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I AFFIRM ME

Name: I AFFIRM ME
Author: Nyasha Williams
ISBN: 978-0-7624-7560-5

THE ABCS OF INSPIRATION FOR BLACK KIDS

by Nyasha Williams ; illustrated by Sóf'ya Glushkó ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2021

Determined, joyous, and necessary.

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This appropriately titled picture book aims to encourage self-esteem in young Black readers.

From Afros to Zen, this book serves messages of radical Black love and healing. Each letter has its own spread, both capital and lowercase letters appearing on the verso along with a brief statement that expands on the featured word; opposite is a full-page picture that illustrates it, often expanding the affirmation with its visuals. The Afro picture, for instance, is illustrated by a picture of three Black kids, two in dresses and one in shorts, each wearing their Afros slightly differently—in puffs, with a bow, or unrestrained. They perch on the backs of classroom chairs in front of a chalkboard on which is written diagrams and mathematical equations: These kids take pride in their hair and their brains. Insider knowledge is assumed; “H is for HBCU,” for instance, with no explanation of the initialism deemed necessary. Also understood is the need for affirmation in an unjust world. The “J is for Justice” spread features an illustration of a child holding the scales of justice, the names of Black people who’ve died at the hands of police superimposed on their Afro. The painterly illustrations are sprightly and warm, with rich browns, golden yellows, and deep greens giving a hip, earthy feel that corresponds well with the text. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 52.2% of actual size.)

Determined, joyous, and necessary. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: May 4, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-7624-7560-5

Page Count: 56

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Review Posted Online: March 16, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

- BOOK REVIEW
KEEP DREAMING, BLACK CHILD
by Nyasha Williams ; illustrated by Sawyer Cloud

- BOOK REVIEW
I AM SOMEBODY
by Nyasha Williams ; illustrated by Ashley Evans

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I AM MONEY

by Julia Cook & Garrett Gunderson ; illustrated by Josh Cleland ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 2, 2024

An educational and uplifting foundation in financial mindsets and rules of thumb.

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A walking, talking billfold of cash takes readers through the ins and outs of money.

Held together by a shiny gold clip and often accompanied by anthropomorphic coins, our narrator is a smiley, positive presence who eats pizza and rides a bike, just like us! Money explains its value as well as how to earn it (mowing lawns, selling lemonade), spend it, save it, and share it. The narrator uses clothing as a metaphor to explain different forms of money—sometimes the narrator dons “digital and crypto clothes,” though the author doesn’t elaborate on these. A similar reference to “credit card coats” is accompanied by a warning on overspending. Most commendable are reminders of readers' self-worth: Though readers are encouraged to invest in themselves, it’s made abundantly clear that money does not confer value to people. A message about earning interest is followed by a wordless page of coins and bills passing by a bank and a credit union—concepts that are a bit too advanced to describe in detail for this book’s audience. For now, tracking savings in a clear jar (not a piggy bank) is advanced enough. A guinea pig appears throughout the cheerful, textured art, making a suitably cute sidekick for the narrator.

An educational and uplifting foundation in financial mindsets and rules of thumb. (money tips) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2024

ISBN: 9781728271262

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sourcebooks eXplore

Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

- BOOK REVIEW
WILL YOU BE THE "I" IN KIND?
by Julia Cook ; illustrated by Jomike Tejido

- BOOK REVIEW
THE TECHNOLOGY TAIL
by Julia Cook ; illustrated by Anita DuFalla

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A WORLD TOGETHER

by Sonia Manzano ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 15, 2020

Engaging, well-chosen images and a clear, coherent text illuminate the importance of empathy for the world’s inhabitants.

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Large color photographs (occasionally composed of montages) and accessible, simple text highlight global similarities and differences, always focusing on our universal connections.

While child readers may not recognize Manzano, the Puerto Rican actress who played Maria on Sesame Street, adults will recognize her as a trusted diverse voice. In her endnote, she explains her desire to “encourage lively conversations about shared experiences.” Starting out with the familiar, home and community, the text begins with “How many WONDERFUL PEOPLE do you know?” Then it moves out to the world: “Did you know there are about 8 BILLION PEOPLE on the planet?” The photo essay features the usual concrete similarities and differences found in many books of this type, such as housing (a Mongolian yurt opposite a Hong Kong apartment building overlooking a basketball court), food (dumplings, pizza, cotton candy, a churro, etc.), and school. Manzano also makes sure to point out likenesses in emotions, as shown in a montage of photos from countries including China, Spain, Kashmir (Pakistan/India), and the United States. At the end, a world map and thumbnail images show the locations of all photos, revealing a preponderance of examples from the U.S. and a slight underrepresentation for Africa and South America.

Engaging, well-chosen images and a clear, coherent text illuminate the importance of empathy for the world’s inhabitants. (Informational picture book. 5-8)