BE YOUR BEST SELF

Child author Kai and double Paralympic gold medalist Brown partner for a new self-empowerment book for kids.

Similar to many self-help books for youth, this asks readers to brainstorm their goals, to cultivate a “resilient mindset,” and to identify role models that are examples of inspiration. The authors also briefly address challenges young people often face, such as peer pressure and bullying. Most of the topics are addressed in brief passages that are frequently accompanied by quotes from famous people like Michelle Obama, J.K. Rowling, and Beyoncé. Callout boxes labeled “Nathan says…” or “Danielle says…” offer anecdotes about how they approach risk-taking, self-care, and dealing with failure, among other experiences. Though this book is a commendable achievement, especially for the then-7-year-old Kai, the sound bites of advice gloss over the heart of the many challenges presented in the book. Kerr’s upbeat, graphically simple illustrations feature diverse kids who represent different races and backgrounds, but the authors don’t tackle real-life issues these kids might face daily, such as racism, religious intolerance, ableism, and gender-identity challenges. None of the advice is inappropriate, but in not acknowledging these issues, it does both children who experience them and those who might be their allies a real disservice.

A positive life-skills book that is not truly adequate to help kids meet 21st-century challenges.