Best in Me: nurturing self-confidence & community

This is the first year that I joined the Multicultural Children's Book Day as a reviewer. I was gifted a copy of the book, Best in Me, written by Natalie McDonald-Perkins and illustrated by Mary Ibeh.  This beautiful picture book is intended for young people to listen to and engage with on many levels.  

Everyone has differences that can make them feel insecure.  Rather than sitting in that feeling of self-doubt, Best in Me encourages the reader to turn those feelings into confidence instead.  But how can a person do that? Let alone a child?  This is where the author, McDonald-Perkins, seamlessly weaves together the origin of a person's strength.  

This story takes place in a classroom where the counselor leading the lesson has created a safe place for her students.  One by one, they come to the front of the class to share a poem they have written about what makes them special.  Prior to each student reading their poem, they think about what in their life gives them comfort--a pet, family member or friend who sticks by their side. These special touchstones remind the reader that everyone is vulnerable, so leaning on these people and pets will help you through.

As a teacher, librarian and parent, I would read this book with children and ask them what they notice about the characters.  Who do they lean on in times of need?  How do they support one another in the classroom?  I would even ask them to consider who in their life supports them and what special quality do they have?

The author is a seasoned educator so the story feels quite authentic.  The illustrator adds vibrant and realistic pictures that radiate in diversity.  This book encourages readers to empathize and self-monitor their own identities in order to build a safer community.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.

Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission and History here: https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/about/mission/