Everyone Belongs

A joyful rhyming book that encourages children to not only value all people but to also make room for their differences in order to make a better, brighter, and more beautiful world, from the New York Times bestselling author of DifferentA Great Thing to Be!

We know everyone’s different; no two are the same. You belong in our show! the sisters exclaimed.

Macy and Tru are putting on a spectacular talent show to highlight the ways they love to perform. Other kids arrive, eager to participate but unsure if theyll be welcomed. Since the two sisters know that everything is a lot more fun when everybodys included, theyre determined to find a role in the show for each person.

Inspiring, encouraging, and packed with joy, Everyone Belongs reminds us that its possible to make room for all people and all abilitiesand that life is brighter when we give every person a chance to shine.Heather Avis, Sarah Mensinga

Inspired by the USCCB’s statement “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” Everyone Belongs empowers young readers to reflect on the reality of racism in our society, to see it through the lens of history and faith, and act towards respect, understanding, and friendship.In this fully illustrated book for children ages 5-12, Ray Ikanga is a young boy whose family fled violence in their home country to come to the United States as refugees. The family moves into a new neighborhood and Ray begins making new friends. His excitement is interrupted, however, when someone spray paints a hurtful message on their garage: “Go home!”Everyone Belongs is a book about recognizing the value of our differences, respecting each other, and forgiveness. US Conference Catholic Bishops