I Am Me

Jennifer L.B. Leese
Illustrator C. Iannaccone

1/31/2004

Review by Molly

Nica Jolee tells the reader about herself. She tells how Mama and Daddy wondered and wondered what she might look like, or what she might do before she was born. Then after she came they all found out she has some of Mommy’s looks and some of Dad’s, and she has some of Mommy’s characteristics and some of Dad’s. Her hair is one color but curly like the other parent, she enjoys doing some things she sees each of her parents doing. But, even with all of that Nica Jolee understands that she is very special and she is her own person. No one else is just like she. "I am me, and there is no one else like me."

Well-known writer Leese continues the talent that has brought her much acclaim in the writing world. I Am Me is an appealing tale of a little girl who recognizes that even though she has characteristics taken from each of her parents she is individual and she is her own unique self.

The PDF format I received has produced a very easily navigated work sure to please even the youngest readers. Little parent or teacher help will be necessary for youngsters to begin to use the eBook. Unlike many of the ‘old style’ works and despite being heavily illustrated with charming art work, the pages glide open in a nice smooth manner. Even the youngest user should quickly catch on to the symbols for moving pages ahead.

Vocabulary used by author Leese in the narrative is meant for beginning readers. I Am Me is a ‘read to’ for the youngest set 3-5, a read alone for the advanced 5's – 8, and "I’ll read to my little brother/sister" for the 8-10 crowd.

I Am Me is sure to be a valuable addition to both the home and school library. The book is ideal for a classroom unit on self, self acceptance, and self awareness.

The only addition I might have like to have seen would be an attribute that neither Mommy nor Daddy possess, but perhaps Great Uncle Joe liked to jig and so does Nica Jolee, or maybe she quirks her eyebrow as is seen in the picture of Great Great Grandma!

Enjoyed the read.

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