I Am ddAea
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Timaya spent a lot of time listening to her grandmother explain the various names given to enslaved Africans, such as nigger, colored, black, and African American, which were all linked to skin color and provided no insight into their origin, culture, or language. This resulted in a loss of identity. Her grandmother clarified that these names reflected their external appearance but did not represent their rich African heritage. Timaya discovered her identity as ddAea, a direct descendant of an African Enslaved in America, leading to a newfound sense of self. She invites readers to join her journey of discarding old identifiers and embracing her true identity, which reflects her essence rather than her appearance.
Age
3-12
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when ddAea made a new friend? What do you think is important in a friendship?
What did ddAea do when faced with a challenge? Can you think of a time when you did something similar?
ddAea learned a lot about different animals in the story. Which animal was your favorite, and why?
How do you think ddAea felt when the adventure was over? Have you ever felt the same way after an exciting day?
If you could ask ddAea one question about her journey, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life. Change your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story. This encourages active thinking and curiosity.
Relate the story's themes to your child's own experiences. For example, discuss a time when they made a new friend or tackled a big challenge.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene or a character from the book. Discuss their artwork to deepen understanding of the story.
Pose 'what if' scenarios based on the book’s plot to help your child consider different perspectives and outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Kindness
Explanation: In 'I Am ddAea', the protagonist, ddAea, goes out of their way to help friends in need, demonstrating kindness and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by helping a classmate, sharing toys, or comforting someone who is upset, reinforcing pro-social behavior.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, ddAea faces various challenges but does not give up. This persistence is highlighted when ddAea solves a difficult puzzle.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in face of difficulties, whether in completing homework, learning a new skill, or resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: ddAea interacts with a variety of characters, each different in their own way, which teaches the beauty of diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect the differences in people they meet, promoting inclusivity and understanding in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The book shows ddAea using imaginative ways to overcome obstacles, emphasizing creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can use creativity to think about multiple solutions to problems, whether in their play scenarios or in academic settings.