Parents' Guide to

The World Belonged to Us

Book Jacqueline Woodson Picture Book 2022
The World Belonged to Us Book Cover

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Snyder By Stephanie Snyder , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Colorful tribute to the past honors inner-city culture.

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Why Age 5+?

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

Natee9969
Natee9969 Parent of 6-year-old
June 29, 2022
age 6+

See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In THE WORLD BELONGED TO US, author Jacqueline Woodson paints a beautiful picture of summertime of yesteryear for children in Brooklyn. Told from the perspective of a grown-up looking back, the book highlights the energy, activity and freedom kids experienced once school was out. Leo Espinosa's colorful, '70s-era illustrations show how children would play in the water gushing from the fire hydrants, jump double-dutch, tell stories, build forts, play games, and get treats from the ice cream truck, all day long, until their mothers called them home. In the process, they were creative, worked together, supported each other, and honored their differences.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This collaboration between powerhouse author Jacqueline Woodson and compelling illustrator Leo Espinosa is not just a fun read, but an experience to connect the generations. The World Belonged to Us is the book version of older adults telling kids about how life was in the good old days. What makes it even more special is the social commentary that celebrates the beauty of life in the inner city -- a story not often told -- while honoring the joy of childhood.

The text and illustrations convey the kids' shared feeling that the world belonged to them. Readers will feel that it was a truly magical time to be a kid, filled with possibility about what the future -- or even just tomorrow -- would bring.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about tradition in The World Belonged to Us. What are some of the traditions the kids in the book have? What are some of your favorite traditions?

  • Author Jacqueline Woodson shows the beauty of life in Brooklyn "not so long ago." What's special about the kids? What's special about the neighborhood? Would you want to grow up there?

  • Why is summertime such a special season? What are your favorite summer activities?

Book Details

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