Imagine

"Imagine," a luminous illustrated poem by former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera with enchanting pictures by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, invites young readers to dream big and believe in their potential. Published on September 25, 2018, this book weaves Herrera's own life journey—from a child picking chamomile flowers and catching tadpoles, to teaching himself English and ultimately voicing his verse on the steps of the Library of Congress—into a narrative that champions education equity and racial justice. Ideal for elementary-school students, "Imagine" encourages them to see the beauty in their own stories and the power of their voices. Through Herrera's evocative words and Castillo's sensitive illustrations, readers are asked: If Juan Felipe Herrera could achieve his dreams, what might you do? This book not only celebrates individual resilience but also illuminates the path toward collective social change.