Michael Franti

Michael Franti takes us on a journey of a young child 's quest for self acceptance by identifying with the beauty of nature. As a reader/parent who reads to her children, I absolutely loved this book! This book was given to my daughter, Emma, by her aunt. She personalized this book by saying, "always be who you want to be" and I hope my daughter feels she can be who she is. I felt this book was like my daughter, innocent. I felt this book spoke of the hope of a child and how this child would do so many self-less wonderful things. I just love this book!
As a teacher, I like this book because any child from any background can relate to this story no matter their race, culture, SES, etc. The references the children can make aren't linked to some specific culture. The child in this book doesn't look at race, gender, or culture which may be inspiring for students of minority groups. I think some children think they have to look at comparing theirselves to a sports figure or superhero and that makes them a good person. The child is able to look around himself to find that who he is, is who he is by references to nature and finds self acceptance. This book does a great job of helping children to explore who they are rather than what others want them to be. Students are encouraged to self explore and not to conform to a specific culture or "norm", rather being who they are is okay. I would use this book in any class from kindergarten where children are entering a new phase of their lives that can be very scary and emotional to the fifth graders who may be struggling with the pressures of starting middle school and may be afraid that who they are isn't good enough. The illustrations by Ben Hodson are very bright, cheerful, and brilliantly expresses the words written by Michael Franti.… (mehr)