IMAGINE is a gorgeous autobiographical poem with accompanying artwork and an inspirational tone. Herrera was the U.S Poet Laureate and the son of migrant farmers. He tells his story of growing up and reaching this laudable post through a lovely poem. Each page features a scene from his life growing up, beginning with "If I..." and ending with an invitation to imagine what the reader could do. The poem/book discusses the difficulties of moving, of not speaking English, and of turning to words, leading to his appointment as U.S. Poet Laureate.

What I loved: The illustrations here accompany the poem perfectly and are softly elegant, bringing the scenes to life with plenty of color and details. Young readers will find the text quite inspirational, as it reveals the many difficulties Herrera has overcome, inviting them to imagine their own difficulties and how they can overcome them. This would be a great book for a classroom, where racism/culture could be discussed as well as poetry and this position. This book is also a great #ownvoices read that certainly makes it worthwhile to experience. While it is autobiographical, it is not weighted down by facts but rather buoyed by them in poetry.

Final verdict: A great addition for the classroom or library, this lovely poem brings an inspirational autobiography to life with invitations to the reader to imagine and reach their own potential. Gorgeous illustrations accompanying the text have appeal for elementary schoolers of all ages.