I Am Somebody

by Nyasha Williams, Ashley Evans (Illustrator)

Overview

An empowering picture book about the importance of stepping up (and speaking up) to address injustice and effect change within our daily lives, from the author of I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids.

I Am Somebody takes the reader on a journey over the course of a day, as our main character notices various forms of neglect and injustice—from trash on the sidewalk and students butting in line waiting for the bus, to not sharing on the playground and bullying about food. In each instance, the young child remarks that SOMEBODY should do something to remedy the situation(s) until, eventually, they realize that they are the person that can effect change. This powerful story reminds us that every living thing is unique and should be treated with kindness and respect and that we are ALL “somebody.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780762480524
Publisher:	Running Press Book Publishers
Publication date:	06/27/2023
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Nyasha Williams grew up living intermittently between the United States and South Africa. She is passionate about good food and good company, exploring new places, and fighting for social justice. She lives in Colorado with her husband.

Ashley Evans loves creating colorful, fun, and dynamic images, especially if they are figurative or portraits. Born and raised in Queens, she now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not creating art, you can find her decorating cakes, enjoying her family, or catching a much needed nap!

Editorial Reviews

07/17/2023

The creators urge reader empowerment with this message-driven story about taking action. During a school day, a Black child witnesses numerous moments when things aren’t as they should be—from trash on the sidewalk and queue-jumping students to microaggressions and student selfishness. In each instance, the narrator reflects on the need for change, applying the refrain “Somebody should.” Slowly, the narrator awakens to the idea that “I am Somebody,” and examples pivot to positive interventions and the way they might inspire others. Williams’s sometimes formal-sounding first-person phrasings and Evans’s flatly colored, character-driven renderings convey moments of helpfulness and activism as the protagonist picks up trash, serves lunch at a cafeteria, and protests for the environment. A concluding affirmation—“I am Somebody/ who will make a difference in the world”—articulates a can-do takeaway. Ages 4–8. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Accompanied by simple yet expressive illustrations, this is a loving and much-needed story that encourages kids to make a difference… Empowerment to children to be the change they wish to see in the world.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The creators urge reader empowerment with this message-driven story about taking action.”—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2023-03-29
Be a “somebody” who makes a difference!

A Black child witnesses various transgressions over the course of a day. Noticing trash on the walk to the bus stop, the young narrator thinks, “Somebody should do something about that.” Two students push their way ahead of everyone else in order to get good seats on the school bus, prompting the child to muse, “Somebody should speak up about that.” Throughout the day, the child notices examples of bullying and unfairness. These seemingly minor infractions start mounting. Finally, when the protagonist’s teacher tells the students that it’s snack time, the narrator notices that some students don’t have anything to eat. Instead of wishing for a “somebody,” the perceptive pupil realizes, “I am Somebody” and shares food with the others. The epiphany doesn’t stop there. When the narrator arrives home and notices there are toys everywhere but Mom is on a work call, the child responds to Mom’s request for help by cleaning up the mess. Accompanied by simple yet expressive illustrations, this is a loving and much-needed story that encourages kids to make a difference; pair it with Joshunda Sanders’ I Can Write the World (2019), illustrated by Charly Palmer. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Empowerment to children to be the change they wish to see in the world. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews