I Am Amazing!

June 1, 2022
Ayaan loves being a superhero. On the playground, Ayaan, who has dark brown skin and black hair, runs from friend to friend with his cape trailing behind him, helping however he can. When Aria needs a push on the swings, he is there. When Elijah and Atara need help scaling the rock wall, he is happy to lend a hand. But when he hears David and Brian (brown-haired with dark skin and black-haired with light skin, respectively) laughing at him ("You don't look like a superhero to me"), Ayaan removes his cape and loses his fire. After school, his father, who has dark brown skin and long black locs, can tell that Ayaan is upset. When Ayaan tells him why, his father says, "Even though your friends may not have seen many superheroes that look like you, superheroes are everywhere," and he explains that "anyone can be a superhero, including you." He asks Ayaan what makes him amazing, and Ayaan comes up with several things--he's kind, brave, and helpful--before donning his cape again. This short, simple tale is a strong social-emotional read-aloud. The illustrations are bright, cartoonlike, and engaging, and Ayaan is an appealing protagonist who faces the unkindness of his peers but rises above it. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An uplifting tale that will convince all kids that they, too, are super. (Picture book. 4-7)

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June 10, 2022

K-Gr 3-From the authors of I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! comes another story about Ayaan. Some friends at school make fun of him for wearing his cape and tell him he doesn't look anything like a superhero. Returning home, Ayaan tells his dad, "I left my smile at school today." His dad helps him see that everyone can be a superhero and asks Ayaan what makes him amazing. As in the first book, Ayaan gains self-confidence with the help of a loving parent. The positive tone of the book is uplifting and shows young readers how to identify their inner strengths. Myers's illustrations are bold and vibrant, and show Ayaan and his father with dark skin, hair, and eyes. VERDICT Purchase where diverse picture books are needed as well as those that promote self-esteem and a positive mindset.-Heidi Dechief

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