About the Author

Matt de la Pena is the author of the Newbery Medal-winning Last Stop on Market Street, Milo Imagines the World, Carmela Full of Wishes, Love, and A Nation's Hope- The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis, as well as a number of critically acclaimed young adult novels. You can visit Matt at mattdelapena.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mattdelapena.

Reviews

Praise for Patchwork:
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
A NCTE Notable Poetry Book

“In beautiful verse with artwork to match, this picture book explores the unexpected ways children might grow into themselves.” —TODAY.com

“The call to revel in the glorious patchwork that is 'us' blazes forth from this paean of acceptance.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Celebrates the potential found in every child . . . An apt and inspiring message, beautifully rendered.” —Booklist

“An exultant picture book salute to kids who are a little different . . . De la Peña is at his compassionate best.” —Shelf Awareness

“The pastel spongework patterns that Luyken overlays on these portraits of children aptly evoke de la Peña’s liberating theme: We are not indelibly drawn at birth; our identities shift and blend and bloom.” —The New York Times Book Review

“A poetic ode to possibility that’s perfect for readers who love de la Peña’s lyricism and Luyken’s effortlessly impressionistic art.” —BookPage

“Celebrates [kids'] capacity to explore and change . . . conveying the heartening idea that lives of meaning emerge . . . from 'mismatched scraps accumulated over time/ and stitched together/ into a kind of patchwork.' ” —Publishers Weekly

“A celebration of children and what they may become as successful adults.” —School Library Journal

“Gentle and affirming.” —The Horn Book

“This beautiful picture book depicts the passage of time in a sort of poem—it’s a true masterpiece.” —Brightly

“A beautifully illustrated story of a child exploring self-identity.” —The San Diego Union-Tribune