Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd of Alphabet Rockers share YOU ARE NOT ALONE, a story reminding us that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers; illustrated by Ashley Evans.

Page Length: 56 pages

Ages 4 to 8

It can be scary to feel like you're all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice and injustice. But always remember: you are not alone! With uplifting text and colorful art, You Are Not Alone shows readers that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong.

Featuring a heartfelt message and stunning illustrations, this special story makes for a read-aloud that parents, caregivers, and children will want to return to again and again.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(8:48) "It's really our job as your adult friends, in a way, to make sure that other adults and kids know that your story matters and you're actually like, 'We believe you'."

(11:57) " When you sing you actually can let go of some stuff. You can just be really in your soul for a minute. And even if you're feeling the sad parts or the mad parts, it's still you. You're you."

(12:29) "Sometimes you sing out and dance out and people don't make you feel good, but that's about them. It's not about you."

(12:36) "The biggest time that I feel like I wish I was being heard was when I'm, unfortunately, talking about something some type of injustice or some type of way that isn't okay."

(21:47) "Point to your neighbor and tell 'em, "I got your back" on both sides. I got your back. You know you shine."

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Alphabet Rockers Website - alphabetrockers.com

• Purchase the Book - You Are Not Alone

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What are ways that you help your friends and classmates feel included? What are ways that others have included you in activities or games?

2. Who is an adult that you trust? What is it about this adult (the language they use with you, their behavior, their overall approachability) that makes them someone who you feel like you can turn to?

3. What are some things that make you feel good? Do they include games? Activities? Doing something with others? Doing something by yourself? Make a list of five things that make you feel good, then share your list with someone who also listened to this podcast episode. How are your lists similar? How are they different? What might be an activity that you could do together that would make you both feel good?

4. Who is someone you could reach out to today to say, "I got your back"? What does it mean to have someone's back? What does it look like?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Write to me or send me a message at [email protected].

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.