Place Hand Here

by Katie Yamasaki (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

A magnificent story of community, family, and love from internationally renowned muralist and picture book creator Katie Yamasaki.

A young boy passes a painting of a hand on a wall in his neighborhood and watches others placing their own hands against it. The act means something different for each of them: Ms. Iris tells him it is a link to her home country; for Devin, it connects him to his older sister, who just left for college; for Savannah, it reminds her of her grandmother who passed away. The boy thinks of those who are on the other side of the mural, of loved ones lost or lonely or far away, and of his own mother, who is currently incarcerated. While he waits for her to come home, the hand is there to connect them to each other and remind them that they are not alone.

Monumental, moving, and hopeful, Place Hand Here is a masterful work that honors the way art and love are bridges between us.

Full-color illustrations throughout
Select format:
Hardcover
$18.95

Kirkus

Tender, affirming, and relevant for all families and communities.

Publishers Weekly

A "plain, old" hand painted on a building's "plain, old" wall forms a gateway to loved ones in this connective picture book from muralist Yamasaki (Shapes, Lines, and Light). The title's narrating protagonist, portrayed with brown skin, details the bridging effect of the yellow handprint, which is painted inside a lime green heart on their grandmother's building. Upon placing a hand on the mural, neighbor Ms. Iris experiences a return "to my country, / To my sister's kitchen." It reminds the narrator's friend Devin of his big sister, who left for college two months ago. A cab driver called Amit recalls family who "lives on the other side of the sea." And another friend remembers her abuela, with whom she used to do puzzles. On their grandmother's lap, the protagonist reads a letter from their mother: "When you feel lonely, place your hand here," it says, on the image of a handprint. Inspired, the child paints its likeness on the wall, a compassionate act of creation that eases a wait of their own and provides a public space for longing and love. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note discusses families separated by incarceration. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

K-Gr 2--A yellow hand painted within a green heart on a building wall becomes a touchstone to its diverse community, a spot where you place your hand to feel close to those you miss. It takes Ms. Iris back to her sister's kitchen in her old country. It reminds Devin of his sister who left for college. It makes Amit feel closer to his family who lives on the other side of the sea. Savannah puts her hand on the wall and thinks about her abuela and the jigsaw puzzle they never got to finish. Everyone has someone that they miss, including the unnamed protagonist. In a gentle twist at the end, readers learn why. "A long time ago, I opened the mailbox and found a letter from my mom. When you feel lonely, place your hand here, the letter said. And I did." The text is clear, matter of fact, and reads well aloud. Yamasaki's signature style shines in these illustrations. Using bold colors, a rainbow motif, and a variety of techniques, she clearly depicts reality, plus the longing and love of her characters, with a variety of skin tones and ethnicities, for what or who is missing. Their emotions are deftly shown but aren't overwhelming. The end contains an author's note for adults on incarcerated mothers, the book's inspiration, which expands the reach and meaning of the text. Includes related websites. VERDICT A sweet and relatable story of feeling lonely, missing loved ones, and community; an excellent purchase for libraries.--Catherine Callegari

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781324017035
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Norton Young Readers
Publication date
October 10, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039030 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Death & Dying
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Grief
Communities
Belonging (Social psychology)

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