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What I Am
The creator of Little Owl's Night explores and celebrates the complexities of what makes us who we are in this comforting and thoughtful picture book.
A young narrator describes a girl, a granddaughter, Indian, and American. Soon, we see the young girl as a plethora of selfish and generous, mean and kind, brave and mischievous. While many of these qualities oppose each other, the context and illustrations make it abundantly clear that she speaks the truth. She is a walking contradiction, and that is precisely what makes her both a unique individual and an essential piece of the greater world around her. Divya Srinivasan shows what makes us human and proud to be who we are.
A young narrator describes a girl, a granddaughter, Indian, and American. Soon, we see the young girl as a plethora of selfish and generous, mean and kind, brave and mischievous. While many of these qualities oppose each other, the context and illustrations make it abundantly clear that she speaks the truth. She is a walking contradiction, and that is precisely what makes her both a unique individual and an essential piece of the greater world around her. Divya Srinivasan shows what makes us human and proud to be who we are.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2021
1 person is currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 5, 2021
Fantastic in every way! The colorful, beaming cover drew me in immediately and there's humor, depth, playfulness, and so much affirmation of the main character and children in the pages. A wonderful jumping off point to model self-identity, definition, and discovery (and to show kids why not to ask a "certain" question!).
October 17, 2021
I think I would like to own. Loved it.
March 19, 2022
One young Indian-American girl tells us who and what she is.
From social settings to other identifying factors, we are all different.
'What I am' perfectly encapsulates identity and growing up as a child and through their minds.
This #OwnVoices author provides a great perspective.
From social settings to other identifying factors, we are all different.
'What I am' perfectly encapsulates identity and growing up as a child and through their minds.
This #OwnVoices author provides a great perspective.
May 14, 2023
Love books by Srinivasan, and her work here is excellent. Very personal, so I hope she knows we appreciate her efforts and transparency. I find books like this helpful to share with my daughter to give her insight into minority groups and friends she makes. I also get the feeling from this book and “Octopus Alone” that Srinivasan is introverted, so this book is applicable for my daughter in that way. Pacing can be an issue in some of the author’s books, but not so here! Spot on.
Will purchase if my daughter shows enough interest. I looked for more of Srinivasan’s books because we’ve enjoyed the Little Owl series so much.
Will purchase if my daughter shows enough interest. I looked for more of Srinivasan’s books because we’ve enjoyed the Little Owl series so much.
February 14, 2021
Would be a good mentor text for "I Am" poems. Pair with Where Are You From? to discuss microaggressions.
February 17, 2022
I've had a lot of people ask me "What are you?". I love Divya Srinivasan's creative way of responding! This book is healing for my inner child.
January 17, 2022
I absolutely loved this!
This is the story of a girl who is asked, “What are you?” (so rude) and that question stays in her mind. So the pages that follow describe all the things that she “is.” I loved the multiple facets of her personality and how the book showed that you can be lots of different things - even things that seem like polar opposites.
This book is very readable and relatable, even for kids who aren’t constantly asked what they “are.” Illustrations are adorable and fun.
This is the story of a girl who is asked, “What are you?” (so rude) and that question stays in her mind. So the pages that follow describe all the things that she “is.” I loved the multiple facets of her personality and how the book showed that you can be lots of different things - even things that seem like polar opposites.
This book is very readable and relatable, even for kids who aren’t constantly asked what they “are.” Illustrations are adorable and fun.
September 11, 2021
Sweet book for children. Recommended especially for those who get the rude question from people asking where someone is from or what ethnicity they may be.
This is a book that I will add to my story time collection.
This is a book that I will add to my story time collection.
August 9, 2021
This is a really cute and thoughtful book that I think both young and slightly older children would enjoy and benefit from reading.
February 11, 2023
Barrett approved; we read this multiple times a night & it was fun to see my son connect with a character (I did too!)
December 5, 2020
Thank you Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Such a beautiful and captivating picture book that answers the dread question that people of color always get "what are you?" This book really highlights that people are more than just the color of their skin and people need to acknowledge that.
Such a beautiful and captivating picture book that answers the dread question that people of color always get "what are you?" This book really highlights that people are more than just the color of their skin and people need to acknowledge that.
