Book Details:
Book Title: It's Me by Jeff Kubiak
Category: Middle-Grade Non-Fiction (Ages 8-12), 57 pages
Genre: Children's/Middle Grade, Non-fiction, own voices
Publisher: EduMatch Publishing
Release date: November 14, 2020
Content Rating: PG. Although the book reads like a graphic novel, it does contain topics dealing with racism and other social issues.
Book Description:
It's Me is dedicated to every person who has ever felt less about who they are or want to be because of someone else’s opinion, feelings, or prejudice. Let's ditch the prejudiced labeling, and embrace our Human Race for the diversity, inclusivity, equity, and individuality we all deserve.
My Review:
As someone who is "different" in the "normal" society, I am able to resonate with this book quite well.
The book attempts to remove labels projected on different people throughout the book, unfortunately to do that, the labels have to be seen in order to remove them.
Each page is about a real person who is still struggling to find their place in society. Most all of the colorful photos have names changed to protect them but still their feelings are heard through each individual's own words. In any case, the reader clearly is able to see the adults and children and the labeling that has been thrust upon them. Each persons words are then ended by the words, "It's Me" thus the title of the book.
I do want to mention that there are several topics addressed in this book that often we as society will quarrel about. I think that the book opens opportunity for conversations that are not only on point in today's world, but an opportunity to show kindness.
I liked what the author was trying to do and I do think it works to an extent. At least the point of the book is that even with struggles, each person depicted might just be like you and to give them a chance.
This book is not aimed at children younger than eight and it is understandable why. However, with the resources included in the back, which are several, including a glossary, parents can still talk to the younger set and begin to instill those conversations that I mentioned above.
Terrific book that I think should be included in all homeschool and classroom settings.
5 stars
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book from the author. The review presented here is 100% my own opinions that may differ from yours. ~Michelle
Buy the Book
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Meet the Author:
Jeff loves children's literature , “One Drop of Kindness” is Jeff's first published children's book. It's Me reads like a fun graphic novel, but it is entirely non fiction. Every character in the book is a real student, or educator. It is so important for us to give access, equity, inclusion, and compassion to all those we meet. "Seeing" each
other and embracing our differences are jewels to life! Jeff taught for ten years as an elementary school teacher in grades 4, 5, and 6 and has seven years of administrative experience. He's always looked at education from a different lens: from someone who hated and struggled with school. Jeff vows to always do his best to help increase opportunities for all students to feel heard, noticed, celebrated, challenged and safe. Jeff works hard to push back against the old model of “Industrialized Education” and fight compliance. There is not a day that goes by that he is not looking ahead to improve teacher pedagogy, student engagement and digital access for all. Being a former world class swimmer and coach and looks at education from perspectives that others don’t. Jeff knows what it takes to fail, struggle, win and go through the daily challenges that we all face.
connect with author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads
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