Sparkle Boy bookcover

Sparkle Boy

Lesléa Newman 

(Author)

Maria Mola 

(Illustrator)
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Description

Young Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is.

Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, but he also loves things that sparkle, shimmer, and glitter. When his older sister, Jessie, shows off her new shimmery skirt, Casey wants to wear a shimmery skirt too. When Jessie comes home from a party with glittery nails, Casey wants glittery nails too. And when Abuelita visits wearing an armful of sparkly bracelets, Casey gets one to wear, just like Jessie. The adults in Casey's life embrace his interests, but Jessie isn't so sure. Boys aren't supposed to wear sparkly, shimmery, glittery things. Then, when older boys at the library tease Casey for wearing "girl" things, Jessie realizes that Casey has the right to be himself and wear whatever he wants. Why can't both she and Casey love all things shimmery, glittery, and sparkly?

Here is a sweet, heartwarming story about acceptance, respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression should be celebrated. Sparkly things are for everyone to enjoy!

Product Details

PublisherLee & Low Books
Publish DateJune 15, 2017
Pages32
LanguageEnglish
TypeBook iconHardback
EAN/UPC9781620142851
Dimensions10.3 X 9.0 X 0.5 inches | 0.8 pounds
BISAC Categories: Kids, Kids

About the Author

Lesléa Newman is the author of eighty books for readers of all ages. She has received numerous awards for her work, including two Stonewall Book Award Honors, two National Jewish Book Awards, the Massachusetts Book Award, and a creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. From 2008--2010, she served as the poet laureate of Northampton, MA. Visit her online at lesleakids.com.

Maria Mola has illustrated picture books for publishers in both Europe and the United States, and her images are notable for their expressiveness and sense of whimsy. Mola was drawn to the story in Sparkle Boy because she believes it addresses a socially important topic. A native of Barcelona, Spain, Mola now lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and their two sons. You can visit her online at mariamola.com.

Reviews

"The straightforward text realistically makes Jessie the one who sees the problems that can arise for Casey (and herself), but her protective mechanism seems natural. . . The inviting, solidly drawn artwork features doll-like characters with expressive faces. It's easy to see that being himself moves Casey from sad to happy." -- Booklist

"Compassionate. . . Offer examples of language that children and adults could use in similar real-life situations, and Jessie's response to the library bullies might be the best of all. After being told that boys don't wear skirts and bracelets because 'That's just the way it is, ' she responds, 'Not anymore.'" -- Publishers Weekly

"This slice-of-life story will appeal to families, whether or not they include gender-creative members. . . A cheerful addition for libraries that need more titles like Cheryl Kilodavis's My Princess Boy and Sarah Hoffman's Jacob's New Dress." -- School Library Journal

Best Books of the Year - Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature
Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
Irma Black Award Honor - Bank Street College of Education
Massachusetts Book Award Finalist - Massachusetts Center for the Book

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