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What Is Given from the Heart
This final picture book from author Patricia McKissack is a celebration of the joy of giving.
"Misery loves company," Mama says to James Otis. It's been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they're blessed. One Sunday before Valentine's Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple's "love box," but what does he have worth giving?
"Misery loves company," Mama says to James Otis. It's been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they're blessed. One Sunday before Valentine's Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple's "love box," but what does he have worth giving?
32 pages, Library Binding
First published January 8, 2019
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715 people want to read
About the author
Patricia C. McKissack
191Ìýbooks200ÌýfollowersPatricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
February 19, 2020
I was almost put off at the very beginning. Taking a page from Disney, the narrator's father "goes to sleep" on the porch and never wakes up, leaving his wife and son destitute. Because of this rather traumatizing beginning, I'd be hesitant to give the book to very young children.
But, as I kept reading, the story grew on me. I wasn't a fan of the colloquial language, and not because of the vernacular; it just didn't seem all that consistent. The story itself, though, is pretty good. James Otis and his mother hear about a family who has lost everything in a fire. Despite the fact that they have very little to give, James Otis and Mama come up with a way to contribute, which makes everyone's heart fill with joy.
The illustrations are really nice. They're sort of collage-like, with stylized characters and lots of textures. The few close-up pictures of the characters are really lovely.
Because of the subject matter and the rather scary beginning (kids might never want their dads to take a nap again!) I'd be hesitant to recommend this to really little kids. The child characters in this book are nine and seven, and that's probably a suitable target audience for this particular story.
But, as I kept reading, the story grew on me. I wasn't a fan of the colloquial language, and not because of the vernacular; it just didn't seem all that consistent. The story itself, though, is pretty good. James Otis and his mother hear about a family who has lost everything in a fire. Despite the fact that they have very little to give, James Otis and Mama come up with a way to contribute, which makes everyone's heart fill with joy.
The illustrations are really nice. They're sort of collage-like, with stylized characters and lots of textures. The few close-up pictures of the characters are really lovely.
Because of the subject matter and the rather scary beginning (kids might never want their dads to take a nap again!) I'd be hesitant to recommend this to really little kids. The child characters in this book are nine and seven, and that's probably a suitable target audience for this particular story.
January 11, 2019
James Otis and his mother are experiencing a difficult time in this lovely, heartwarming picture-book from author Patricia C. McKissack and illustrator April Harrison. James Otis' father has recently died, they have lost their farm, and have been forced to move into one of the "shotgun houses" in the Bottoms. Nevertheless, when they hear about the troubles of the Temple family, who have lost everything they own in a fire, they make their best effort to contribute to their church's "love box" for the needy family. What though, wonders James Otis, can he give that will make any difference? Then, thinking about his pastor's words about giving from the heart, he comes up with an idea for a gift for Sarah, the daughter of the family...
I somehow missed this news, but McKissack passed away last year (2017), and this tale, What Is Given from the Heart, is her last story. What a finale! Poignant and powerful, the narrative here examines a number of troubling issues, from the loss of a loved one to the realities of poverty. It also explores important themes like generosity, love, and creativity. I appreciated the fact that James Otis ends up making his gift for Sarah (as his mother does, for Mrs. Temple), and that that gift turns out to be . The accompanying illustrations by April Harrison, a fine artist who makes her picture-book debut here, are just lovely, capturing the emotional register of each scene. Highly recommended, to anyone looking for children's stories about the death of a loved one, the experience of poverty, and the practice of love, generosity, and creativity.
I somehow missed this news, but McKissack passed away last year (2017), and this tale, What Is Given from the Heart, is her last story. What a finale! Poignant and powerful, the narrative here examines a number of troubling issues, from the loss of a loved one to the realities of poverty. It also explores important themes like generosity, love, and creativity. I appreciated the fact that James Otis ends up making his gift for Sarah (as his mother does, for Mrs. Temple), and that that gift turns out to be . The accompanying illustrations by April Harrison, a fine artist who makes her picture-book debut here, are just lovely, capturing the emotional register of each scene. Highly recommended, to anyone looking for children's stories about the death of a loved one, the experience of poverty, and the practice of love, generosity, and creativity.
August 8, 2018
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for an advance look. Such a stunningly beautiful book, the sentiment, and story is powerful and the illustrations are rich and unique.
