Here I Am
What’s inside...
Newly arrived from their faraway homeland, a boy and his family enter into the lights, noise, and traffic of a busy American city. The language is unfamiliar. Food, habits, games, and gestures are puzzling. The boy clings tightly to his special keepsake from home and wonders how he will find his way. How will he once again become the happy, confident kid he used to be? Walk in his shoes as he takes the first tentative steps toward discovering joy in his new world.
Age
5-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy (Unnamed)
Neighbor Girl
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he first arrived in the new country?
What are some ways the boy tried to connect with his new environment?
Can you describe a time when you felt out of place and how you dealt with it?
What do the seeds represent in the story and why are they important?
How did the boy’s feelings change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt new or out of place.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and the boy’s experiences in the book.
Ask open-ended questions to allow your child to express their feelings and thoughts about adaptation and change.
Highlight the importance of patience and time in overcoming challenges, as shown in the boy’s journey.
Celebrate the culture and diversity illustrated in the book, discussing any similar or different traditions your family might have.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Here I Am' navigates the challenges of moving to a new country and learning a new language, showing resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cope with changes and new environments positively, understanding that adapting is part of growth and life.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with diverse characters, the story fosters understanding and acceptance, teaching the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to understand and share the feelings of others in their school and community, promoting harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The young character faces his fears of alienation and isolation courageously, which highlights the quality of bravery in unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a team, speaking in class, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Despite language barriers, the character finds unique ways to communicate and express himself, showcasing the power of non-verbal communication.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that there are many ways to express thoughts and feelings beyond words, such as through art or actions.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Expression
Explanation: As the character adapts, he also finds ways to retain his cultural identity, highlighting the importance of self-expression and authenticity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing and expressing their own identities, respecting their heritage while exploring new cultures.