The Reading Warehouse

Grace Byers is an actress and activist known for her roles in Fox's smash hit series Empire and Marvel's The Gifted. As a multicultural, biracial CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Grace was bullied throughout her childhood, which inspired her first picture book, the New York Times bestseller I Am Enough--an ode to the empowerment of young girls. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, actor Trai Byers.

Keturah A. Bobo is an artist whose dedication to creating vibrant images that depict diversity has gained her attention worldwide. She graduated with a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and lives in Ohio with her family of entrepreneurs. Visit www.keturahariel.com.

Gr 1–4—Actress Byers has penned a picture-book affirmation for girls who may be doubting their self-worth. Byers, who self-indentifies as multiracial and a CODA (child of deaf adults), experienced bullying as a child. The rhyming text begins with a series of first-person statements about purpose, many in the form of similes. Some of these translate well to a young human, e.g., "Like the tree, I'm here to grow," while others are rather less successful (and logical): "Like the rain, I'm here to pour and drip and fall until I'm full." The latter part of the book suggests that readers should love and support each other despite differences, both physical and otherwise. This is a gentle and worthy message, but may not be concrete enough to empower bullied students or to prompt a change in those who bully. It could be used to give struggling young girls a script for positive self-talk, or the adults who care for them an opening to discuss dignity and kindness. A plurality of ethnicities and body types are represented, generally at a distance and against plain white backgrounds enhanced with digital chalk sketches. VERDICT Teachers and librarians who tend to the self-esteem of young girls may wish to consider this title to introduce concepts and spark discussion.—Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library