Being You
Alexs Pate, Author
Soud, Illustrator
Capstone Editions, Fiction, Oct. 1, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 3-9
Themes: Individuality, Self-discovery, Interpersonal relationships, Hope, Diversity
Opening: This story is about you and / the way your eyes will shower light / to open a path through the noisy night.
Synopsis:
When you are a kid, it can be hard to be who you really are. In Being You, two kids learn that they have a choice about how the world sees them. They can accept the labels that others try to put on them, or they let their inner selves shine. Are they powerful, smart, strong, capable, talented? Together these kids find people who see their value and help them face the world on their own terms.
But in this world, there are whispers
that move through the air
like paper planes or falling leaves
They swirl around you
Sometimes they tell you
who you are
But only you and love decide
Why I like this book:
Being You is a celebration about what makes children unique individuals and how they can use their voices to communicate who they are to others. It is a contemplative book that gently nudges kids to find their own inner greatness, with the support from the adults and friends in their lives.
The book is poetic with occasional punctuation and open-ended expressions. The spare text is lyrical and packs a powerful punch. It questions, probes, and encourages readers to look at their own lives. This is a beautiful story that encourages self-discovery and builds self-esteem.
Soud’s illustrations are breathtaking and add to the depth of Pate’s theme of individuality. They are colorful and expressive and shine a light on diversity.
Resources: This is a beautiful discussion book belongs in elementary classrooms. Make sure you read the comments from the author at the end of the book. Ask children if they had a sign on their chest what would it say? And then ask them to list five things. Then encourage each child share.
Alex Pape grew up in Philadelphia. He is the author of several books, including Losing Absalom, named Best First Novel by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and winner of the Minnesota Book Award. He has been a corporate executive, small-business owner, and college professor. In 2012 he launched Innocent Classroom, a program that seeks to end educational disparaities by closing the relationship gap between educators and students of color. You may also want to visit his personal website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Reviewed from a library copy.
I’ve seen this one & agree that it’s a terrific choice for classroom discussions.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this book. It is a perfect classroom book.
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I’m heading to the library today – perfect timing to get this on my list. I hadn’t seen it. Beautiful line – “only you and love decide”!!
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Yes, that it is a beautiful line! Hope you find it in your library!
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I remember telling my daughter once to just be herself. And she said, what if I don’t know myself? Children struggle with identity. A book like this would have been a huge help.
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It is an excellent book to help kids work on self-discovery — especially in the classroom.
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What a lovely book and message.
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I think you’d love this book, Robin!
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I love the message of this book! Thanks for sharing this title. I hope my library gets a copy soon.
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I hope you get a copy. I plan to gift it some children I know.
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What beautifully poetic language
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The entire story is like an ode to self-discovery and loving who you are.
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Great idea for resource/activities! Will be looking for this one!
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Thanks, Julie. It is a wonderful book!
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Such a great message for kids bombarded with opinions from all sides in our tech crazy world. Thanks for featuring it and I’ll see if the school library has a copy yet.
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I agree. Kids receive both positive and negative messages. This is so perfect to use with children in a classroom.
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I am looking forward to finding this one. It does indeed sound like an important powerful book. Glad you highlighted it.
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Such a beautiful message for children!
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You always pick such important books. Learning who we are is a big thing – and learning that we can help how other people see us … that is, too.
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I really love books that encourage self-discovery.
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