Literacy Matters Vol. 25 Winter 2025

Uniquely You: A Children’s Literature Review Column for TeachersUniquely You: A Children’s Literature Review Column for Teachers

by Jill Shelnut with Kaelin Anthony, Suzanne Barakat, Amelia Bromham, Virginia Lee, Mya Molina, Hannah Pennington, Riley Still, Coker Streett, and Gabrielle Trowbridge

she starts to feel anxious about being “too big” due to remarks made by others on the playground, in the classroom, and in stores. As the story goes on, her clothes change to darker, ashier colors, like gray and black, to reflect her changing emotional state. Want to know more about how she returned to her bright and vibrant self? Well, read this inspiring story to see how one little girl was able to change how she views being “big.”

In this column, you will find children’s literature focused on the celebration of self. Each book combines engaging narratives with vibrant illustrations, offering young readers meaningful stories that inspire self-acceptance and personal growth. These books encourage children to develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self through embracing failures as learning opportunities, recognizing and celebrating our strengths, and letting go of insecurities. As you explore these books, we hope you discover stories to share as read-alouds in your classroom or with a child who would benefit from their message.

Literacy Matters Literature Matters

I AmMe Written by Susan Verde. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Harry N. Abrams, 2022. $15.99. Grades K-3. —Kaelin Anthony

A Walk In The Words Written and Illustrated by Hudson Talbet. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2021. $13.68, Grades K-3.

—Virginia Lee

Have you ever felt like you did not fit in or belong? That is precisely

how the young girl in I AmMe feels. She feels different from everyone around her and starts to wonder if there’s something wrong with her. She asks herself, “Maybe I am too much, maybe I am too small.” As she continues to question herself, she begins to learn something important: no one else in the world is exactly like her, and that is a good thing. Her journey teaches her that being different is not something to hide—it is something to celebrate. By the end of the story, she proudly says, “I deserve to be celebrated.”I AmMe is a story about learning to love who you are, even when you feel out of place. It reminds children that being different is what makes them special. This book encourages children to embrace their individuality and see their uniqueness as a strength in a world that often judges. The book reassures young readers that it’s okay to be themselves. It inspires them to feel proud of who they are and know they have something valuable to offer the world. The simple yet powerful message encourages kids to express themselves, even if they feel unsure or lonely. This story is perfect for kids who need a boost of confidence or who feel like they do not quite fit in. With its uplifting words and relatable theme, I AmMe reminds every child that being unique is something to celebrate. I AmMe is a beautiful book about self acceptance and the importance of being unapologetically you. I AmMe Written by Susan Verde. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Harry N. Abrams, 2022. $15.99. Grades K-3. —Coker Streett We spend our lives wondering who we are and seeking the approval of others, but what if, instead of trying to be liked, we focused on loving ourselves just as we are? Verde and Reynolds

Words, words, words. They are everywhere: on signs, in cars, and in books. Imagine if it took you longer than your friend to read them. Hudson Talbot takes readers through a journey in his Schneider

Family Book Award-winning story, A Walk In The Words . The boy in the story has a beautiful talent when it comes to drawing; however, reading is hard for him though it means so much to him. This is a story of resilience, perseverance, and time. This story uses beautiful drawings to elicit the feelings he experiences when overwhelmed by “wordy” books, reading in class, and thoughts he has while digging into a book. This book highlights what it means for children to be different learners, each carrying their own unique strengths. How will he conquer a book with what feels like a million words? Read this book to learn more about how he overcomes his challenges and inspires the reader to overcome as well.

BIG Written and Illustrated by Vashti Harrison. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2023. $10.54, Grades PreK-3. —Mya Molina “Once, there was a girl. She had a big laugh and a big heart and huge dreams. And it was good. Until it wasn’t.”Vashti

Harrison’s award-winning book, BIG , is the story of a girl who was confident, comfortable, and happy with who she was until her parents, teachers, and peers began using words that made her feel insecure. The illustrations show the protagonist in vivid pink and light purple hues, highlighting her confidence in her identity as a ballerina. But as the story goes on, you can see how

Literacy Matters | Volume 25 • Winter 2025 | 27 |

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