October 9, 2020
Not only is this book beautifully illustrated, but it also tells a beautiful story. Our main characters, a young African American boy named James and his mom, are going through rough times and they cannot seem to catch a break. This does not mean their attitudes are poor though. In fact, it is just the opposite! The characters remain positive and are happy for the things they do have. They have an opportunity to help a family in need and they want to give something special. Although they have very little to give, they work hard to make sure they create something spectacular for the family! The lesson is learned that "What is made from the heart reaches the heart". The theme of family and respect shine bright in this picture book.
It is very clear why "What is Given from the Heart" won the John Steptoe Award for new illustrator talent. The collage and acrylic painting illustrations have great detail that make the story come to life. The pictures add deeper understanding to the setting and the characters. For example, when in James' room, you see a picture of his family on his wall. This helps the reader understand how important family is to the boy. As I read this book, I thought this would be a great read aloud for 2nd-4th graders. I was able to "walk through the sliding glass door" and put myself in someone else's shoes. To see the positivity James and his mother have is truly inspiring. It should make all readers reflect on what they are truly grateful for. Every year I challenge students to random acts of kindness. I ask children to complete at least three random acts of kindness over a period of time and take a picture of them doing it. I post all the pictures on my classroom door to show how our room is spreading kindness. This would be a great book to read aloud before having my class start their acts! This will inspire students to help those in need and show them it does not need to be big, grand gestures. Sometimes it is the small things in life that make a difference!
It is very clear why "What is Given from the Heart" won the John Steptoe Award for new illustrator talent. The collage and acrylic painting illustrations have great detail that make the story come to life. The pictures add deeper understanding to the setting and the characters. For example, when in James' room, you see a picture of his family on his wall. This helps the reader understand how important family is to the boy. As I read this book, I thought this would be a great read aloud for 2nd-4th graders. I was able to "walk through the sliding glass door" and put myself in someone else's shoes. To see the positivity James and his mother have is truly inspiring. It should make all readers reflect on what they are truly grateful for. Every year I challenge students to random acts of kindness. I ask children to complete at least three random acts of kindness over a period of time and take a picture of them doing it. I post all the pictures on my classroom door to show how our room is spreading kindness. This would be a great book to read aloud before having my class start their acts! This will inspire students to help those in need and show them it does not need to be big, grand gestures. Sometimes it is the small things in life that make a difference!
February 28, 2023
Sarah and her family have lost everything in a fire. What can James Otis give her to help her?
This is a story about giving and helping others even when you are destitute yourself, and the power of that. It's a worthy final book from an amazing author.
This is a story about giving and helping others even when you are destitute yourself, and the power of that. It's a worthy final book from an amazing author.
April 3, 2019
The illustrations are wonderful.
November 14, 2021
This book made me tear up. The narrator is a young boy who grew up in an impoverished family. In his perspective they were "already poor, but just got poorer when Daddy fell asleep on the porch and never woke up." They last their farm and had to move to a house in the Bottoms. The name of this new living quarters evokes that as a family they are at rock bottom.
There is a sense of optimism and community as they attend church in which a drive for "Love Boxes." the intent of these boxes is to give to those in need. James Otis' Mother tells him that they are going to give to this cause as "what is given from the heart goes to the heart," which is the central theme of this touching and humbling story.
James agonizes what to give as he has very little himself. So he created a book for a girl whose family just lost their home in a fire. She is so excited to get this gift as she was a character in the story. The joy one get when giving something meaningful was a powerful message to James. In the end they go home to have their own box, leading the reader to believe in reciprocal care and love within a community,
The illustrations are beautifully done in muted colors the line is not very definitive which depicted the message that these times were temporary. The illustrator also included family pictures with James and his Mother and Father together. Both times they are trio in which you feel the love of their family unit. The placement of the Dad also lead me to believe that though no longer physically present he is still protecting them in the embraces. This is such a beautiful and inspiring book.
There is a sense of optimism and community as they attend church in which a drive for "Love Boxes." the intent of these boxes is to give to those in need. James Otis' Mother tells him that they are going to give to this cause as "what is given from the heart goes to the heart," which is the central theme of this touching and humbling story.
