I Am Enough
“[To] the beautiful soul reading this book: May you never forget how enough your enough truly is.”
“I Am Enough” by Grace Byers is a story of a young girl claiming and celebrating her confidence in who she is. It is written in poem form using smilies throughout the story comparing her to things like the sun or a ladder, and other things she sees in the world. This is a powerful story of self-acceptance and a celebration of differences.
Written for younger audiences, “I Am Enough” ensures that the message of self-worth is positive and affirming. These messages can never be delivered too early. According to a study by the University of Washington researchers, by the age of 5 children have a sense of self-esteem comparable in strength to that of adults. Can you imagine? That means they have internalized countless messages about their capabilities, worth, and place in the world.
We especially appreciate the passage in this story that mentions “I am not meant to be like you and you are not meant to be like me.” Sometimes we avoid talking about our differences to avoid perpetuating “othering” one another. Instead, we often focus on what connects us - and that is great - but our differences are not inherently negative. The earth itself thrives on diversity. This statement is a celebration of our differences and affirms that diversity exists, is mentionable and valuable.
If you were to add up all the messages your child has taken in - verbal and nonverbal - what would be the outcome? For adults, this story asks us to reflect on the messages our children take in. We know that self-confidence helps us and that low self-esteem is harmful. We hope this story encourages you to talk with the children in your life about what makes them unique and how those unique qualities are more than enough - they are precious.
Some things to think about…
Make a list of stuff you’re good at. Can you draw or sing? Are you a good reader? Are you good at a sport? Do you tell a good joke? If you're having trouble with your list, ask a parent or friend to help you with it.
Write a poem about yourself using similes. A simile is when you say something is “like” something else. Are you like a tree? Are you like a good book? Are you like the earth?
illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo
