I Am Me
Laugh-Along Lessons Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Five year old Alaina is excited about her first day of kindergarten until some kids treat her mean for being different. This makes Alaina try everything to fit in with the others, but nothing works. No one will be her friend. Finally, Alaina's mother gives her a list of great things to say about herself every day. Over time this helps her begin to feel good about herself and enjoy being different. But will this be enough to make the mean kids change their minds about her?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How does the story of 'I Am Me' make you feel about being yourself?
What are some ways the character shows they are unique and proud of it?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did you handle it?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to be themselves?
How would you help a friend who is feeling unsure about themselves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Emphasize the emotions in the story to help your child connect with the character's journey.
Personal connection: After reading, share a personal story about a time you felt proud to be yourself. This can help your child see the value in their own uniqueness.
Encourage empathy: Discuss the feelings of the characters in the book and relate them to real-life scenarios to cultivate empathy.
Praise their individuality: Highlight and celebrate your child's unique qualities, linking them back to the message of the book.
Follow-up activities: Engage in activities that promote self-expression like drawing or writing a story about themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist of 'I Am Me' navigates through different challenges but learns to embrace their unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and valuing their own distinct traits and strengths in various social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, the character faces setbacks but continually finds ways to overcome difficulties, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: In everyday life, children can learn to persist through challenges they encounter, such as in learning new skills or dealing with changes.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book illustrates the protagonist's journey to understanding and connecting with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied by encouraging children to listen actively and show compassion in interactions with their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of acknowledging and appreciating differences among people.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and respect diverse cultures, abilities, and backgrounds in their own community and schools.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: As the protagonist overcomes obstacles and accepts themselves, they grow more confident.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take on new challenges with a positive attitude and believe in their capabilities.