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Being You
Award-winning author and professor Alexs Pate delivers a message of hope and self-discovery in a time of uncertainty in our world. BEING YOU is a beautiful picture book celebrating every readers' individuality and talents. With an authentic voice, BEING YOU's poetic message of love and optimism for the future speaks directly to today's children. BEING YOU helps us to see the wonder and light within each of us.
32 pages, Paperback
Published December 29, 2022
654 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 6, 2018
I have mixed feelings. Things I enjoyed: the art, the author's intention for writing the book, and his work with Innocent Classroom. However, I feel the text of the book didn't express that intention clear enough.
September 22, 2018
Great idea behind the message, but the writing falls flat for me.
November 10, 2018
Filled with positive messages that push against some of the negative messages and stereotypes many youngsters may encounter, this picture book follows a boy and a girl as they navigate the world. Not only are both reminded that others might ignore them or lead them to think they don't matter or that they don't have choices, that is simply not the case. The text and illustrations encourage readers to look past what is visible on the surface, past those angry, sullen faces or that tough demeanor to see the softness and the possibilities that lie within. Although some of the lines didn't flow as well as I might have liked, I enjoyed this one for its hopeful outlook and the fact that it is a teacher who sees the best in both youngsters instead of the negative sides that many might see. As the note at the back of the book reminds readers, labels, especially when they are intended to hurt or are negative, can be harmful to the self-esteem of a child. The parallel here, of course, is that positive messages and labels just might empower someone, and sometimes becoming the best person we can be means taking risks and accepting a little help from others. The illustrations are brimming with bright colors that sound a hopeful note.
November 17, 2018
Being You is a book of encouragement to children to share who they are with others, a book of encouragement to educators to find the strengths of all children. The book has beautiful illustrations that perfectly capture the depths of children's moods, written with poetic language that magnifies.
January 16, 2019
Inspiring book on looking past labels.
August 12, 2025
Important messages for children.
July 22, 2018
Ok, this is a Goodreads giveaway book I won thinking it would be good form y granddaughter. After reading it though, I'm really not sure I'll give it to her. The artwork looks appropriate for her age, but the writing strikes me as something else. I don't think I'd call it depressing exactly, but I really don't find it encouraging either. It appears to be writting for young children trying to find their place in the world, but it seems to make the world, self identity and life in general sound even more uncertain. I may donate it to a local grade school or library, but don't think I'll give this one to my granddaughter.
January 9, 2019
Being You by Alexs Pate, illustrated by Soud. PICTURE BOOK. Capstone, 2018. $18. 9781684460212
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
I am so unsure about the new crop of books whose aim to just celebrate children. It’s not the celebrating part I mind – it’s that the books have little use past one reading. There is no story to latch on to. No path. I do love Soud’s textures – as art there are some very admirable techniques. The writing, however, is inconsistent --- sometimes sentences, sometimes trying to be poetic.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
I am so unsure about the new crop of books whose aim to just celebrate children. It’s not the celebrating part I mind – it’s that the books have little use past one reading. There is no story to latch on to. No path. I do love Soud’s textures – as art there are some very admirable techniques. The writing, however, is inconsistent --- sometimes sentences, sometimes trying to be poetic.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 14, 2018
Wow. This is a powerful book that sends an important message to children that they are free to be themselves. I think it also serves a realistic dose of perspective to any adults who might be lucky enough to enjoy this book with a child that that’s exactly who they are - children, and we are in their lives to help guide them through the difficult times. I really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations in this book as well. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
October 5, 2018
This book is a wonder. It's incredibly empowering and uplifting. I think the language in the book is beautiful and the message is encouraging and good to hear for anyone of any age. Alexs Pate has put out a loving guiding hand to kids to recognize their own good and make choices about who they want to be. So encouraging!
June 18, 2018
I received an advanced reader copy of Being You from Capstone Publishing to share with my #bookexpedition group. It’s a gorgeous text that centers around choice. Kids can either accept the labels that others assign to them, or they can let their inner self shine and connect with others who see their value. This text celebrates every individual’s talents through a message of hope. Pub date is 10/1. I will definitely be reading as a #classroombookaday next school year.
November 21, 2018
Being You is a children's picture book written by Alexs Pate and illustrated by Sound. It is a book with a message of hope and self-discovery for children in the uncertainty of the world.
Pate's text is simplistic, straightforward, and rather poetic. It is a wonderful reminder that children should always be free to achieve their greatness – despite or in spite of what the world could throw at them. Sound's illustrations are phenomenally well depicted – simply put the illustrations are outstanding.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It follows two children as they try to discover whom they are in a world that does not necessarily allow them to freely do so. They encounter great milestones as well as well as great diversions. In the end, only being oneself, in any situation is the only way to shine and live.
All in all, Being You is a wonderful children's book about being true to oneself, despite what the world may say with negative images and generalizations.
Pate's text is simplistic, straightforward, and rather poetic. It is a wonderful reminder that children should always be free to achieve their greatness – despite or in spite of what the world could throw at them. Sound's illustrations are phenomenally well depicted – simply put the illustrations are outstanding.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It follows two children as they try to discover whom they are in a world that does not necessarily allow them to freely do so. They encounter great milestones as well as well as great diversions. In the end, only being oneself, in any situation is the only way to shine and live.
