CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive
CCBC Review:
“[W]hen winter comes / and hunger thrums / and danger hovers overhead,” it’s roosting time for the murder of American crows that narrates this poetic informational picture book. As the sky reddens around the setting sun, the crows call to one another, cackling “like witches” casting a simple spell: “I follow him, / and he follows she, / and they follow me, / and me turns to we—and we roost in these trees / together.” Their purpose is survival; more eyes means a greater chance of spotting and defending against predators like owls and cats. When day breaks, “[n]ow we lift off. Now we disperse. / The weave is unwoven. / The magic reversed”—until the crows come together again for the night. Magnificent illustrations depict crows in small and large groups against moody blues and grays and glowing orange skies; once they seem to burst from a witch’s flowing cape. Rich, lyrical language emphasizes the corvids’ social nature and intelligence, while back matter covers other characteristics of these fascinating birds. Highly Commended, 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subject:
Birds (Informational)
On CCBC Booklist:
Charlotte Zolotow Award (for Outstanding Writing in Picture Books)
Publisher:
Chronicle
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 36
ISBN: 9781797226156
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, Booth
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Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.