I Am Enough

by Grace Byers (Author) Keturah A Bobo (Illustrator)

I Am Enough
Reading Level: K − 1st Grade
A gorgeous debut and a lyrical ode to self-confidence and kindness, for girls from every background and every color, from "Empire" actor and activist Byers and talented newcomer artist Bobo. Full color.
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Hardcover
$19.99

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Kirkus

"A pro-girl book with illustrations that far outshine the text. (Picture book. 3-7)"

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4--Actress Byers has penned a picture-book affirmation for girls who may be doubting their self-worth. Byers, who self-indentifies as multiracial and a CODA (child of deaf adults), experienced bullying as a child. The rhyming text begins with a series of first-person statements about purpose, many in the form of similes. Some of these translate well to a young human, e.g., "Like the tree, I'm here to grow," while others are rather less successful (and logical): "Like the rain, I'm here to pour and drip and fall until I'm full." The latter part of the book suggests that readers should love and support each other despite differences, both physical and otherwise. This is a gentle and worthy message, but may not be concrete enough to empower bullied students or to prompt a change in those who bully. It could be used to give struggling young girls a script for positive self-talk, or the adults who care for them an opening to discuss dignity and kindness. A plurality of ethnicities and body types are represented, generally at a distance and against plain white backgrounds enhanced with digital chalk sketches. VERDICT Teachers and librarians who tend to the self-esteem of young girls may wish to consider this title to introduce concepts and spark discussion.--Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"A feel-good book about self-acceptance."—Kirkus Reviews
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780062667120
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen
Publication date
March 06, 2018
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
Library of Congress categories
Stories in rhyme
Individuality
Bullying
Self-esteem
Self-acceptance
Individuality in children
Self-esteem in children

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