Summary
This beautifully illustrated children’s picture books tells the story of not quite fitting in with the world around you. The Day You Begin teaches the reader that it’s ok to be yourself, and that everyone feels as though they don’t fit in at times. This can be difficult, but the book explains that even though you might be different from others, you are accepted. It gives insight on the various feelings of Angelina and her peers feel, until someone makes room for them and their perspective shifts
Theme(s):
Identity, culture, inclusion
Personal Response
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The Day You Begin made me realize that at some point in everyone’s life, they will feel like they don’t belong. Growing up, my parents were divorced which made me feel like I didn’t fit in when my peers would talk about time they spend with both of their parents together After another student shared that their parents were divorced too, I no longer felt so alone. I felt the same way Angelina did at the end of the book, the world made some space for me
Teaching Ideas
Incorporating this book into a primary grade curriculum would be very beneficial to young children. An activity after reading the book would be to use the think, pair, share method. Give students a minute of silence to think of something that makes them unique. It can be visible or invisible, positive or negative. Give an example. Then have them tell their partner about what makes them unique. Then have each child draw a picture and write a few sentences about what makes their partner unique!
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03
