A book like I Am Enough is so short and sweet, it boggles me why so many people want this book banned. Written by actress Grace Byers, it’s perfect for young children learning to read.
The pages only have 1-2 sentences on them and most of the words are simple and mostly monosyllabic. But it’s the tone of the book that has angered some people. It is a story about young children learning their importance and that kids from different backgrounds can have the same fun and suffer the same problems.
A child could probably read it within a few minutes glancing at the pictures drawn by Keturah A. Bobo. Even if the subject of the book wasn’t focusing on an African-American child, the theme is universal. It’s about finding your own self-identity and awareness. A lot of children (and even adults) struggle with that once they associated with their peers.
If the subject was a white child, I think a lot of people would be praising it. What’s great is seeing the pictures of all the children getting along without parental influence and adult interference. It’s proof that hatred and bigotry isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something that is taught. Also, schools are great at separating people. They more about dividing than diversity.
What do you think? Please comment.
Zane Says 