September 26, 2021
In simple but thoughtful text, this picture book provides answers to that often-asked question posed to anyone who seems a bit different from what the asker considers the norm, "What are you?" As it turns out, the answer is a lot more complicated than simply identifying one's race, ethnicity or geographical origin. Colorful illustrations, created with pencils, watercolor, and Photoshop, depict a young girl who ponders that question on each page, and comes up with answers that make sense to her. She identifies herself through her relationships with others, her skin color which changes over the seasons, her eating habits, her culture, her characteristics, and her fears. Most interestingly, the images and text on some of the pages are split in half so that readers see two sides of her personality, sometimes selfish and sometimes generous. The illustrations on some of the double-page spreads function in the same way, too, allowing readers to consider how someone's personality or behavior isn't static, and that it's possible for one individual to contain multitudes [thanks, Walt Whitman!] and to crave companionship at one moment and alone time at others. All in all, as the book concludes, she, like all of us, is "more than I can say" (unpaged). This book gently affirms each person's unique identity while also pointing out that it is certainly possible to be both American and Indian, with a foot in both cultures. I appreciated the variety of illustrations as some are small and almost in panels, showing the whole body of the narrator while others such as that last image provide a close-up of her entire face and head that fills the entire page. Readers won't want to miss the Author's Note that discusses the inspiration for the book.
September 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. The colors and the illustrations are beautiful, watercolor type media. The book is based on a true story that happened to the author's sister. I really related to this book because the character resembles some of my own characteristics and I too have been asked the question, "What are you?" Throughout the book, it takes the reader from the pending question, to the characters internal thoughts of what she is, which happens to be a lot of things! She is a sister, daughter, selfish but generous, an artist, American, Indian, and finally, "a part of the world." She discovers that out of all the things she is in this world, they all roll into the idea that she is human and an important part of the universe. At the end of the book, there is the actual story of what took place in a public restroom while washing her hands, as a stranger posed the question that weighed so heavy on her mind.
As a teacher, this book could be used as a great first month of school read aloud. It would provide the opportunity for inclusion in your classroom, the base for building classroom community. I would read to the students and have them brainstorm what THEY are. Then, I would have them partner up and trace each others body outlines on large paper. They would fill in their tracings with things that make them who they are. This could include, magazine clippings, different art medias that offer texture to hair and skin color, family photos, written ideas, etc. I would make this a week long project and then we could share at the end. This would allow each student the chance to share who they are and through this, they would find similarities and differences and how a unique classroom can bring so much beauty because it gives us the chance to learn about others!
As a teacher, this book could be used as a great first month of school read aloud. It would provide the opportunity for inclusion in your classroom, the base for building classroom community. I would read to the students and have them brainstorm what THEY are. Then, I would have them partner up and trace each others body outlines on large paper. They would fill in their tracings with things that make them who they are. This could include, magazine clippings, different art medias that offer texture to hair and skin color, family photos, written ideas, etc. I would make this a week long project and then we could share at the end. This would allow each student the chance to share who they are and through this, they would find similarities and differences and how a unique classroom can bring so much beauty because it gives us the chance to learn about others!
October 23, 2021
A book that celebrates all that you are - the good and the not so good. In the note at the end, the author explains that the origin of the book was a not very pleasant encounter her sister had in an airport bathroom. A woman looked at her and - most insensitively - said, "What are you?"
The author thought about all the different ways she could have responded. Human. American. Indian. Daughter. Sister. And then she expands on that idea to include times she is creative and not so creative; shy and outgoing; polite and rude; selfish and sharing. Emotions and experiences that we all, as humans, share every day.
I think this book belongs in every collection. There are so many ways to use it - at home, it is a great way to explore different actions taken during a regular day. And in a school setting, each child could draw and write exploring what they are. And in a library -- a great story time book to celebrate being yourself.
The author thought about all the different ways she could have responded. Human. American. Indian. Daughter. Sister. And then she expands on that idea to include times she is creative and not so creative; shy and outgoing; polite and rude; selfish and sharing. Emotions and experiences that we all, as humans, share every day.
I think this book belongs in every collection. There are so many ways to use it - at home, it is a great way to explore different actions taken during a regular day. And in a school setting, each child could draw and write exploring what they are. And in a library -- a great story time book to celebrate being yourself.
November 6, 2021
What a perfect little book! The colors are bright and cheerful (not as cute as her Little Owl books, but still very engaging). And the text is just wonderful and personal, and something that kids can relate to as they learn all the things about themselves and what they can do - good, bad, and inbetween. It would be a great jumping off point for class activities with students describing themselves (like those "I Am" poems that we all seemed to do in school). I can definitely see pulling it out for storytimes covering a number of different topics, feelings being a big one.
I liked Srinivasan's personal essay at the end about where the story came from. As an adult reading it, the story behind it is rather a sad one - who asks a child such a blunt and rude question?? I know that's my own privilege showing, but it's just such a rude thing! It would make a good discussion starter for older students (those "too old" for picture books at their face value).