James agonizes what to give as he has very little himself. So he created a book for a girl whose family just lost their home in a fire. She is so excited to get this gift as she was a character in the story. The joy one get when giving something meaningful was a powerful message to James. In the end they go home to have their own box, leading the reader to believe in reciprocal care and love within a community,
The illustrations are beautifully done in muted colors the line is not very definitive which depicted the message that these times were temporary. The illustrator also included family pictures with James and his Mother and Father together. Both times they are trio in which you feel the love of their family unit. The placement of the Dad also lead me to believe that though no longer physically present he is still protecting them in the embraces. This is such a beautiful and inspiring book.
May 18, 2019
This lovely book tells the story of a little boy named James Otis, who, along with his mother, is enduring hard times since the death of his dad and loss of their farm. They now live in a run-down house with few possessions. But Mama tries to remain upbeat:
“‘Long as we have our health and strength, we are blessed, James Otis,� Mama said, tryin� to sound brave.�
Two weeks before Valentine’s Day, the reverend at their church announced:
“Just as we always do, we’ll be delivering love boxes to needy folk in our community.�
He asked them to add Irene Temple and her young daughter to their list, because they just lost everything in a fire. He told them:
â€Áè±ð³¾±ð³¾²ú±ð°ù, what is given from the heart reaches the heart.â€�
Mama encourages James Otis to come up with something for the little girl, even though they have so little themselves. He considers everything he might give, but none of it seems right. Then he comes up with a great idea.
While this story for ages 4-10 was touching enough to make me cry, it was the outstanding artwork by April Harrison that really held my attention. April Harrison, a designer, used collage, mixed media, dappling, and a muted but gorgeous palette to illustrate the characters and the supportive relationships among them. The flat perspective employed by Harrison ironically imbues strength into the characters.
Note: Patricia McKissack, a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author, passed away in 2017, and this was her last book.
Evaluation: This book touches on many subjects children may face, including death of loved ones, poverty, friendship, compassion, and faith. All of it is expertly dealt with in a subtle but effective way. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4.5/5
“‘Long as we have our health and strength, we are blessed, James Otis,� Mama said, tryin� to sound brave.�
Two weeks before Valentine’s Day, the reverend at their church announced:
“Just as we always do, we’ll be delivering love boxes to needy folk in our community.�
He asked them to add Irene Temple and her young daughter to their list, because they just lost everything in a fire. He told them:
â€Áè±ð³¾±ð³¾²ú±ð°ù, what is given from the heart reaches the heart.â€�
Mama encourages James Otis to come up with something for the little girl, even though they have so little themselves. He considers everything he might give, but none of it seems right. Then he comes up with a great idea.
While this story for ages 4-10 was touching enough to make me cry, it was the outstanding artwork by April Harrison that really held my attention. April Harrison, a designer, used collage, mixed media, dappling, and a muted but gorgeous palette to illustrate the characters and the supportive relationships among them. The flat perspective employed by Harrison ironically imbues strength into the characters.
Note: Patricia McKissack, a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author, passed away in 2017, and this was her last book.
Evaluation: This book touches on many subjects children may face, including death of loved ones, poverty, friendship, compassion, and faith. All of it is expertly dealt with in a subtle but effective way. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4.5/5
January 25, 2019
First sentence: It was a rough few months for Mama and me. We were already poor, but we got poorer last April, when Daddy went to sleep on the front porch and never woke up. Mama cried and cried, 'cause Daddy didn't have a suit to be buried in.
Premise/plot: The Temple family has lost everything in a fire. The church community is coming together and asking everyone to give something, to give from the heart. James Otis is stumped, especially at first. What can he give of value? He doesn't have anything of value. But he's determined. He must find something to give. His Mama is sacrificing her best tablecloth to make an apron. Maybe James Otis can find something to sacrifice too? One thing he knows...the best gifts come from the heart.
My thoughts: I loved this one. It was SO good. I loved, loved, loved James Otis and his Mama. I did. I thought the solution was wonderful and sweet. I loved Sarah Temple's reaction to his gift. This book was just satisfying through and through.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
Premise/plot: The Temple family has lost everything in a fire. The church community is coming together and asking everyone to give something, to give from the heart. James Otis is stumped, especially at first. What can he give of value? He doesn't have anything of value. But he's determined. He must find something to give. His Mama is sacrificing her best tablecloth to make an apron. Maybe James Otis can find something to sacrifice too? One thing he knows...the best gifts come from the heart.
