All Are Welcome meets Be Kind in this poignant and accessible picture book about the power every bystander—no matter how small—has to extend kindness and stand up in the face of intolerance.
At his new school, quiet Rumi feels small and unwelcome, and a few kids bully him for his brown skin and bright shoes. He finds refuge beneath the old willow tree by the playground and builds his own world of hope and dreams of belonging.
One day, when Rumi is made a target again, one of his classmates bravely steps in to defend him. It’s in that moment of solidarity Rumi’s class finally realizes that under the shade of the willow tree, all are welcome, and they create a space they can all play in—together.
Salaam Reads | ISBN: 9781534462960
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★ “The narrative uses spare language to convey so much—drama, wonder, and, sometimes, pain and misunderstanding. Pham’s art expertly works in tandem. The characters’ expressions and movements come across movingly.” – School Library Journal, starred review
“Mixed-media illustrations reveal a multicultural classroom of children, with black-and-white sketches being used to depict the moments of regret and sadness. Ultimately, the way Rumi and the bully form a bond is a wonderful lesson for all readers.” – Booklist
“A loving and lyrical tale about belonging.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Han’s action is the fulcrum in this compassionate tale about turning bystanders into upstanders, and the move to offer solace to Rumi rather than to confront Asher offers readers another way to intervene when there is conflict.” – Publishers Weekly