Published: September 27, 2022
Series: The I Am Series (Companion to I Am Human and I Am Love)
Author: Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Genres: Children’s Literature, Picture Books, Self Esteem, Mental Health, Storytime, Fiction, Emotion, LGBT
Audience: Elementary Level (PreK-3rd Grade / Lower Elementary)
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: I am me
Triggers / Content Warnings: None (Explores mild feelings of isolation or trying to conform)
Review By: Megan Powell
Publisher’s Summary:
Embrace individuality and being your authentic self in I Am Me , a picture book companion to New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am Love !
Sometimes I stand out in a crowd.
Sometimes I am not seen at all, and I feel alone.
I start to ask myself, why can’t I blend in? Fit the mold?
But when I stop and look, I see nothing in this world is exactly the same.
Sometimes we hide who we really are to conform to the way we think we are supposed to be in the world. Sometimes we compare ourselves to others and feel we don’t fit in. But when we realize we are something to be celebrated and we proudly live out loud as our true selves, we can make our unique mark on the world—and share our joy!
From author Susan Verde and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, the #1 New York Times bestselling team behind the I Am series, comes a bighearted celebration of individuality, of being comfortable in our own skin, respecting others for who they are, living authentically, and loving ourselves. For anyone who’s ever felt like too much or not enough, I Am Me is an affirming reminder that difference is what makes life beautiful—and that each of us matters, just as we are.
Review:
This book starts out with talking about how feeling different and standing out or feeling alone is okay. One quote I really liked was when the author states, “But when I stop and look, I see nothing in this world is exactly the same. Difference is what makes life beautiful and miraculous.” The author talks about embracing what makes you you and how it is very special. The book talks about how if you have something to contribute to the world you should no matter what- being grateful for your hair and what you look and like because it is what makes you you is what is so important. Reading this to students will give them confidence. The book is illustrated nicely and gives a good image to students that its okay to be different and spread your sparkle wherever you want. The book concludes with the words “you matter”. The author does a wonderful job at speaking to the audience, reaching out to every single student. I highly recommend this book to any teacher teaching in the lower elementary age group.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- ELA (English Language Arts): Excellent text for teaching voice, perspective, and the use of repetition for emotional emphasis. Students can identify key themes and discuss how word choice builds an encouraging tone.
- Social Studies / Community Civics: Perfect for foundational lessons on community and citizenship. It teaches children how a thriving classroom or neighborhood relies on a diverse tapestry of unique individuals rather than strict conformity.
- SEL (Social-Emotional Learning): Direct connections to self-awareness, building self-esteem, managing feelings of isolation, and embracing individuality.
- Extension Activity / Library Application: Ideal for an interactive classroom or school library application. Following a group read-aloud, lead a “Spread Your Sparkle” mirror activity. Have students draw a self-portrait focusing on a trait they are grateful for, and write their own “I am…” affirmation statement underneath to display on a collaborative library bulletin board.
- Diversity & Representation: The book shines in its effortless support of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through both its gentle narrative and inclusive background illustrations, it normalizes different abilities, appearances, cultural backgrounds, and identities (including LGBTQ+ themes of authentic self-expression). It ensures that minoritized students see their right to exist and thrive fully validated.