My thoughts: I loved this one. It was SO good. I loved, loved, loved James Otis and his Mama. I did. I thought the solution was wonderful and sweet. I loved Sarah Temple's reaction to his gift. This book was just satisfying through and through.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
October 23, 2019
This is one of the sweetest, most beautifully illustrated children’s books I’ve encountered in awhile. I’m familiar with the award winning author, Patricia C McKissack, so I knew the story would be good. This is April Harrison’s first picture book. She’s a fine artist and designer who’s been featured in museums and galleries. She gorgeously combines collage and drawing and the faces of her characters are so beautifully expressive! The story is from the point of view of young James Otis, who lives with his recently widowed mom. They struggle to make the best their situation when their local church asks everyone to help out a family that lost everything in a fire. James Otis wracks his brains trying to figure out what he could possibly give the little girl of the family and comes up with a creative, heartfelt gift. It’s a touching story about community and love.
July 29, 2019
A beautiful tale of the healing power of giving and sharing of your own talents.
November 6, 2019
Teaching children generosity and creativity will always produce something wonderful.
November 10, 2019
Beautiful story about a family who have nothing since the father died, try to find something of theirs to share with a family whose home has been lost in a fire.
December 30, 2019
A beautiful story, both told and illustrated, reminding us that many who have very little themselves are often the most generous. This is the authors last book before her death.
February 26, 2020
A beautiful statement on how generosity is more about the giver than the recipient.
February 26, 2021
Giving and gratitude. Beautiful expressive pictures.
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April 22, 2025am i counting this book that i read to 4th and 5th graders.. why yes i am don’t judge me
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May 5, 2020A fire destroys their home but the little boy learns that possessions don't have as much value as what comes from the heart.
February 12, 2023
Beautiful story! Beautiful illustrations! Beautiful message!
November 26, 2020
This 2020 winner of the John Steptoe New Talent Award for Illustrator has wonderful illustrations. A story of giving, even when you have little to give, is a perfect title for this start, for me, of the end-of-year holiday season. A boy learns what it means to give "from the heart" and gets to see how much his small, but special, gift means to a frightened little girl.
August 4, 2021
I like that the entire cast was black which is more than what I can say for some of these new age writers. The late Ms. McKissack was apart of the old-school writers that wrote for black American children unapologetically. I like the church reference as well and the morals presented throughout the book. It wasn't too artsy in it's wording either. It was relatable, not political, very in tune with black American culture, and respectful.
November 6, 2020
The illustrations are gorgeous and the message is a timeless one that we all need to hear over and over again. I am ordering this for our family library.
May 27, 2019
James Otis has very little but when a family in his community loses everything in a fire, he learns that a gift from the heart has value beyond measure, that "what is given from the heart reaches the heart." He and his mother use what they have, giving out of their own need, to turn around and be a blessing to others. May it be true of us, whether in a season of abundance or lack, that we would give from our hearts to those who have need.
I found this treasure on display at my local public library and was drawn to it because of the title What is Given from the Heart but then upon noticing that it was written by the beloved Patricia C. McKissack, I knew I'd be in for a real treat. This book represents her last picture book for children before she passed in 2017 and just when I thought this story had warmed my heart through and through, I read the dedication from the artist/illustrator April Harrison to her grandchildren and to the late Patricia C. McKissack and found that tugging at my heartstrings too. What April said mirrors the desire I have for my own children:Ìý
"I have learned that dreams really do come true and that what God has for you is for you. I pray that you treasure and believe that no matter where you find yourself in this world, God will find you and bestow upon you all that is planned for your life. Your Mission is to be ready and to say YES."
This book represents April's first children's book. I hope to see her illustrate many more. It is noted that she uses a collage style art, including found objects, which I love. It reminds me of another book that is illustrated and written by Oge Mora, Thank You, Omu! The books' similarities don't end with the collage style art, they both are books about giving what you have and sharing with others. Make sure to add both of these books to your collection. I already have Thank You, Omu! in my K-5 library but I will soon be adding What is Given from the Heart as well.Ìý
I found this treasure on display at my local public library and was drawn to it because of the title What is Given from the Heart but then upon noticing that it was written by the beloved Patricia C. McKissack, I knew I'd be in for a real treat. This book represents her last picture book for children before she passed in 2017 and just when I thought this story had warmed my heart through and through, I read the dedication from the artist/illustrator April Harrison to her grandchildren and to the late Patricia C. McKissack and found that tugging at my heartstrings too. What April said mirrors the desire I have for my own children:Ìý
"I have learned that dreams really do come true and that what God has for you is for you. I pray that you treasure and believe that no matter where you find yourself in this world, God will find you and bestow upon you all that is planned for your life. Your Mission is to be ready and to say YES."
