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“[Keiko] channels her energy into strength and determination, leading her to gain confidence in herself and thrive. As she celebrates what makes her culturally unique, she also sees the importance of pushing for equality for all girls. Each page uses key terms that focus on building self-esteem and a strong self-concept for children, making this a natural choice for SEL collections.”

—Booklist

“Charmingly illustrated and a thoroughly ‘kid friendly’ story with an important underlying life skill message about perseverance and self-esteem, I Am Able to Shine by the wife and husband team of author/storyteller Korey Watari and artist/illustrator Mike Wu is unabashedly and enthusiastically recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3-7.”

—Midwest Book Review

I Am Able to Shine

Written by Korey Watari
Illustrated by Mike Wu
Published by Two Lions

I am beautiful.

I belong here.

What I do matters.

I am able to shine.

Each night Keiko whispers to her crane, “I wish to change the world.” She is kind, and she has big dreams. But at times she feels invisible; she knows some people misjudge her. Keiko is also loved, so she perseveres and stands strong. Over time, her confidence grows, she shares more of herself, and she helps lift up others—and eventually lead them. She understands that no matter what, she can shine.

Primary ISBN: 9781542031530
Publication Date: May 2022
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book , Age 00 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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