Being You

September 1, 2018
Words addressed to children aimed at truth-telling, encouraging, and inspiring are accompanied by pictures of children of color going about their days. "This story is about you," the narrator opens, as a black boy looks up toward readers, a listening expression on his face. A multiracial group of children romp in a playground to encouraging words: "you are... / a dancer / a singer / in charge of the game." Then comes a warning about the "whispers" out in the world that "tell you who you are / But only you and love decide." There is advice about what to do when you "think there is nowhere safe": "Watch a bird soar / and think, / Me too." It asks readers to wonder: "If there was a sign on your chest / what would it say?" Children argue and show frustration and anger for reasons unclear to readers, then they hold up signs about themselves, such as "I am powerful" and "I am talented." A girl looks hurt, and a boy looks "tough" until someone finds them "sitting there wondering / when the sky will blue." While the words are general, the pictures specify a teacher, who is brown-skinned with straight black hair, as one who "can see you." While young readers may find the wording unusual, even obscure in places, the nurturing message will not be lost.Heartfelt content for children who need to feel seen. (Picture book. 5-8)

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January 1, 2019
In poetic verse, Pate addresses self-perception and seeks to help children develop positive self-images and make good choices. Vibrant and realistic, the illustrations lend specificity to the generalized poem, depicting children of color going about their lives in a city neighborhood and at school while demonstrating a wide range of human emotion.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)