We

By Alice Schertle, Kenneth Addison
    Paperback: $12.95

    Here is the fascinating story of human development, from its beginnings in Africa millions of years ago to modern times.

    Description

    We cooled our feet and our throats in the river

    and ate what we could catch or find

    in Africa

    And we changed slowly

    as the river-washed stones grew smooth as moons.

    Here is the fascinating story of human development, from its beginnings in Africa millions of years ago to modern times. In spare, lyrical verse Alice Schertle highlights the emergence of rich diversity among peoples and the spread of culture, technology and extraordinary societies.

    With vibrant collage illustrations by Kenneth Addison, this book provides readers with a remarkable glimpse into the ever-evolving history of our human community.

    About the Creators

    Alice Schertle

    Alice Schertle has written numerous books and poems for children. Among her most popular works are Down the Road, an ALA Notable Children's Book, and All You Need for a Snowman, winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award. Schertle's lifelong interest in human origins and her extensive reading on the subject were the inspiration for this book. She lives in Plainfield, Massachusetts.

    Kenneth Addison

    Kenneth Addison was a full-time visual artist and art educator. His distinctive fine art collages focus on African American life and culture and incorporate fabrics, batik-processed Japanese papers, oil pastels, and more. Addison was drawn to this book by his love of history and his curiosity about how human societies came into existence. He passed away in 2005, shortly after finishing the illustrations for We.

    Reviews

    • "This is a fascinating story of human development, from its beginnings in Africa millions of years ago to modern day times. It highlights the rich diversity among peoples and the spread of culture, technology, and unique societies."

      - Cleveland Public Library
    • "[A] sweeping picture of civilization."

      - The Horn Book
    • "Award-winning author Alice Schertle presents We, a singularly amazing picture book. . . Illustrated with fantastic color collages by the late Kenneth Addison, We traces not only human achievements, but also human curiosity."

      - Midwest Book Review
    • "With the current evidence, scientists are almost certain that our first human ancestors came from Africa. The evidence - fossils, tools, and other artifacts of the earliest humans and pre-humans - was discovered on the African continent. Alice Schertle takes this compelling evidence and deftly weaves a poetic story of human evolution. . . Kenneth Addison's vivid mixed media collages complement the cadence of Schertle's text that builds on each new discovery or exploration underlying our advancement above and below ground, below the seas, in the skies and space. The story neatly returns to the original African discovery site to show us that making new discoveries and exploring the lives of the first humans is an exciting and continuous process."

      - Language Arts Journal, NCTE

    Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620145739
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 9 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584300601
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / History / Prehistoric
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / People & Places / General
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Diversity & Multicultural
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Cultural Diversity, Environment / Nature, Evolution, Exploring Ecosystems, Farming, Geography, History & Civics, Human Impact On Environment / Environmental Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Muslim, Nature / Science, Nonfiction, Overcoming Obstacles, People In Motion, Persistence / Grit, Photographic Illustrations, Poetry, Responsibility, Similarities and Differences, United States History, Vehicles In Motion
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 18
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 12
  • Guided Reading V
  • Spanish Guided Reading S
  • DRA 50
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Code NP
  • Reading Level Grades 1 - 3
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 21
      Poetry Grades PreK-2
      Collection of 21 books: $281.95

      Lend a Hand

      A collection of original poems centered on giving and spontaneous acts of kindness, which also incorporate larger themes of community, intergenerational relationships, young mentors, and care for the environment.

      Arrorró, mi niño

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A book of Latino lullabies and games, inspired by the author's own childhood in Puerto Rico.

      Rainbow Stew

      The sweet story of three children who spend a rainy day with their grandfather, picking fresh vegetables in his garden, and then cook and share a meal of healthy vegetable stew.

      Africa Calling, Nighttime Falling

      A good-night book that celebrates the beauty and ecological diversity of the animals of Africa.

      Family Poems for Every Day of the Week

      A bilingual poetry collection by the late Francisco X. Alarcón, acclaimed Chicano poet, celebrating the days of the week and everyday childhood experiences.

      Una colección bilingüe de poesía del difunto Francisco X. Alarcón, aclamado poeta chicano, que celebra los días de la semana y las experiencias cotidianas de la infancia.

