Book Review – It’s Okay To Be Me

Our very first book this year for December bed time reading is a book by Vanessa Girard titled It’s Okay to Be Me! In December we try to open and read a new book every night before Christmas. This little book is an easy read for young readers, has 28 pages, and was newly published in 2016 so chances are if you are looking for a gift, this is not a book that a child already has!

 This book hits the root of a huge issue in our society and helps instill the values that supports humanity. Everyone is equal. It reads in a sing song fashion in a voice children can relate to, simple but powerful in it’s clarity. My kids loved it. They really relate to the idea that not everyone should be the very same and how boring that would be.

It touches on the idea that it is not what we look like or even how smart we are, but what is further on the inside of each of us. I am reminded that children are not born racist, and they might not even understand the concept.

Sharing a personal story: I was in Kindergarten and had two best friends I adored at school, one boy, and one girl. We were inseparable. At one point I some how came up with a nickname for the boy, he was my cookie. The girl was upset with me and didn’t tell me why for more than a few days and I was really upset not understanding. She wanted a nickname too it turns out and without a second thought, I called her my Brownie. Yup, she was black. (I can’t say African American because I am not sure if that is her heritage, my sister in law with dark skin reminds me she isn’t African American but rather Pacific Islander.) Before I knew it, she hit me. I had no idea why! We all ended up in the principles office. I didn’t understand what I had done wrong. I really had no idea. No one explained it to me either, because it was years later before I understood what I had done. In short, she was moved to a different class, and we were friends no more. I couldn’t understand how my nickname could have been mean, couldn’t wrap my head around it, there was nothing wrong with my friend, or brownies that I loved. I was heart broken, and I just didn’t understand what I had done wrong or why she hated me, or why teachers were upset with me. It was a mess. I wish I had known, I wish I could have had the chance to make it better. I have no idea where she is now, but I wish I wasn’t a bad memory of her, the insensitive white girl who broke her heart.

Now as a parent I try to keep my children aware of issues and help them keep their open hearts and minds and see people as people. We can’t ignore racism.

I am thankful for this innocent book that helps kids not just be ok with who they are, but with who others are too!

Check out our book list for December so far!

Don’t miss our Holiday Gift Guide and Giveaways!