprinkler rainbow.
A kitten’s rough lick.Maybe you’re sad.
A cloud.
A small cave.Maybe you’re trying
Laura Purdie Salas, We Belong
your best to be brave.
The illustrations by Carlos Vélez Aguilera introduce us to a group of kids who are not alike, but they join together to play and welcome new friends in. We Belong reminds us that we’re alike and different and that’s not good or bad, it’s just what is true. And concludes with my One Little Word “You are Good. You’re enough.”
Laura’s rhyming verse refreshes the age-old message of I’m Ok. You’re OK. Let’s join hands and hearts and make what is true Sing!
Reflections on the Teche 
Hooray! I am so happy this book is coming out soon. It is needed right now.
Oh how beautiful it was to see Laura talking – and reading from her book. My heart… I miss you all. Can’t believe it’s been more than 2yrs since I was there with you all at NCTE.
This book looks precious. So lovely to hear more about it – and hear (and see) more of it.
Thanks for posting the trailer. Looking forward to Laura’s new book!
Yes, looking forward to “We Belong.” It’s so relevant now to counter a negative narrative.
I agree that when we read good writing, we become better writers! I can’t wait to get a copy of this book – thanks for sharing this preview with us.
I love the theme of this book. Working with TAG students in the past, and being an extremely skinny, non-athletic kid myself, I love how it sings – you are enough for all children. I will be ordering a copy! Thanks for sharing your review Margaret (and for organizing the Progressive Poem). ~ Carol ~
Wishing it were all so, Margaret. It’s a lovely review & a book so needed today.
Thanks so very much for this lovely post, Margaret! ❤ ❤ ❤
Margaret, I saw Laura’s video and am so excited for her. It brings an important message into play. I would love to share the story with my grandgirls. Your one little word is full of possibility for you and all of Laura’s readers. Thanks for adding my name to the PP calendar.
Thanks for the review of this timely and important book!
Please, what is an F&G? Perhaps when you tell me, I will hit my forehead and say, “Duh!” But I can’t think of what it could be!
This book looks so good. Thanks for sharing it!
Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
An F&G is an ARC for picture books. The pages are stapled or loose within the cover. I had to look up what it stands for…folded and gathered.
Thanks for responding! I’m glad I asked because I would never have figured that out, and my Google search revealed nothing.
Good to get another glimpse!! I’m excited for this book.
Such a joy-filled book and message! We need this now! Thank you!