      Bookjoy, Wordjoy

      An inspiring collection of Pat Mora's own glorious poems celebrating a love of words and all the ways we use and interact with them: reading, speaking, writing, and singing.

      We

      Here is the fascinating story of human development, from its beginnings in Africa millions of years ago to modern times.

      Confetti

      The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      Jazz Baby

      A celebration of music and movement, this story in verse is inspired by the riffs, rhythms, and freedom of jazz.

      In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall

      In this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African American writers, fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace.

      The Pot That Juan Built

      With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz,The Pot that Juan Builtis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      Children of Long Ago

      A celebration of African American childhood in the early 1900s, as told through 17 poems that detail the daily pleasures of young children's lives.

      Gracias • Thanks

      In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.

      Dreaming Up

      A picture book that connects great works of architecture to the ways children build and play.

      Call Me Tree / Llámame árbol

      An imaginary bilingual English/Spanish tale of self-discovery told by a child who grows, learns about the natural world, embraces others, and is free to become who they are meant to be--a child as unique as a tree.

      Poems to Dream Together

      A bilingual collection of poetry by acclaimed Chicano poet Francisco X. Alarcón celebrating family, community, nature, and the positive power of dreams to shape our future.

      The Palm of My Heart

      When children are encouraged to celebrate their lives -- their joys, their influences, their hopes -- the results are pure poetry.

      Summer Sun Risin'

      From sunrise to sunset, an African American boy spends an activity-filled summer day helping his family on their farm.

      DeShawn Days

      In this uplifting story told in verse, a young boy living in the inner city projects tells about his hopes, fears, and dreams.

      Bein' with You This Way

      An African American girl and her friends play together and learn that despite their physical differences, they are all really the same.

      Black All Around

      A young girl discovers all the wonderful and beautiful things around her that are black.

      1186 in stock

    • 194
      Fluent Dual Language
      Collection of 194 books: $2,418.30

      Amelia's Road

      A girl from a migrant worker family overcomes the hardship of moving by creating a special place for herself.

      Baseball Saved Us: 25th Anniversary Edition

      Twenty-five years ago, Baseball Saved Us changed the picture-book landscape with its honest story of a Japanese American boy in an internment camp during World War II. This anniversary edition will introduce new readers to this modern-day classic.

      Caravan

      Through the story of ten-year-old Jura's first caravan trip with his father, Lawrence McKay, Jr. describes the adventures one boy experiences on the journey to young adulthood.

      Catching the Moon

      The spirited story of Marcenia Lyle, the African American girl who grew up to become "Toni Stone," the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.

      Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

      A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

      Coming to America

      A photo-essay of a Muslim family from Egypt; their experiences living in America; and the sacrifices they make to have a better life.

      Confetti

      The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      Cool Melons- Turn to Frogs!

      For hundreds of years, school children in Japan have been introduced to poetry through the work of Issa.

      Crazy Horse's Vision

      The true story of the great Sioux warrior who, as a young boy, defies tradition and seeks a vision on his own in hopes of saving his people.

      Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

      A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.

      Dear Mrs. Parks

      On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

      Destiny's Gift

      Destiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound.

      Dia's Story Cloth

      A Hmong American tells of her people's search for freedom.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Estela's Swap

      A Mexican American girl learns to value the act of giving when she attends her first swap meet.

      Everglades Forever

      A photo-essay about the Florida Everglades, its unique ecosystem, and the efforts currently underway to restore this "Wetland of International Importance," told within the framework of a class study project and visit to the Everglades.

      First Come the Zebra

      The story of two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, who find a way to overcome their traditional rivalries and become friends.

      Frederick Douglass

      The story of the African American abolitionist who, in one dramatic incident, discovered the meaning of freedom.

      George Crum and the Saratoga Chip

      An account of the life and career of George Crum, a biracial chef who is credited with the invention of the potato chip at a Saratoga Springs, New York, restaurant in 1853. Based on historical records.

      Gettin' Through Thursday

      A young African American boy experiences the love and support of his family as they try to make ends meet each week.

      Goldfish and Chrysanthemums

      A Chinese American girl helps preserve her grandmother's childhood memories of China by creating a special garden for her in America.

