Published: 2022
Author: Matt de la Peña
Illustrator: Corinna Luyken
Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens, Inspirational, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Storytime, Cultural, Gender
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades K-3
Number of Stars: 5 Stars
Goodreads Link: Patchwork
Triggers: Stereotyping / societal expectations (minor)
Review By: Kim LeRoy
Publisher’s Summary:
From a Newbery Medal-winning author and a New York Times bestselling illustrator comes a deeply moving ode to the complexity and uniqueness of every child.
In profound, uplifting verse and sumptuous artwork, beloved creators Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken explore the endless possibilities each child contains: A young dancer may grow into a computer coder; a basketball player might become a poet; a class clown may one day serve as an inspiring teacher; and today’s quiet empath might be tomorrow’s great leader. Here’s a profound and uplifting new classic with an empowering message for readers of all ages: Your story is still being written.
Review: Although this book is geared towards lower elementary aged students, it really may be more useful for older students. The story is simple yet thoughtful. The author uses several different examples of how a young child’s personality and/or interests can turn into something useful, helpful, or creative as they get older. One example is the student who is always in trouble growing up to be a teacher who helps people. This message can show young readers that they have potential even if they don’t realize what it is just yet. The author also sends a message that we are more than what is expected of us. For example, “you were blue before you were even born” referring to a gender-reveal party. For those that don’t have any idea yet who they are, this book gives the promise that we can all become productive, positive people in the long run.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social-Emotional Learning (Potential & Identity): This book connects directly to identity formation and personal growth. It provides an exceptional opportunity to teach students that their current behaviors or labels do not define their futures, demonstrating that every individual possesses latent potential to become a productive, positive person.
- English Language Arts (Poetry & Extended Metaphors): The text serves as an excellent model for analyzing profound, uplifting verse and narrative structure. Teachers can use the book to analyze how an author uses simple yet thoughtful vignettes to convey a complex, overarching message about human evolution and uniqueness.
Extension Activity / Library Application:
- “Your Story Is Still Being Written” Graduation / Transition Journal: Capitalizing on the reviewer’s note that this text is uniquely useful for older students, introduce the book to students navigating major transitions (such as finishing elementary or middle school). Have students write or illustrate their own “patchwork” page, charting out how a current interest or trait could evolve into a surprising future career or leadership path.
- “Beyond Expected Colors” Art Project: Inspired by the text’s critique of prescheduled societal expectations (such as the line “you were blue before you were even born”), have students create a mixed-media patchwork collage. Students can use colors, textures, and words that represent their true interior selves rather than the traits or behaviors traditionally expected of them by others.
Diversity & Representation:
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The novel strongly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by actively subverting rigid societal classifications, gender expectations, and behavioral stereotypes. By highlighting an array of paths—such as dancers becoming coders, athletes turning into poets, and misunderstood children becoming supportive educators—the text mirrors a vast spectrum of lived experiences and cultural backgrounds, validating children who have not yet figured out their place in the world.
Readalikes:
- Love by Matt de la Peña
- The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
- All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
