We Are Joy

Illustrated by Kitt Thomas
Hardcover Library Binding
$21.99 US
On sale Jun 02, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9780593647745

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The #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Stacey's Extraordinary Words and the critically acclaimed author of Take Back the Block join together to create this heartwarming, empowering celebration of Black joy!

We are joy—showing off our moves and tick-tocking to the drumbeats
of our created culture—the culture that moves the world.

We are joy—full surrounded by laughter, and light
and love, and love, and love.

Shining with lyrical prose and gorgeously vibrant art, this delightful picture book read-together is an inspiring celebration of the beauty and strength of Black culture, Black community, and Black family. It's an empowering affirmation that joy—especially black joy, is all around us—in the people we love, in our commmunities, and in our hearts.
Chrystal D. Giles is a champion for diversity in children’s literature. She is also the author of Take Back the Block and Not An Easy Win, which have received multiple starred reviews and made multiple year end and state award lists. Chrystal lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and son and is currently working on her next middle-grade novel. View titles by Chrystal D. Giles
★ "A colorful celebration of Black childhood joy....Persistently lovely and hopeful, a potent mirror." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "This uplifting tribute to ancestry, advocacy, and aspiration aptly meditates on the sustaining power of joy." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

About

The #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Stacey's Extraordinary Words and the critically acclaimed author of Take Back the Block join together to create this heartwarming, empowering celebration of Black joy!

We are joy—showing off our moves and tick-tocking to the drumbeats
of our created culture—the culture that moves the world.

We are joy—full surrounded by laughter, and light
and love, and love, and love.

Shining with lyrical prose and gorgeously vibrant art, this delightful picture book read-together is an inspiring celebration of the beauty and strength of Black culture, Black community, and Black family. It's an empowering affirmation that joy—especially black joy, is all around us—in the people we love, in our commmunities, and in our hearts.

Author

Chrystal D. Giles is a champion for diversity in children’s literature. She is also the author of Take Back the Block and Not An Easy Win, which have received multiple starred reviews and made multiple year end and state award lists. Chrystal lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and son and is currently working on her next middle-grade novel. View titles by Chrystal D. Giles

Praise

★ "A colorful celebration of Black childhood joy....Persistently lovely and hopeful, a potent mirror." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "This uplifting tribute to ancestry, advocacy, and aspiration aptly meditates on the sustaining power of joy." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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