      Home At Last

      A sympathetic tale of a mother-daughter bond and overcoming adversity, brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Felipe Davalos.

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      Howard Thurman's Great Hope

      Born in segregated Daytona, Florida, in 1899, Howard Thurman grew up dreaming of a better life--a life where his mother and grandmother would not have to cook and clean for other people; a life where he could become a college man, honoring his late father's wishes and his own dreams.

      I and I Bob Marley

      A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

      Heroes

      A Japanese American boy learns about heroism from his father and uncle who served in the U.S. Army.

      In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall

      In this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African American writers, fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace.

      Jim Thorpe's Bright Path

      A biography of the legendary Native American Jim Thorpe (1888--1953), voted the Greatest Football Player and Greatest Athlete of the Half-Century by two AP polls, focusing on his early childhood and how school and sports shaped his future.

      Joe Louis, My Champion

      During the mid-1930s, an African American boy who yearns to be a boxer learns the value of determination, perseverance, and his own natural abilities from the example of his hero, world champion prizefighter Joe Louis.

      John Lewis in the Lead

      A biography of John Lewis, one of the "Big Six" civil rights leaders of the 1960s, focusing on his involvement in Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, and the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

      Joshua's Masai Mask

      A magical Masai mask takes an African American boy on a series of adventures, and he discovers the joy of being himself.

      Keepers

      Kenyon loves his grandmother's stories almost as much as he loves baseball.

      Juneteenth Jamboree

      A young girl, who has just moved to her parents' hometown, realizes that she has come home after the African American emancipation celebration of Juneteenth.

      Knockin' On Wood

      An inspirational biography of Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates (1907--1998), an African American man who overcame the hardship of losing a leg at age 12 and went on to become a world-renowned tap dancer.

      La vasija que Juan fabricó

      In Spanish. This vibrant storyis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      Louis Sockalexis

      A biography of Louis Sockalexis, Penobscot Indian and the first Native American to play professional baseball, focusing on his formative years and culminating in an historic game at New York's Polo Grounds in 1897.

      Love to Langston

      This inspiring biography on Langston Hughes celebrates his life through poetry.

      Love to Mamá

      Thirteen Latino poets celebrate their bonds with their mothers and grandmothers.

      Mama's Window

      After his mother dies, "Sugar" Martin is sent to live with his gruff uncle Free, a loner who makes his living fishing in a swamp in the Mississippi Delta in the early 1900s.

      Night Golf

      Set in the South of the late 1950s, an African American boy who longs to play golf is banned from the game because of the color of his skin.

      Only the Mountains Do Not Move

      A photographic essay about contemporary Maasai--the changes in lifestyle, land, and farming practices they face and how they are adapting to those changes.

      Passage to Freedom

      The true story of Chiune Sugihara, the "Japanese Schindler," who, with his family's encouragement, saved thousands of Jews in Lithuania during World War II.

      Paul Robeson

      An updated and redesigned edition of an award-winning biography of Paul Robeson, who overcame racial discrimination to become an international entertainer and civil rights activist. Includes a new introduction and afterword by the author, focusing on Robeson's legacy.

      Primer día en las uvas

      In Spanish. The powerful story of a migrant boy who grows in self-confidence when he uses his math prowess to stand up to the school bullies.

      Quiet Hero

      A biography of Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian who was one of the six soldiers to raise the United States flag on Iwo Jima during World War II, an event immortalized by Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph.

      Rattlesnake Mesa

      A true account of a spirited Native American girl's experiences growing up on a reservation and attending Phoenix Indian School in the 1920s, written in an engaging, unconventional style and accompanied by 38 dramatic photographs.

      Ray Charles

      A beautiful new edition of the award-winning biography of world-famous musician Ray Charles.

      Rent Party Jazz

      An African American boy living in New Orleans in the 1930s raises money to pay the rent with the help of a popular jazz musician.

      Richard Wright and the Library Card

      This is the true story of the renowned African American author Richard Wright and his determination to borrow books from the public library that turned him away because of his color.

      Sam and the Lucky Money

      During Chinese New Year, a young boy encounters a homeless person and discovers that no gift is too small when it comes from the heart.

      Seven Miles to Freedom

      The true story of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who commandeered a Confederate ship during the Civil War and escaped with his family and crew to freedom.