Wait, what? Picture Perfect Book Friday on a Thursday? Yep, because I'm leaving town and this is a title you will not want to miss. It's the perfect PPBF pick to kick off November, a month to celebrate gratitude and service.
Title: Who Will I Be?
Author: Abby Huntsman
Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Publisher: HarperCollins
Birth Date: October 23, 2018
Suitable for ages: PreK-3rd
Themes: careers, service, core values
Brief synopsis: When the teacher starts talking about their future, Isabel's classmates all seem to know what they want to be. Though Isabel struggles with not knowing what profession she might want to pursue, she does know that she wants to be a helper when she grows up.
Opening page:
"Who do you want to be when you grow up?" asked Isabel's teacher.
Resources:
Check out this book trailer with the author.
Compare and contrast the book with Being Wendy.
Watch this interview with the author.
Why I like this book: In a world in which kids can be anything, I'm incredibly excited that this book encourages its readers to be charitable and give back by being a helper. It also reassures kiddos that it's okay not to know right now what they're going to do for a job when they grow up, but that whatever they do, to make sure they work with intention to do good in this world. As Isabel tries to decide which career might fit her, she realizes that she gets her joy from being a helper, so whatever she chooses will likely be something where she can find herself in the service of others.
This book is so beautifully illustrated and incredibly realistic, because, in the end, kids do love to help. All they need is a cause and a cheerleader, someone to equip, encourage, and empower them. It's not rocket science, (though sometimes it involves chemistry). Share this story of Brittany, a young lady in our community with a dream, that everyone have access to clean water. Read how she serves by baking to make that happen.
Ask students to research who said these words of wisdom and reflect on what they mean and how they connect to the book's message:
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on this earth.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.
The end of all knowledge should be service to others.
Being of service to others is what brings true happiness.
Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
Use this Ally Huntsman treasure as a springboard for a careers unit, to celebrate community helpers, or to generate a list of classroom jobs that your little helpers can sign up so that they can serve at school.
Here's a list of ideas we've tried over the years;
what jobs might your students arm wrestle to help with?
The time is now; they don't have to wait until they grow up to start serving.
Teach them these self-reflection growth questions:
Who will I be today?
How will I help today?
Am I my best me today?
Am I all that I can be today?
Need some intriguing ideas for your young helpers?
How will you model service to others today?
This looks like it needs to be on my bookshelf! Have you seen this suggestion? https://image-store.slidesharecdn.com/c5eca31b-a135-43a7-80d4-5bdba3ca8235-large.jpeg I think I will start asking (older) students this question as it leaves the door wide open to explore careers that may not even be created yet! And maybe beyond "traditional" jobs that kids typically know about. Thanks for sharing "Who Will I Be?". Have a great weekend.♥
ReplyDeleteI love that picture, Tanya; as always, it's such a treat when you stop by the Corner.
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