I liked Srinivasan's personal essay at the end about where the story came from. As an adult reading it, the story behind it is rather a sad one - who asks a child such a blunt and rude question?? I know that's my own privilege showing, but it's just such a rude thing! It would make a good discussion starter for older students (those "too old" for picture books at their face value).
July 9, 2023
'I think this book is really great because it's showing how mean others can be, and how you really are in a very nice way.' -my child
'I loved this book because the concepts addressed are relatable, especially to those who identify as part of historically marginalized communities (i.e., BIPOC or LGBTQ+). A common microaggression (identity related aggression) is included as well as the many layers that can accompany this experience, including support from loved ones, hurt, and ongoing impact. Practical strategies alongside increasing pride follow. These two elements represent best practices in research (preparation for bias + building positive identity formation). That's my long-winded way of saying read this book! And all of Srinivasan's other books too - I've been a fan since Octopus Alone.' -parent and therapist
'I loved this book because the concepts addressed are relatable, especially to those who identify as part of historically marginalized communities (i.e., BIPOC or LGBTQ+). A common microaggression (identity related aggression) is included as well as the many layers that can accompany this experience, including support from loved ones, hurt, and ongoing impact. Practical strategies alongside increasing pride follow. These two elements represent best practices in research (preparation for bias + building positive identity formation). That's my long-winded way of saying read this book! And all of Srinivasan's other books too - I've been a fan since Octopus Alone.' -parent and therapist
Want to read
March 10, 2022The opening page of this book struck me in the heart. "Someone once asked me.... What are you? I didn't know what to say. So I didn't answer, and they left. But I kept thinking about it."
When my Mexican-American son was born he had his dad's dark hair and eyes, skin darker than my pale white, and small squinty eyes like me. I was asked multiple times when out with him alone "What is his dad?" While I understood they meant what ethnicity (I was often asked if he was Asian) the questions still made me uncomfortable. The back of the book has an author's note that tells a similar experience the author had.
The book starts out as kind of an I am poem and then changes more to a list of seeming opposites such as being selfish and generous, etc.
Notes: identity, Indian-American girl
When my Mexican-American son was born he had his dad's dark hair and eyes, skin darker than my pale white, and small squinty eyes like me. I was asked multiple times when out with him alone "What is his dad?" While I understood they meant what ethnicity (I was often asked if he was Asian) the questions still made me uncomfortable. The back of the book has an author's note that tells a similar experience the author had.
The book starts out as kind of an I am poem and then changes more to a list of seeming opposites such as being selfish and generous, etc.
Notes: identity, Indian-American girl
August 27, 2021
Thanks to Edelweiss for a digital advance reader copy.
This is an important picture book that starts with a horrible question - "What are you?". The most heartbreaking thing is that the question was actually asked of her sister. The book becomes an exploration for the girl about the many parts of her and what makes her who she is. One of the things that I really enjoyed is not only all the parts of her that are mentioned, but that she mentions that there are also contradictions in these things sometimes. For example, she likes to look at animals, but it also nervous around them. This will be an amazing book to have to talk about identity and who we are. Must buy!
This is an important picture book that starts with a horrible question - "What are you?". The most heartbreaking thing is that the question was actually asked of her sister. The book becomes an exploration for the girl about the many parts of her and what makes her who she is. One of the things that I really enjoyed is not only all the parts of her that are mentioned, but that she mentions that there are also contradictions in these things sometimes. For example, she likes to look at animals, but it also nervous around them. This will be an amazing book to have to talk about identity and who we are. Must buy!
Want to read
September 25, 2024This book is so cute and interactive. There are many levels to this book that brings the reader to love themselves and to be okay with their flaws or dislikes. This book ties in so many different scenarios that the reader can connect with. The target audience is young girls or boys as well, kindergarten level. The book can be perfect within a classroom because of the message to all children and can be implemented within a lesson plan on introductions of a student or describing them selves. The pictures have a crayon, coloring book feel. Its very comfortable to say the least. I would love to add this book to my classroom one day.
November 6, 2025
This was such a sweet book and definitely good for showing children it's okay to have different emotions or feel multiple feelings/have contrasting sides to yourself.
I feel like it's best for 1st or 2nd graders. (I read this with special needs child, and she was especially interested in the paradox of loving to watch animals but still being anxious when they're close by.)
I personally loved how the mc painted on the paper, but then later broke the rules--the silliness of painting your skin green and pretending to be a witch (and using your imagination to see the witch's hat/cauldron) was adorable.
I feel like it's best for 1st or 2nd graders. (I read this with special needs child, and she was especially interested in the paradox of loving to watch animals but still being anxious when they're close by.)
