Summary
Tameika sings and dances everywhere she goes. She has never been a princess. At school, she spots the audition for Snow White. Tameika hears her classmates talking about her. She can’t be a princess; she’s too tall, chubby, and brown. Tameika is sad; her parents discover what’s wrong with her. Tameika’s father assures her that Snow White isn’t real, but Tameika is his real-life princess. Supported by her parents, Tameika sings, and she has everything to be a princess—specifically, Snow White.
Theme(s):
Self-Acceptance, family, Perseverance
Personal Response
This book is so important. We are used to seeing white princesses that are petite and beautiful with flowing blond hair. Without diverse role models, children believe they can’t be what interests them. Children develop beliefs like the ones that Tameika’s classmates spouted off behind her back, that she is not enough to follow her dreams. By having these conversations and reading and creating an intentional bookshelf, we can combat these harmful notions that not everyone can achieve anything.
Teaching Ideas
This book can be integrated into comprehension, writing, grammar, and social-emotional learning lessons. Students can identify the character traits of the main character. They can find the main idea and supporting details. We can teach lessons on actions, nouns, and adjectives. Students can write about the story parts and a poem about the main character. Students can discuss the importance of having high self-esteem and the effects low self-esteem can have on a person.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03
