I Am Enough
Grace Byers, Author
Keturah A. Bobo, Illustrator
Balzer + Bray, Fiction, Mar. 6, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Individuality, Love, Respect, Kindness, Diversity
Opening: “Like the sun, I’m here to shine.”
Book Synopsis: I Am Enough is an essential book for everyone — an inspiring lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.
Why I like this book: Grace Byers’ soulful book is a magnificent poem to girls encouraging self-esteem, individuality, respect and kindness. It empowers girls to be themselves and encourages them to realize their endless potential. Readers will learn how each day is filled with possibilities to dream, soar, love, use their voices, fail, succeed, disagree, and love. The poetic tone of the text is celebratory, inviting the reader on an adventure of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Keturah Bobo’s expressive and vibrant illustrations showcase racial and cultural diversity and shows a girl playing jump rope in a wheelchair. They compliment the uplifting and positive affirmation that “I am enough!” And that cover just draws you into the story. This is a perfect gift book.
Resources: This is an ideal discussion book. Ask girls what it means to be enough. Let this conversation evolve into what is uniquely beautiful about her and every other girl. Although written for girls, I believe boys will enjoy this book.
Grace Byers is an actor and activist who stars in Fox’s hit series Empire. As a multiracial young girl and a child of deaf adults, Grace was bullied throughout her childhood. This book was born out of her desire to empower young girls against the effects of bullying. In her spare time, she volunteers with the nonprofit anti-bullying organization Saving Our Daughters. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, actor Trai Byers.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
Looks wonderful!
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It is a wonderful book. I love the lyrical nature and the message.
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It sounds like an inspiring book for young girls. It is never too early to build up their self-esteem.
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It is inspiring and I agree that we need to start building self-esteem at a young age.
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Wonderful review, Pat! I’ll put this one on my list.
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Thank you Robin! It is an empowering book for girls.
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I love this picture book. It is beautifully empowering and affirming.
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Yes, I felt the same way. Just love that cover!
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So great. Enough was my One Word a few years back; such an important reminder!
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Yes, a good word for both children and adults.
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Such a gorgeous cover! I’m looking forward to seeing this book!
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Makes you want to buy the book! It is a great gift book too.
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This is a book teachers need to share in their classrooms. What does it mean to be enough? This is a question that can open a sea of conversations.
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Yes, it is an excellent classroom book. And, a good book for mothers and daughters. Even boys would benefit.
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This cover is gorgeous & the message is so needed now! What a wonderful choice!
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Thank you! I loved this book from beginning to end!
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Patricia, I love this cover and look forward to reading this one. Thanks!
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The cover screams, “buy me!” I will be giving this book as a gift!
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Great cover and great opening line. This looks great. Thanks for the post.
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I loved the opening and ending. This book shines!
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What a perfect title and cover image. This would be a super read aloud, too. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the cover — It is eye-popping and draws you write into the story.
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This cover is so inviting. And the whole concept of “being enough”, having enough…. so important.
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It really is a great cover — draws you in immediately! I am going to gift this one to some little girls I know.
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This one is on my list. I’m looking even more forward to reading it now. Thanks for sharing your review!
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There is so much to love about the inspiring story!
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Love this. My son struggles with being a perfectionist, people pleaser and he is an empath.
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I think both genders would enjoy this PB.
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