“There will be times when you walk into a room and there is no one quite like you.”
We have many back to school books but this new one that releases next Tuesday is a special one. It speaks with empathy and poignancy not only to first-day nerves but to newcomers who feel like outsiders. It helps us realize that what we feel is a big gap of differences might actually be more narrow than we think. This story—this beautiful, meaningful set of words—helps readers celebrate their individuality and recognize the uniqueness of their lives. And how sharing our stories with others around us makes their lives—and the world—richer. A must-have for every library.
The Day You Begin was written by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López and published by Nancy Paulsen Books. It’ll be out next Tuesday, August 28 and will also be published in Spanish.