I can be everything I want to be,
I can be all of magnificent me!
In this lighthearted story, a group of six, colorfully clad children exuberantly explore ——
through play —— the many ways they can be themselves. They are free to embrace all
kinds of activities, reveling in the fun of trying new things and discovering new ways of
being.They can shoot baskets, dance around a room, weave ribbons through their hair,
swim like a mermaid, and more. There is no right way or wrong way. There are no binary
expectations. Children explore their individuality through whatever kinds of play appeal
to them.
With lively, gender—neutral rhyming verses and fun, gender—bending images, author
Lesléa Newman and illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez invite young readers into a
space where creativity and acceptance are enjoyed by all, and where each child will be
inspired to say, "I can be... me!"
LESLÉA NEWMAN is the author of more than seventy—five acclaimed books for readers
of all ages. She has received numerous awards for her work, including two Stonewall
Book Award Honors and a creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for
the Arts. Newman is also a popular presenter at conferences, libraries, and schools. She
lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts, with her spouse, Mary Grace Vazquez. Learn about
Newman's books for children at lesleakids.com.
MAYA CHRISTINA GONZALEZ is a fine artist, an activist, an educator, and the illustrator
of many award—winning children's books. Her books have received recognition from the
Pura Belpré Award, Notable Books for a Global Society, and more. Gonzalez's books
often focus on teaching, inspiring, and empowering children and adults to create
personal and cultural change in their lives. She lives with her family in San Francisco,
California. You can find her online at mayagonzalez.com.
Key Selling Points
Lesléa Newman is an acclaimed author known for her respectful and sensitive
treatment of LGBTQ+ themes in children's books; I Can Be... Me! gently presents
gender—neutral play for all children as entirely natural and ordinary.
Embraces themes of self—discovery and self—esteem that encourage children to
celebrate their own uniqueness as well as that of others.
Provides a tool for starting discussions and building awareness and acceptance
of children who have gender—fluid play interests.
Presents a gentle, imaginative story that breaks down gender stereotypes and
empowers children to decide for themselves who they are and who they want to
be.
— Child—centric rhyming verses make the book a perfect read—aloud.
— Award—winning illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez's playful illustrations feature
children of color and are filled with fun details for readers to discover and
explore.
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