As I work with my illustrator to put the finishing touches on our upcoming picture book, Mr. Quigley's Keys, I'm thinking about goodness and love.
And how they are the perfect words to describe today's PPBF.
Title: I Am Every Good Thing
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen books
Birth Date: September 1, 2020
Suitable for: ages 7-10
Themes: identity, empowerment, pride
Brief synopsis: In this treasure, we hear the courageous and confident voice of a young Black narrator detailing every single thing that makes up his identity, that describes who he is and who he is becoming.
Opening page:
I am
a nonstop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference maker.
a nonstop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference maker.
A leader.
Resources: Listen to a story time clip {here}.
Read a Kirkus review {{here}.
Grab some teaching ideas for your classroom {here}.
Invite your students to duplicate a page from the book, like this one shared on Amazon, inserting themselves and personalizing
the words on the page to describe themselves.
Why I like this book: First of all, it's special to me because the friend who introduced me to it last semester read it aloud to me, face to face and heart to heart. Such a treasured memory, especially during a time when we hadn't really ventured too far from the house for a good nine months.
But probably more importantly, this is a long overdue conversation,
not only for the Black narrator, but for children of all backgrounds
as they search for themselves and wrestle with their identities.
Not only does this child believe that he is every good thing
and he so very eloquently explains why,
he also knows that he's got some hurdles to jump;
sometimes he's afraid, sometimes he falls down.
But he doesn't stay down, because he's resilient.
And he's well-mannered and he's kind and creative.
He's an explorer, a problem solver, a sponge.
He's a listener and a light.
He's a smile. And so much more.
Use this gem to open up a conversation between
a healthy pride about who we are versus a
boastful brag about what we bring to the table.
Ask them which traits would make them want to
follow this strong and courageous young leader.
Find out if there's anything that gives them pause.
Check out this feel-good book and prepare for it to wrap you up
in a huge hug of humility, hope and unconditional love.
Great review! Yes, this is a wonderful, joyous, and thoughtful book. Should be read widely!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story in verse about making inner discoveries about yourself! It's not about the outside, it's about what we bring forth from within us that is good. Love that happy, stand-out cover. Great choice today!
ReplyDeleteHave been thinking of you and hoping you are doing okay during the winter storms!