We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
This science fiction picture book follows the Li couple taking care of these creatures that "are DEFINITELY human" (Fang, 2024) fix their vehicle. The book is full of fluorescent colors and soft illustrations to tell this adorable story of helping strangers in need.
I picked up this book when the library I work at got it a few months ago. I skimmed it back then and finally decided to sit down and read it. The picture book is also the recent 2025 winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Award. This is to fulfill the Texas 2x2 list requirement.
The illustrations in this picture book were absolutely delightful. Fang used graphite pencil and colored digitally to look like colored pencil. The colors throughout the book make a clear, visual distinction between the visitors and the humans of the Li couple and their town. The visitors are all bright, fluorescent colors that are honestly harsh on the eyes at times. As a contrast, the Li home and fellow townsfolk are enveloped in warm earth tones. These visuals show the obvious difference between the visitors compared to the residents of Earth despite the conflicting words of those who "are DEFINITELY human" (Fang, 2024) repeatedly declaring their humanity. Having this in the picture book allows the reader to visually read and question the validity of the visitors without being explicitly told.
The pacing of the book was something I wasn't expecting to like so much. Often in picture books, the pacing is fast in order to convey the story in under 50 pages with illustrations. The visitors crash down in the Lis' yard and Mr. Li offers to help them, but only after resting and collecting necessary supplies. Fang's book takes its time establishing the Li couple and the visiting trio, giving them their own quirks and even involving the town in the repair of the vehicle. The audience gets a chance to look into the life of the Lis while also having the story continue to progress and the visitors to return on their journey in space. I'm a big fan of more slow-paced picture books, and this one is no exception.
The main theme of this book is told on the penultimate page of the book, with the visitors expressing gratitude for the "kind humans" and to follow in their footsteps and "offer help to those in need" (Fang, 2024). Despite the visitors not actually being of Earth, they were helped as if they were, and were presumably believed and trusted despite the less-than-believable behaviors and words from the trio. Helping those in need is an inherent part of being human, regardless if who you are helping is a stranger. It's a great message and it is presented in a way where the help is never questioned or ridiculed; and it is executed on the Li couple's own terms. Help where you can, however you can.
I gave this book 5 stars on StoryGraph for its adorable imagery and wholesome theme of helping everyone, including, and especially, strangers. Another great picture book I recommend about a community coming together and the ultimate goal of helping those in need is Miles Morales Spider-Man: Through a Hero's Eyes by Denene Millner, illustrated by Mónica Paola Rodriguez.
References:
Fang, X. (2024). We are definitely human (X. Fang, Illus.). Tundra Books.
Millner, D. (2023). Miles Morales Spider-Man: Through a Hero's Eyes (M. P. Rodriguez, Illus.). Random House/Marvel.
EJK Award is given annually to an outstanding new writer and new illustrator by the EJK Foundation in partnership with the de Grummond Child
Collection Development Statement The 2×2 list is not designed to support any particular curriculum. Librarians are not required or expected
