Sweet People Are Everywhere

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Sweet People Are Everywhere, an illustrated book for children ages 4–8 (and readers of all ages) by internationally renowned writer and activist Alice Walker, focuses on a common thread of the “sweet people” who can be found all over the world. The poem addresses a young boy getting his first passport, taking the boy—and the reader—on a journey through a series of countries around the globe. The poem is a powerful celebration of humanity and globalism, embodying a generosity of spirit that is inspiring, timely, and timeless.

The evocative free verse poem was first published in Walker’s 2018 poetry collection Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart, winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Library Journal praised the book for its “poems of love and hope” and, in a starred review, Booklist commended Walker’s “prodding wisdom of an elder suggesting that we can cope by taking comfort in beauty, friendship, and human kindness; by always expressing gratitude; and by turning inward to hold ourselves accountable for what we contribute.”

Sweet People Are Everywhere is Walker’s sixth book for children, and it explores and builds on some of the same themes as her 2007 title Why War Is Never a Good Idea; her first children’s book was Langston Hughes: American Poet (1974).

Praise:

“A celebration of the goodness of people and the commonalities that connect us. Deepened and expanded by its illustrations, this is a stunning introduction to the true meaning of a global community.”— School Library Journal

"The poetic stylings of Alice Walker will convince children across the world that Sweet People Are Everywhere... Children of all ages will be able to enjoy the illustrations; the timeless images show how beautifully diverse the world is." — Seattle Book Review

"In Sweet People Are Everywhere, Alice Walker’s appreciation for the tender and expansive possibilities in human connection is beautifully rendered. Children and adults alike will be inspired to remain soft through encounters with diverse peoples and moments across continents. There’s joy in Alice Walker’s world." — Chana Ginelle Ewing, author of the bestselling book An ABC of Equality

“As always, Alice Walker points us in the direction of our humanity. Sweet People Are Everywhere is a meditation on the human spirit and, although written for children, it offers us all an invaluable opportunity to see ourselves in others.”— LeVar Burton, actor, director, educator, and host of Reading Rainbow

“Alice Walker’s lovely words take us on a journey around the world and remind us there are good people everywhere. What a wonderful addition to the shelves of multicultural literature. This is a book for little and big humans alike.” — Karen Katz, bestselling author and illustrator of The Colors of Us and My America

PUMPKIN SOUP

2 1/4 pounds pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and fibers
removed
2 onions, grated
6 tbsp. Olive oil
2 tbsp. Cumin seeds
2 pinches of ground cayenne
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 ½-in. Fresh ginger, peeled
and finely chopped
2 cups coconut cream
salt and freshly ground
black pepper

Topping
4 to 6 tbsp. Crème fraiche or olive oil
4 to 6 tbsp. Pumpkin seeds, toasted
1 tbsp. Cumin seeds, toasted

Cut the pumpkin into small pieces. Sauté the onions in a large pan with the olive oil, cumin seeds, cayenne, garlic, and ginger. Add the pumpkin and sauté for 5 minutes without browning. Pour in the coconut cream and cook for about 30 minutes until everything is tender. If there is not enough liquid in the pan, a splash of water may be added. Blend the soup in a blender until it’s smooth or use an immersion blender in the pan. Strain the soup. If necessary, push the last remaining soup through the sieve with the rounded side of a spoon. Season the soup with salt and pepper.

Serve the soup with a tablespoon of crème fraîche and toasted pumpkin seeds added to each bowl and a sprinkle of cumin seeds. Serve with breadsticks.