Because You Are

A picture book about self-esteem, inner beauty and making a difference from celebrated author, festival organizer and diversity advocate Jael Richardson

Conceived of as a letter to her younger self,Because You Arecaptures Jael Richardson's insightful lessons about growing up, being joyful and loving yourself as a young Black girl. By exploring what inner beauty means, this story inspires children to recognize and build their self-worth, to dream big and to make a difference in the world. These lessons are brought to life on the page with lively and tender illustrations by Nneka Myers (FromHarperCollins Canada).

Jael Richardson is an author, the founder and the artistic director of the Festival for Literary Diversity (FOLD) and the books columnist forQon CBC Radio.

In addition to writingBecause You Are,she is also the author of the nonfiction bookThe Stone Thrower, which was adapted intoa picture book of the same name.Her debut novel,Gutter Child, was published in 2021 and was a finalist forthe 2021 Amazon Canada First Novel Award

• Jael Richardson's debut novel Gutter Child is a dystopian look at Black identity and belonging

WATCH| Jael Richardson discusses her bookBecause You Are on CBC Kids Books Club:

Interviews with Jael Richardson

The Next Chapter19:35Jael Richardson on Gutter Child

Jael Richardson on the inspiration behind her debut novel, Gutter Child.