I personally loved how the mc painted on the paper, but then later broke the rules--the silliness of painting your skin green and pretending to be a witch (and using your imagination to see the witch's hat/cauldron) was adorable.
August 5, 2021
What starts as a troubling question turns into an exploration of self that shows the duality that can exist in all of us. The story goes through all the good, bad, and neutral parts of the self, drawing a poignant picture of life in all it's complexities, while also pushing back against microaggressions such as this. Backmatter includes an author's note explaining how a similar question was posed to her sister, inspiring the self-exploration of this story.
October 13, 2021
I loved this book before I even read it! Like the main character, I was often asked the rude question, "what are you?" by people curious about my race. As I got older, I tried to have fun with the answer while hopefully educating the asker of their rude choice of words. My default answer became "American".
This is the book I wish I had as a child to share with everyone who ever asked me that question.
This is the book I wish I had as a child to share with everyone who ever asked me that question.
October 30, 2021
I loved this book! I love the author's thoughtful response to the unfortunate "What are you?" question. The book balances the idea that we're all unique, but we're also all the same. The main character is so relatable in her contradictory experiences. She is mean, kind, a scaredy-cat, and brave. Divya Srinivasan's book is so sweet that when I finished it, I immediately read it again. The sentences are simple, but the ideas are profound.
January 31, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book! It told a great story of a young girl asked, "what are you?" The girl then goes on to talk about her personality, and the things that make her who she is. This book tells a thoughtful message through bright illustrations and simple sentences, which is perfect for younger students! It would be the perfect addition to any classroom library, especially when teaching students that they are more than what can be seen!
April 28, 2022
I adored this middle-grade book. It is fabulous and so on point! I checked out the book from my library via Libby and was delighted that I was able to listen to the audio - it is narrated by the author’s young daughter, Uma Srinivasan. The sweet young voice is so perfect as the story relates the innocence and honesty of a child explaining, “What I Am.”
I will listen several more times before returning this gem to the library… it will brighten anyone’s day, young and old(er) alike!
I will listen several more times before returning this gem to the library… it will brighten anyone’s day, young and old(er) alike!
January 1, 2024
I actually listened to the audiobook, but couldn't find it on GoodReads. This was so sweetly read by the author's young daughter. I bet it would be even better had I read an actual copy of the book and been able to see the pictures, but I wasn't able to get my hands on it. I would definitely recommend this, especially for anyone having conversations with kids about "what you are" and "where you're really from".
March 21, 2024
I pray that my daughter grows to have a strong sense of self & identity like the main character in this book. When a stranger rudely asks, “What are you?”, she thinks of all the ways to describe herself as a young multifaceted human: a girl, a granddaughter, Indian & American. Soon, we see the young girl as a plethora of things: selfish & generous, mean & kind, brave & mischievous. While many of these qualities oppose each other, the context & illustrations make it clear that she speaks the truth. She is a walking contradiction, that is precisely what makes her both a unique individual & an essential piece of the greater world around her. Divya Srinivasan shows what makes us human and proud to be who we are.
My daughter loves this book! She had fun pointing out the similarities between the MC & herself (“We’re both girls!”, “I’m a granddaughter too!”, vegetarian, shy, etc.) The author’s note is what caught my attention & made me want to read this with my daughter. Divya Srinivasan explores & celebrates the complexities of what makes us who we are in this comforting & thoughtful picture book. Highly recommend!
My daughter loves this book! She had fun pointing out the similarities between the MC & herself (“We’re both girls!”, “I’m a granddaughter too!”, vegetarian, shy, etc.) The author’s note is what caught my attention & made me want to read this with my daughter. Divya Srinivasan explores & celebrates the complexities of what makes us who we are in this comforting & thoughtful picture book. Highly recommend!
October 7, 2021
A superficially simple question expands into a beautiful exploration of identity. Srinivasan analyzes an awkward and often hurtful interaction experienced by many people of color in a way that focuses on personhood without ignoring race. Much like the content, the illustrations stride the fine line between simplicity and acute detail.
November 20, 2021
There were some parts I skipped with reading this book to Zander. For example, I don't believe humans are human animals. I believe they are made in the image of God. But it's easy to skip what you don't believe in. I love the concepts of sometimes we are one way and sometimes we are the opposite way. For example wanting to share and not wanting to share, or, scared or courageous.
November 30, 2021
Loved, highly recommend!!! Adored how this book looked at some of the complexities of labels in an easy to understand way. Labels are often simplified AND, as Divya Srinivasan depicts, we are all so much more :) I also loved the soulful illustrations! Honestly, I really felt for the character and I felt understood in ways I usually do not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews