When you see a friend or a peer struggling, tell them “You are not alone.” That is the message of this timeless picture book. It follows the stories, thoughts, and feelings of kids and how they deal with feeling different. The unnamed characters express how certain situations make them feel—from teachers and classmates not being able to pronounce their name, to wondering how people view their skin color. This leaves the characters feeling unsafe and with no sense of belonging. But with support from friends, they feel confident, and able to face the world. Through solidarity, the kids of the story come to be proud of their uniqueness and believe in helping others feel the same way.

You Are Not Alone is a book of encouragement and empowerment. The Alphabet Rockers encourage the expression of emotion through their poetic writing style. Each character’s story reads as if the character is talking directly to the reader. The cathartic outpouring of raw thoughts sends the message that it’s ok to express these feelings. The title page promotes active participation. After reading each character’s story, readers should say aloud “you are not alone” in a show of camaraderie. Although unnamed, Evans full bleed illustrations bring the characters to life. From skin color to the blue prosthetic arm, its dark, rich hues emphasize the beautiful differences between the kids of the story. Based on the Alphabet Rockers’ 2019 song “Not Alone”, this positive and vibrant picture book shows that when we have others by our side, we can conquer anything.

I was put off by this book. The pictures were great, but the words were too "old" for the pictures. The book needed a story, not a lecture. We don't know enough about any of the several youths to form any opinion either before or after reading the book.

You are Not Alone is picture book that delivers a gentle, yet powerful, message. It brings a face and a voice to children who are often unrepresented in stories and encourages us all to be proud of who we are. I would be proud to have this book on my classroom shelf and I know many students who would be happy to see themselves represented in such an uplifting book. No matter what we look like, how we identify or the history that precedes us, we are not alone.

Thanks to #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book, I really did. I am all about equality and social and racial justice. I just did not like the flow and lay out of this book. The illustrations were great. They were colorful, eye catching, and engaging. The meaning behind the words was powerful and full of substance. However, the way the words were presented was just off-pitting. I felt I was a step behind the entire time I read it. Disappointed.

This was a great story! It shows kids regardless of color or who or what you are you are never alone! I loved the pictures! My son and I truly enjoyed this book together! The fact that it was base on a hip hop song for kids just added to the enjoyment! We have read this book a few times now and no matter what afterwards he wants to watch the video! This would be a great book for schools! it really does give the kids the feeling that its ok to exactly who they are and who they want to be! Thank you for sharing this great book with me and my son it has become a household favorite!

This colorful picturebook which illustrates a positive image to children. It provides repetitive positive reinforcement for children who come from marginalized communities, African-American, Asian American, Indigenous, and Non-Binary young people. The emphasis and mantra of "You are not alone" can provide a child the understanding that it is possible to endure what may be difficult situations in school and in the community. This presentation can be utilized by a child alone, in a classroom setting as a story to be shared and discussed, and one-on-one with a parent or caregiver. The presentation of each child is accurate in skin color and hair. There is an attempt to reflect all types of children.

"Your story matters. I want to read and write your story with all the colors of the universe that are in you."

Absolutely phenomenal. I don't even know what to say about this book other than everyone should read it, every kid growing up should have it, and I hope it wins awards and becomes a household name.

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait for pub day to get a physical copy!

An inspirational addition to the world of picture books, You Are Not Alone features children that may not see themselves reflected in the books they read or believe they are seen as "other" in their schools and communities. Full of uplifting words and beautiful illustrations that celebrate their differences, the constantly shifting perspective between characters can be a bit confusing. When taken as a whole, however, this book is sure to inspire and affirm children that feel ignored or misrepresented elsewhere. Recommended for collections as a strong DEI selection.

The title of the book reminded me of the popular song "Not Alone" by the Alphabet Rockers, so I listened to the lyrics to see if this was a songbook. I was surprised to see that the lyrics don't match the verses in the book, but the book does read like song lyrics. I think readers will enjoy creating a rhythm or spoken word style as they read. The illustrations are colorful and evocative. I think if I were to reread this a few times I would be able to rap parts of it and make the words come alive as the author intended.

This book had deeper moments than I was expecting. There were parts that ask the reader to consider how their questions or curiosity can feel hurtful or othering to the person they are asking. It was a great book that teachers can use to discuss racial bias and discrimination. The best part is, the Alphabet Rockers have more songs to accompany the book and keep readers learning the message through another medium as well.

This is a book that opens a conversation with your child about things that matter. There are big concepts here, but shown with love and compassion and in a way so that you and your child can ask some follow-up questions, some difficult questions that should be addressed sooner rather than later. I love picture books because they show what I've always said this idea that "my child is too young to talk about X" is honestly dumb. Because anything can be explained in levels. This is a great level to talk about identity and race in society at large to a child of any age. Good job, book.

This is a book the will give voice to those often unheard and unseen. "You Are Not Alone" will be the stepping stones for rich conversations in classrooms and homes across America.

You Are Not Alone is a book about standing with your friends and reminding them that we may be different but we are not alone and how everyone has a story to tell. A great book to introduce allyship in the classroom.

I wish there were more than 5 stars! This is such a beautiful, powerful book and so very necessary!

We aren't alone. We all belong. We all have worth. We all deserve to be seen. We all have stories to tell.

The messages in this book are conveyed so lyrically, so effectively and so honestly. It's incredibly moving and inspiring. This is very readable and engaging for about the middle grades on up and would be such a wonderful addition to school, classroom, and community libraries.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

You Are Not Alone provides a great conversation piece. The early pages feature posters such as Love is Love and My History is Everyday. These posters can be good conversation starters for adults and children. The characters talk about different struggles they face. One struggles with finding a safe place. One is upset that others don’t pronounce their name right. One doesn’t feel like they belong in their school. The book is great for social emotional learning. Students in the book stand up for each other and support each other echoing the message of you are not alone

I absolutely loved You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers. As a new middle school librarian, I am always looking for picture books where students can make connections. I feel the theme of this book applies to middle schoolers, because sadly, many do feel that they are alone or misunderstood. The illustrations help send the message that "you are not alone" beautifully. I will not only be adding this book to our collection, but I am going to explore other titles by Alphabet Rockers, as well!

You're never too old to read and support a kids' book. This one helps kids learn about other cultures and races, exploring the lives of kids in Native American, Black, Indian, Nonbinary and Disabled communities. It reminds any kid that feels unheard or unseen that they are not alone, and that they should stand with and interact with others who may not look identical to them, but face many of the same struggles and desires.

#YouAreNotAlone, releasing January 2022. #NetGalley @alphabetrockers

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This book would be great for all collections and especially wonderful to go along with story time programs. The rhyming text flows off the tongue with beautiful messages to share with young (and old) readers about belonging and welcoming all people. It is a representative book that shines a light on black, brown, indigenous, and those with different abilities as well as trans youth and some of the bullying experiences they face, but the constant reminder that they are not along and all belong and have support. A lovely book to share with families.