The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

Everyone has experienced the feeling of being different. The Day You Begin looks at those differences and teaches us that although everyone, at one time or another, has those feelings, we should not let those feelings hold us back. 

The text evokes memories for us all; walking into a new classroom and feeling that you look different, speaking with an accent and others laughing, when the lunch you bring to school is strange to others, last to be picked for a team because you're not good at sports, feeling like you're on the outside and wanting to join others on the inside. 

While those memories may have made us feel bad, the story, along with the colorful illustrations, help us to understand that our differences are what makes us unique, and while we are different, we are also very much the same. Our differences are something to celebrate!

Jacqueline Woodson writes with warmth and sincerity. Rafael Lopez's illustrations illuminate her words,  celebrating differences through the color, texture and form of the assorted media he uses.  A great read for the first day of school, or to evoke conversation when the need arises.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 4.0 • Interest Level: 1-4 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 980 • Publisher: Penguin • Pages: 32 • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-0-399-24653-1 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Primary