  | I am able to shine Author: Watari, Korey | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
Keiko, an Asian American girl, has big dreams despite being made to feel invisible at times and misjudged, but in each instance she becomes more confident, eventually realizing she can overcome, be happy, and even lead others, including as president.
| Illustrator: | Wu, Mike |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (-) (03/15/22)
Booklist (05/01/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 05/01/2022 Keiko is a Japanese American girl with extraordinary dreams. More than anything, she wants people to notice that she can contribute kindness and positivity to the world, but sometimes she feels invisible or left out. While the text carries a universal quality in its affirmations and encouraging tone, even in the face of challenges, Wu’s illustrations offer more specificity. With heavy black outlines and soft watercolor brushwork, scenes unfold that show Keiko feeling self-conscious in a ballet class of white, blonde girls and receiving strange looks in the school cafeteria as she eats from her bento box. But she channels her energy into strength and determination, leading her to gain confidence in herself and thrive. As she celebrates what makes her culturally unique, she also sees the importance of pushing for equality for all girls. Each page uses key terms that focus on building self-esteem and a strong self-concept for children, making this a natural choice for SEL collections. An author’s note and explanation of Japanese cultural objects and practices from the story conclude. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
