The Me I Choose to Be
on Goodreads (503)
What’s inside...
The Me I Choose to Be is a powerful guide by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley that encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and live with intention and purpose. Through reflective exercises, journal prompts, and affirmations, the book helps readers break free from limiting beliefs and patterns. It also provides practical tools for building self-love, cultivating healthy relationships, and achieving goals. Additionally, the book celebrates the potential and inherent beauty of all Black and brown children through lyrical text and stunning photography by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, encouraging readers to explore the endless possibilities of what they can be.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some unique qualities you love about yourself that make you who you are?
Can you think of a time when you felt proud to be yourself, just like characters in the book?
How do you think embracing who you are helps you and others around you?
What dreams do you have for your future and how do you think you can achieve them?
How do you feel when you try new things and discover more about who you are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express themselves by sharing personal stories that relate to the themes of the book.
Praise your child’s insights during the discussion, highlighting how their unique view adds value to the conversation.
Use examples from the book and relate them to real-life situations to help your child connect with the story.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and understanding.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and characteristics, showcasing a variety of children who accept and celebrate their identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept themselves as they are, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence in daily interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through choices
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the power of personal choice in defining oneself, highlighting that children have the agency to choose who they want to be.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that their decisions can shape their lives, encouraging them to make positive and deliberate choices about their actions and attitudes.
Example Lesson: Diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The story celebrates a diverse range of cultures, abilities, and perspectives, teaching the value of inclusivity and representation.
Real-World Application: By recognizing and valuing diversity, children can foster a more inclusive environment in their schools and communities, promoting empathy and understanding toward different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book confront and overcome various challenges, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through their own challenges in life, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with resilience and determination.
Example Lesson: Encouragement of creativity
Explanation: The book portrays children engaging in various creative endeavors, showing the importance of self-expression and imagination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own creative interests, which can lead to improved problem-solving skills and emotional expression.