Tami Charles is a former educator and the author of more than 20 books for young readers. Illustrator Bryan Collier is the recipient of four Caldecott Honors, five Coretta Scott King Awards, and three Coretta Scott King Honors. Together, United is Charles and Collier’s third picture book collaboration, following up All Because You Matter and We Are Here. We asked the duo to discuss wrapping up their trilogy, and the themes of community and Black joy that run throughout their books.
Tami Charles: The story of how we met is fascinating! I first “met” Bryan in a dream—no kidding! The words and pictures for All Because You Matter came to me that way. When I woke, I immediately knew whose art I saw because I’d been a fan for so long—especially your stunning illustrations in Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill. Later, when I met with Liza Baker, who would eventually become my editor at Scholastic, she asked me who I envisioned as the illustrator. Without hesitation, I yelped, “Bryan Collier!” How lucky was I that she made that dream a reality?
When we finally met in person, you invited me and my son, Christopher, to a library in upstate New York for a photo shoot—images you would eventually use in All Because You Matter. The whole experience of meeting and working with you has been nothing short of amazing! Bryan, is that what you remember?
Bryan Collier: I was really drawn to the musicality in your text, so I was a go on day one. Working on the first book was a great time.
Did you always expect this would be a trilogy?
Charles: I thought I was done after I wrote All Because You Matter. I’d created a lullaby, an anthem of sorts, to remind my child and essentially all children of their worth and importance. But during the pandemic, my son and I had more important conversations about the climate of this country and the injustice that certain groups were experiencing. By then he was a bit older and a bit wiser, but to me, I still saw him as the little five-year-old who sparked the idea for All Because You Matter.
Those conversations inspired me to write We Are Here, which shines a light on history and the contributions of Black and Brown communities since the beginning of time. From the spice of our foods to scientific innovations to operas sung on monument steps, our gifts shine bright for all to see and enjoy! We Are Here was written from a celebratory place and I knew you would knock it out of the park by spotlighting some of the greats like Marian Anderson and Dr. King. But where you really shined was in the display of everyday people as extraordinary heroes—especially the children who so bravely endured the pandemic.
What about you, Bryan?
Collier: I didn’t see a trilogy at first. It wasn’t until I finished the second book (We Are Here) that I saw the possibility of a third installment. I recognized the broad visual themes such as outer space travel and cultural history. It was like climbing in a time machine or riding a magic carpet that makes everything a possibility. The best part of this collaboration was watching our children, who star as the models in the books as little ones, become fully grown teenagers. And these books represent the evidence of their legacy.
Charles: I love that! My favorite part of the process has always been receiving those early sketches. It’s a peek into the mind of a genius! The biggest challenge, especially for Together, United, was weighing in on which spread would be used as the cover. I think the whole team struggled here because there were quite a few that could’ve easily fit the bill. I love what was ultimately chosen.
Collier: Together, United hit me in a very deep place because it reminded me of the class trips we used to go when I was a kid, with all of the joy, laughter, and excitement when exploring a new space outside of the classroom.
I felt and acted different; I saw my classmates in a new light as well. Fast forward to our children today with all the school shootings and mental health issues. It’s like a different world. So I am hoping this book Together, United and the whole trilogy will act as a reminder of love, kindness, and joy for one another. What about you?
Charles: As a teacher, I had a front-row seat to the daily show that is school. Each student brought something special to our class. I recognized their gifts early on and catered my teaching with that in mind. As I imagined this final book, I dialed back to my teaching days, coupled with my author visits for inspiration. Even though I am no longer a teacher, I still see the creativity and individuality students bring with them each day. I wanted to capture that spirit of every child contributing to a larger community.
Together, United is as much a celebration of belonging as it is a proclamation of coming together to build a legacy. It’s the period at the end of a powerful statement, an unwavering commitment to unity. It’s a spotlight on all the beautiful faces and voices that make up a classroom, a community, a nation!
Collier: All Because You Matter was about the idea that long before you were born, someone prayed for you and made a place for you on this planet. And you are never alone because you are loved.
We Are Here speaks of all the evidence throughout time that represents greatness even when the world sometimes tries to convince you that you are not.
And Together, United brings it all together and shows that we are better together rather than apart.
Charles: When I first wrote All Because You Matter, I saw it as a single book—a love letter to my son, to children like him, and essentially to all children to remind them of their place in this world. When We Are Here followed, I realized there was a larger theme at play. A realization that while our children are important and that they matter, here were the histories and legacies created by those who came before that made it so. This was an ode, of sorts, to the resilience of our ancestors. Now, with Together, United, I see the journey as complete—one that began with self-worth, evolved to our shared, global history, and ends with the power of “we.”
Bryan, what was your favorite part of creating the art for this book?
Collier: I paint in watercolor and collage on canvas. My favorite part in making this book was visually playing with how the children walk, fly, and zoom through the planetarium among the giant spheres, moons, and planets. And towards the end of the book, the children become the giants.
Tami, what book was the hardest for you to write? And what did you like best about writing this trilogy?
Charles: I rewrote Together, United three times! It was way harder than the first two books and I think that’s because my original version was too utopian. I needed to ground book three more in the real ways that children can affect change. So, I scrapped the entire manuscript and went back to the drawing board. I became super observant of my surroundings and of the children I met during school visits. What made them light up like a flame? What brought them joy? I met students who loved making art—I even met a mini Bryan Collier! I met children who enjoyed writing poetry, running for class president, and practicing with their team for the next game. All these subtle ways they came together to create something out-of-this-world fantastic. That’s when I knew the hook for Together, United! I would pass the torch and let the kids lead the way.
I often say that I write picture books for people ages 0 to 99+ and Together, United is a reflection of that. When people finish reading, I want them to feel empowered. I want them to see their own gifts, to consider how they might share them with others or use them for the greater good. My biggest wish is for readers to feel moved enough to read Together, United aloud to someone who might need encouragement. In that way, the message becomes almost like a chain reaction—spreading unity, compassion, and hope from one reader to the next. Do you feel something similar?
Collier: When reading Together, United, I hope the children recognize that they too can take giant steps.
Now that we’ve reached the end, how are you feeling?
Charles: Happy-sad. Hey, Bryan, let’s make more books together!
Collier: I’m a little sad, too, but I look forward to more journeys making books with you.
Together, United by Tami Charles, illus. by Bryan Collier. Scholastic/Orchard, $18.99, Sept. 16 ISBN 978-1-338-75205-2
