Inspirational and Joyful Messages For Young Readers

IMWAYR

It's Monday! What Are You Reading

Myra here.

It’s Monday, What are You Reading is a meme hosted by Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers (new host of Monday reading: Kathryn T at Book Date). Since two of our friends, Linda from Teacher Dance and Tara from A Teaching Life have been joining this meme for quite awhile now, we thought of joining this warm and inviting community.

While I generally avoid narratives written by celebrity authors with seemingly-heavy-handed messages, there is something about these two picturebooks whose earnestness won me over. Add the fact that they are a perfect fit for our joymakers and peacebuilders theme.

I Am Enough [Amazon | Book Depository]

Written by Grace Byers Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Published by Harper Collins (2018)
ISBN: 0062985809 (ISBN13: 9780062985804) Literary Award: Goodreads Choice Award for Picture Books (2018). Borrowed from Overdrive. Book photos taken by me.

While this message seems trite to most people, I don’t think it has ever been linked so definitively to an image of a beautiful Black girl with the big wild hair and the steady gaze – and because of that, it takes on a different nuance, a certain kind of strength.

While I am not a fan of the rhyming text and the constant use of simile, it seems to still work in this narrative – especially with the use of familiar phrases and repetition that can be comforting to young readers.

I also appreciated the white spaces that are easy on the eyes – and I like the image above of the studious young girl, determined to learn all she can through books.

Scholars may rightfully claim that the appearance of diversity in the pages of the book can be considered ‘tokenistic’ – yet the overall message is consistent throughout with the uplifting tone of acceptance and inclusion. The book also took on a different complexity when I discovered that the author Grace Byers is a child of deaf adults (CODA) and was subsequently bullied as a child – hence, her intention to create these books that are brimming with positivity and encouragement. I found myself unusually moved by the dedication when she noted “and for You, the beautiful soul reading: may you never forget how enough your enough truly is.” AMEN.

I Believe I Can [Amazon | Book Depository]

Written by Grace Byers Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Published by Balzer + Bray (2020)
ISBN: 0062667130 (ISBN13: 9780062667137). Borrowed from Overdrive. Book photos taken by me.

Whereas the first book has to do with one’s identity and purpose in life, the second book focuses more on self-efficacy – the things that the young reader is able to do and more.

The narrative uses a similar formula: simile and rhyming text. It also demonstrates that things may not always work out for the young reader, but the mistakes and setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth.

I like the sense of movement in the pages – the hands that are always busy, the bodies that are poised with purpose and determination.

The message of empowerment is clear and loud in these pages. I don’t know about you, but the jaded and cynical reader in me feels that young readers need these inspiring stories more than ever. You are Enough. Believe that you can.