All in all, Being You is a wonderful children's book about being true to oneself, despite what the world may say with negative images and generalizations.
September 8, 2019
I think this book is written really well in order to encourage all students. Many students now feel as if they may never accomplish certain things or that they won't be great or good enough because of what other people say. This book explains how kids need to be open when looking out into life and not being what other people want them to be and not being what people say about them. This book explains to children that they have their own voice and they are who they want to be and not what someone else says. children these days are constantly having negative and harsh labels put upon them that are not true and this book may give some of those students the encouragement that they need to be better and happy and that they are actually allowed to be themselves. The images in this book are also very well done and bring a lot of life to the book by what they are showing.
July 25, 2018
I often hear comments about "the youth of today" all be lumped together because one person has done something to irritate, aggravate or hurt someone. This book is a perfect antidote to that sentiment. All people, children and adults, are unique and special. The book deals with stereotypes, particularly with children of colour, and encourages the character to rise above, they are more than that. I love the cadence of the text and the poetic nature of it. The illustrations are wonderful and very realistic. I can see a teacher or parent using this book with children to help them develop self-confidence and dispel stereotypes. Great for a late primary classroom. Capstone Publishers generously provided me with a copy of this book to read.
July 22, 2018
Being You is a great read. I like the technique used by the author who speaks of eyes, choice, birds... The words are so well thought out and written that my young family read along with me. The lessons, the ideas, the concepts are so positive and energetic that even I, an adult, absorbed and enjoyed them.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Storyline adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The cover art reminds me of fun, freedom, and happiness.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Storyline adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The cover art reminds me of fun, freedom, and happiness.
July 20, 2018
"If there was a sign on your chest, what would it say
If it told your story
If it said who you were."**
This book is all about helping students realize that they are more than the negative stereotypes that they often see and hear about themselves. They don't have to be tough and they can reach out to others. They can choose how the world sees them ... what "sign" they have on their chest. A powerful reminder for those of us who work in field of education.
**Quotes taken from an Advanced Readers Copy
If it told your story
If it said who you were."**
This book is all about helping students realize that they are more than the negative stereotypes that they often see and hear about themselves. They don't have to be tough and they can reach out to others. They can choose how the world sees them ... what "sign" they have on their chest. A powerful reminder for those of us who work in field of education.
**Quotes taken from an Advanced Readers Copy
July 13, 2018
This is a book about looking past the negative stereotypes or definitions others have placed on you. It is about finding love for yourself through knowing yourself.
I love the diversity in this book. The illustrations are gorgeous! It's written in a poem format and that could be great for discussing poetry in the classroom.
I love the diversity in this book. The illustrations are gorgeous! It's written in a poem format and that could be great for discussing poetry in the classroom.
October 23, 2018
You ever read something and think to yourself, "Wow. The author is trying SO HARD here to make something VERY WORTHY and for a VERY WORTHY cause, and the POWER of ALL that WORTHINESS is just...taking the words and putting such weight into them that the message is a bit lost in all of that HEAVY WORTHY wordiness?
July 4, 2020
Award-winning author and professor Alexs Pate delivers a message of hope and self-discovery in a time of uncertainty in our world. YOU is a beautiful picture book celebrating every readers' individuality and talents. With an authentic voice, YOU's poetic message of love and optimism for the future speaks directly to today's children. YOU helps us to see the wonder and light within each of us.
July 21, 2018
This book would be such a great conversation starter emotionally for its content as well as academically for its rich use of language and poetry. It had a lot of heart and I love that it doesn't feel like it's talking down to kids. This feels like it would fit well for upper elementary.
July 21, 2018
As an educator, I was so happy to recieve this book as an addition to my classroom library. It is a beautiful book with a wonderful message. I think Innocent Classroom is doing such important work and look forward to see its future growth.
September 9, 2018
Every child should be able to love and accept themselves as they are. The message of loving yourself is so necessary with all of the negativity children face from so many places. A beautiful message with gorgeous illustrations! A must have for the classroom or home!
September 30, 2018
I’d like to hear the author read this book as I feel I’m missing some of the message. I understand the general intent, but it doesn’t flow for me. I thing younger students would have some trouble understanding some of the metaphors.
November 29, 2018
Great intention behind it but I can't help think how much more powerful it would be if Pate teamed up with someone to bring about a stronger narrative. I also can't help think this is going to seem awfully dated several years from now.
November 10, 2019
Really not sure what to think on this book. I like the message behind it but I don't think the writing style is appropriate for the age range they are trying to grab. Maybe a re-think on the wording in this book is required.
June 28, 2018
A picture book that explores individuality and the choice to be who you are.
October 24, 2018
As an adult, I liked the message in the book, although the message was beyond what a child would be able to understand. I don't think a child can attach the intended meaning to the words.
October 28, 2018
Ages 6-8.
December 27, 2018
Lovely illustrations
February 18, 2019
This is a beautiful poem that pushes against stereotypes and low expectations. It speaks to readers about defining yourself rather than having society define you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews