Be You!
Book Summary:
Be You! is an uplifting picture book that encourages children to embrace their individuality, follow their passions, and grow into their most authentic selves. Through simple, affirming statements and vibrant illustrations, the book celebrates uniqueness, courage, and self-discovery. It serves as a gentle reminder that every child has gifts to offer the world.
Recommended Questions:
How do the illustrations support or strengthen the author’s message?
Which message/advice in the book (being brave, kind, etc) feels like a comfortable way to lean into being uniquikly you?
Which message/advice in the book might be harder for you to enact? How can enacting that help you become a stronger version of yourself?
How can celebrating the things that make us different help our classroom or community?
How does being true to yourself also help others around you?
How can you support others in being uniquely themselves?
What are some things you can do or say that help people feel safe being who they truly are?
How can our actions show others that their unique qualities are welcomed and valued?
Think of a historical or community figure you know. Which “Be…” message from the book did they demonstrate?
NCSS Theme 4: Individual Development and Identity
Be You! is an uplifting picture book that encourages children to embrace their individuality, follow their passions, and grow into their most authentic selves. Through simple, affirming statements and vibrant illustrations, the book celebrates uniqueness, courage, and self-discovery. It serves as a gentle reminder that every child has gifts to offer the world.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 3: My unique and complex identities
Be You! invites children to see themselves as made up of many different qualities—curious, brave, kind, bold, creative, and more—showing that identity is layered and multi-dimensional. By highlighting a wide range of “Be…” messages, the book helps students understand that these traits combine to make each person uniquely themselves. It reinforces the idea that no single characteristic defines who we are; instead, our many identities work together to create complex and wonderfully unique individuals.
WA Social Studies Skills 1: Uses critical reasoning skills to analyze and evaluate claims
Children can analyze the book’s central claim—that being oneself is valuable and important—and evaluate how the author uses language and imagery to convey this message. Discussing what it means to “be brave,” “be kind,” or “be curious” requires students to think critically about personal traits and societal expectations. This builds foundational reasoning skills essential to social-studies learning
