PLACE HAND HERE PROJECT
BOOK 2: BRIGHT STAR

Project Inspired by Katie Yamasaki; Book 2 by Yuyi Morales

ABOUT

Welcome to the Place Hand Here Project, inspired by the story and mural in the book Place Hand Here by author and artist Katie Yamasaki.  For the second year of this project, we selected Bright Star by Yuyi Morales as Book 2.

In this visually lush book depicting the beauty and vibrancy of the desert, Morales follows the experience of a new fawn in the borderlands.  The fawn meets new creatures and navigates new terrain.  They use their curiosity, sense of self, and connection to other living systems to find belonging and hope even in the hard times.

Written as an ode to the land and creatures at the border of the lands that are settler named the United States and Mexico, this book is an exploration of the fences and walls humans build in contrast to the organic interconnectedness of the natural world.  It is also a story of love and support for migrant children in detention at the border enduring something they should never have to.

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The Place Hand Here Project takes inspiration from Yamasaki's art and book, inviting neighbors across the city (and across the nation?) to read together, and share the message that we are all interconnected. ​​​

WHY NOW?

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The mural symbolizes that we are all interconnected and that we can all play a role in lessening hardship.  Interacting with the mural symbolizes that we are working together to build knowledge, empathy, and solidarity in the face of oppression, harm, and hardship.  The political climate for migrating children right now is as dangerous as it has ever been — deportations are accelerating, asylum protections are being stripped away, and unaccompanied minors are more vulnerable than ever to detention and family separation. These books don't look away from that reality; they ask us not to look away either.While it is always the right time to build solidarity and to show care, it is especially urgent right now to show our neighbors that we stand together against hate and exclusion.