The books reviewed on this blog voice and reflect some of my core values. An emphasis on kindness forms a recurring thread as does inclusivity and empathy. Peter H. Reynolds, an author featured several times has created another gem, Say Something. It invites readers to contribute their unique voices and talents to the world.
When they choose to stay hidden or silent, they silence their voices, waste their talents, and abdicate their opportunity to make a contribution. They miss their chance to make the world a better place.
Reynolds tells readers “The world needs your voice.” He reassures them that “it doesn’t need to be perfect… [or] loud.” They can speak in many ways: “with words, with action, with creativity.” Their voices can be as varied as their individuality. Every voice counts!
In simple, brief text Reynolds explains the power of an individual with focus, passion, and a dream. He shows them they each have value and their dreams matter. He asks them to engage actively in life, to channel their determination creativity, and persistence to bring their dreams into existence. They must engage with vigor, joy, and inclusion. Take part in life and enjoy the ride.
Say Something illustrates how life is fundamentally a “team” sport that requires partnering with others. This expands the dream as well as the likelihood of success. Kids must learn to advocate for themselves, to engage and collaborate, and most importantly, to see others not as stepping stones but as partners. No success is worth crushing others to achieve it. In fact, one’s greatest joy can be found in bringing others along, in creating a tide that lifts all. Similarly, each of us shares an obligation to speak out and stand up for our values. Not only adults. Kids must also choose to intervene when others are being marginalized, bullied, or ignored.
AQ Lens Adoptees often bring an infusion of talents and interests which vary wildly from their adoptive families. Say Something helps them value their differences and see them as the blessing they truly are This book celebrates the joy and wonder of our “uniquenesses” and affirms both their value and the importance of bringing them to life and putting them to good use.
Listen to our–GIFT Family Services’ podcasts on Adoption-attuned Parenting.
The kindle version of 
Hello, My Name Is Octicorn
Dreaming UP: A Celebration of Building
Both 
Both 
Similarly, 
Alarcón’s 
tale provides a peek into the inner world of one Billy Bramble. Not identified as an adoptee, Billy definitely serves as the poster child for kids wrestling with the demons of trauma. (The origins of his trauma are not revealed. This helps to make the story connect with a wide audience)
Poor Billy suffers as much from Gobber’s destructive behaviors as his family, classmates, and teachers. Gobber’s presence is so formidable, so consuming and so committed to Billy’s failure, that the reader empathizes with Billy’s struggles and cheers for his success. The brilliance of Sally’s writing allows the reader to feel Billy’s anguish and frustration as he struggles to rein in his self-saboteur.
distracting him. He yearns to have the privileges and self-control of other kids and like them, to have his own Facebook account. The closest he can come is to name his pet chicken Facebook. I know, right. Talk about a stacked deck! Fortunately, Donovan counterbalances the stresses of Billy’s challenges with a healthy dose of humor and irony. She succeeds in making Billy a character that readers root for instead of dismissing him as “other” or someone whom they can pigeonhole as odd or weird.
litany of teacher-corrections and directives familiar to all kids, but especially the Billies of the world. Readers will identify when Billy receives a letter from the teacher that reports on his latest transgression. We all know what it is like to have to face the aftermath of a poor choice.
The one spark of hope for release from Gobber’s reign of terror is cooking. It provides Billy an exit ramp from the super highway of chaos and creates a place of refuge and redemption for Billy. Gobber makes a formidable enemy; he does not surrender easily.
I originally posted my 
How would you reply if you asked yourself, “What is your heart like?” What would you predict your child might reply? 
Valentine’s day brings thoughts of love. Add a sprinkle of multiculturalism to your celebrations with the charming One Love by Cedella Marley, daughter of the Reggae artist, Bob Marley. Illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton enliven the text, based on his song, “One Love.” Beautiful multi-media pictures will brighten the reader’s day. The mood of the story is upbeat and positive and reinforces the idea that we are all part of the community of earth, that we all can choose to work, laugh and love together. Five stars
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