  | What I am Author: Srinivasan, Divya | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
A young narrator describes herself as many things at the same time -- a girl, a granddaughter, Indian, American, both selfish and generous, mean and kind -- and these seeming contradictions are precisely what makes her a unique individual.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (06/15/21)
School Library Journal (+) (00/07/21)
Booklist (08/01/21)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 07/01/2021 PreS-Gr 2—The young narrator opens the story by describing her various attributes: a human, a girl, a daughter, a granddaughter. She then begins to explore a series of intangible, seemingly opposite qualities: selfish and generous, mean and kind, a scaredy-cat and brave. The gorgeous, colorful illustrations clearly convey these complexities and contradictions that define and exist simultaneously within a person: the protagonist likes to dance and sing in front of family, but does not like to dance or sing in front of a crowd. She does not want to go to parties, but then does not want to leave the party. The story's stunning conclusion will inspire readers to proudly be who they are and provide plenty of discussion opportunities for readers. This book is an outstanding and affirming story. Back matter includes an author's note describing the incident that inspired the book. VERDICT Srinivasan's latest offering is a universal story that belongs in all collections.—Olivia Gorecke, Cape May Cty. Lib., Ocean View, NJ - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 08/01/2021 For children growing up in a world that demands all manner of labeling, the questions around identity are unceasing, often promoting more confusion than clarity. The fact is, there is no clarity when it comes to identity, as humans are complex and contradictory. It is this fact that Srinivasan addresses head on. The author frames the book around a callous question someone once asked her sister, who is represented by the main character. When asked, “What are you?” the narrator takes the time to think of a response that captures all the ways she is human. The text and illustrations are without pretense, addressing the question through biology, race, preference, mood, personality, virtues, and flaws: “I am selfish. I am generous. I am a scaredy-cat. I am brave. I am American. I am Indian,” and so on. A charming primer for emerging readers that, when scaffolded by adult guidance, can also start conversations around identity with older readers. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
