I Am Because We Are

Grounded in African Ubuntu philosophy, this lyrical picture book celebrates community and invites readers to lift up our neighbors.

For fans for ALL THE WORLD and ALL ARE WELCOME comes a new classic that celebrates community.

Your joy is my joy.
My freedom is your freedom. 

Me.
You.
We.
All of us!

That is community.
This is ubuntu.

This rhythmic story follows one child as they dream, perform, and celebrate at the heart of their community.

Allison Matulli is an author, educator, lawyer, and Global Fulbright Scholar as well as the founder of The Little Lawyers—an organization that empowers children to understand their rights and responsibilities in their community. She is the author of Your Freedom, Your Power: A Kid’s Guide to the First Amendment, and she speaks and consults worldwide on issues of kids’ rights, global citizenship, and inclusionto educators and students alike. She lives in Florida with her family. Learn more at www.AllisonMatulli.com.

Talia Skyles is a Baltimore-based illustrator and painter. She is currently working towards her BFA in general fine arts and illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art. When not at her drawing table, Talia enjoys reading fantasy novels, hiking with friends, and making her own candles.

• Publisher: ‎Disney Hyperion (August 19, 2025)
• Language: ‎English
• Hardcover: ‎40 pages
• ISBN-13: ‎9781368099103
• Reading age: ‎4 - 8 years
• Grade level: ‎Preschool - 3
• Item Weight: ‎1 pound
• BISAC Categories: People & Places - United States - African American, History - Exploration & Discovery, Diversity & Multicultural