This book represents April's first children's book. I hope to see her illustrate many more. It is noted that she uses a collage style art, including found objects, which I love. It reminds me of another book that is illustrated and written by Oge Mora, Thank You, Omu! The books' similarities don't end with the collage style art, they both are books about giving what you have and sharing with others. Make sure to add both of these books to your collection. I already have Thank You, Omu! in my K-5 library but I will soon be adding What is Given from the Heart as well.Ìý
January 2, 2019
Originally posted at
What is Given from the Heart is a tale of compassion. James Otis and his mom have struggled ever since James� father died a few months back. It was a struggle before his death, and now they’ve struggled even more. But when someone in their family’s church has a house fire, their Pastor asks the congregation to bring anything that they can to help the family. “What is given from the heart reaches the heart,� he tells the church.
What can James give to the little girl who lost everything? James barely has anything of his own. Is what he owns good enough for this girl? But James� Mom shows him that even when you think you have nothing, there is always something you can do for another person. What is Given from the Heart is a beautiful and charming tale that shows readers the power of compassion, giving, and joy. This book serves as an excellent lesson on compassion for fellow people in the world. Reading this book will reach your heart.
The picture book was written by the late Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by April Harrison. McKissack died in 2017, and this is her last published work. McKissack has roots in Tennessee. She was born in Smyrna and is a graduate of Tennessee State University in Nashville. She has written over 100 books in her life. April Harrison’s art is a strikingly beautiful rendering of the story. Harrison is a fine artist and her work has been featured across the united state. This is her first picture book. The book releases on January 8th.
What is Given from the Heart is a tale of compassion. James Otis and his mom have struggled ever since James� father died a few months back. It was a struggle before his death, and now they’ve struggled even more. But when someone in their family’s church has a house fire, their Pastor asks the congregation to bring anything that they can to help the family. “What is given from the heart reaches the heart,� he tells the church.
What can James give to the little girl who lost everything? James barely has anything of his own. Is what he owns good enough for this girl? But James� Mom shows him that even when you think you have nothing, there is always something you can do for another person. What is Given from the Heart is a beautiful and charming tale that shows readers the power of compassion, giving, and joy. This book serves as an excellent lesson on compassion for fellow people in the world. Reading this book will reach your heart.
The picture book was written by the late Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by April Harrison. McKissack died in 2017, and this is her last published work. McKissack has roots in Tennessee. She was born in Smyrna and is a graduate of Tennessee State University in Nashville. She has written over 100 books in her life. April Harrison’s art is a strikingly beautiful rendering of the story. Harrison is a fine artist and her work has been featured across the united state. This is her first picture book. The book releases on January 8th.
January 29, 2019
James Otis and his mother don't have much; his father died and they are struggling. But when a family loses their home to fire, the church that they attend decide to do a "love box" for the family, which are put together for their neediest families. But James Otis and his mother have so little--what could they possibly have to give to this family? A lovely story! The illustrations complemented the text perfectly. They were both simple and detailed at the same time.
May 19, 2019
James and his mother have fallen on hard times since his father's death. However, when another family loses everything in a fire his mother is determined that they donate something for their love box. James has a hard time thinking of something he has that a little girl would want. He discovers the joy of giving and receiving.
April 12, 2019
Beautiful in every way! McKissack's simple yet lyrical prose touched my heart and April Harrison's collage illustrations are superb. A wonderful reminder of what is most important in life.
Read in galley and I'm eager to buy the finished copy.
Read in galley and I'm eager to buy the finished copy.
February 4, 2019
Pat McKissack's last book, a poignant story of compassion beautifully illustrated.
February 8, 2019
A beautiful book in every possible way. Would it be wrong to buy an extra copy just so I could frame and hang some of the art?
February 9, 2020
Begins like Finding Nemo. I mean, come on! That’s tragic! How can you just get past that!?!
Still crying over Nemo’s lost siblings. Numb since 2003. Can’t take any more trauma.
Still crying over Nemo’s lost siblings. Numb since 2003. Can’t take any more trauma.
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