Read this book in Granite’s Sora
Written by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Gordon C. James
Every child needs to know their worth, and this beautiful picture book encourages children to find the good inside of them. As I read this out loud to one of my classes, the quote, ” I am good to the core, like the center of a cinnamon roll,” was a favorite. Isn’t that a beautiful thought? That we see ourselves as good to the core? The artwork reinforced the message with a breathtaking depiction of young boys in their element. They are shown in the light that we all want to be seen in. They are happy, curious, resilient, supportive, and brave, to name a few adjectives from this book.
I think this book will inspire those who pick it up to see the beauty in the children (and adults) around them. This is what the world needs. We all need to see the good in those that are in our lives. Then it can spread to all the world. We loved reading this book and it fills a need in our library. Since all the voices in this book are young black boys, it can serve a group that deserves more representation and can help others to see through a window to what it is like to grow up as a black child in this world. Beautifully written and illustrated.
Reviewed by Merri Rygg, Media Clerk, Truman Elementary
Reviewed in January 2021
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-5
I Am Every Good Thing
Written by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Gordon C. James
Nancy Paulsen Books
32 pages
Release Date: September 1, 2020
ISBN: 9780525518778
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
