A History of Me

by Adrea Theodore, Erin Robinson (Illustrator)

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? One mother's account of her experience as the only Black child in school serves as an empowering message to her own daughter and children of color everywhere.

Life can be hard for the only brown girl in a classroom full of white students. When the teacher talks about slavery, she can feel all of her classmates staring at her. When they talk about civil rights, she is the one that other kids whisper about on the playground. In those moments, she wants to slip away or seep into the ground; and she wonders, is that all you see when you look at me?

What really matters is what she sees when she looks at herself. She is a reflection of the courage, strength, intelligence and creativity that's been passed down from generation to generation through her ancestors.

Inspired by the author's daughter's experience in school as well as her own.

Genres: Picture Books, African American, History, Childrens, School, Nonfiction, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 18, 2022

Reviews

[Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow]

Poignant and heartfelt. I like this reframing of the oppression of Black people as something we shouldn't feel ashamed about. Even more, I appreciated the representation of Black kids in all-white spaces. This situation isn't often in children's books, yet it is a reality for many non-white children. I think this book will be a warm hug for those children. The illustrations are equally powerful. I had to stop and look at a few of them for a while.

[Malcolm Newsome]

This book is a wonderful reminder that Pain and Hope can coexist. Reading it with my young one sparked a wonderful conversation about the past...and that, even in the face of a horror such as slavery, there can be an appreciation for the courage, strength, creativity, and intelligence of our ancestors. Our ancestors would be so proud of us.

[Panda Incognito]

This book is incredibly powerful, with stunning illustrations and a meaningful message that comes across as heartfelt and never preachy.

[Kelly Mangan]

TEACHERS AND PARENTS absolutely MUST read this book to your kids!!

“A History of Me” is a poetic, first-person story that puts the reader directly into the shoes of the author as a girl (the only brown girl in her school),
and how very isolating and othering that was for her, particularly when Black history was taught.

This book also shows the real, personal affects on Black children of teaching topics like slavery and civil rights in a way that’s divorced from the humanity, bravery, and resilience of Black people. One inspires pride. The other, shame. So how these topics are taught matters.

The art in this book is beautiful and moving. When Adrea talks about her great grandmother being born a slave, it’s accompanied by a beautiful portrait. Then, an empty portrait frame on the next page, as Adrea explains that she died young, and so her family never knew much about her. This visual representation of the broken link in family history is poignant & impactful.

The language in “A History of Me” is lovely, and lyrical, and the refrain is a nice connective thread that really drives home for the reader that:
- You can be both grateful for what you have, and also unhappy that some things just aren’t right;
- The things people have done to harm you are THEIR shame, not yours;
- You can look in the mirror and see both your struggles and your triumphs;
- That you can be anything you want to be.

I really cannot recommend this book enough. I would like to see it in every classroom.

[Jillian]

Phenomenal!
Pair with Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History & Standing on Her Shoulders.

[Theresa Trinder]

This is a tender and humbling ode from a mother to daughter. It’s also a remarkable first-person account about racism, identity, and education. It’s about feeling different and feeling other. It’s about cruelty—the kind that’s done on purpose and the kind that’s unwittingly done again and again. And it’s about love—how important it is to love yourself and know your history. The first-person narrative is intimate and powerful, and the illustrations are stunning. In an author’s note, Theodore, a pediatrician, writes, “What happens when you are proud of where you come from? You are free to be who you are and become who you are meant to be. That is my hope for my own child—and for all children.” She accomplishes that here, and I hope that all children will have a copy of this book in their classrooms, libraries, and homes, and that it helps them feel freer to love themselves…and each other.

[Maisha Oso]

I just finished reading the digital advance reading copy of A History of Me. This book is absolutely amazing. Adrea's words are so powerful and Erin's illustrations are stunning. The story took me on an emotional ride from the opening spread. It's obvious why this book was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. It should be in every library and I can't wait to get a physical copy in hand to make it part of my personal library.

[Amy]

This book is WOW. As in utterly blown away, goosebumps on every page, pre-ordered immediately kind of wow. I don't even know what else to say except that absolutely everyone should have this in their library. I feel so lucky to have received an ARC from the publisher and am definitely remembering this author's name. I'll be hoping for more from her soon!

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS]

As the only brown girl in a classroom full of white students, the main character feels on display when African American history is discussed and wants to sink into the ground in order to escape the spotlight and the need to represent an entire race of people. She knows that she should be grateful to go to school and learn--and she is!--but her white classmates are also giggling behind her back or approaching her with racist hogwash. Despite this solitary experience, she grows up to be a doctor and a mother of a child who is also the only brown girl in her class. The mother encourages her daughter to be proud of her history and feel that strength inside her, even if she's the only one to have experienced it in her class.

An incredibly relatable experience for children that have experienced otherness based on their skin color and an equally important window book for white children to understand how their snickering or overly curious stares can affect their classmates.

Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[SamSamSam]

Gorgeous and so important. I want this book in the hands of so many teachers.

[Juli Anna]

Important representation, but lackluster story and illustrations.

[Karen Arendt]

Elegant, with repetitive refrains, that gets to the heart of the human sprit. Perfectly presented for youngest grades as well.

[Gayl Smith]

Beautifully illustrated depiction of how a child feels when they are the only person of color in their school.

[Liv thv]

Imagine ser a única menina negra em uma sala de aula cheia de alunos brancos. Quando a professora fala de escravidão ou direitos civis, ela vira o assunto entre os colegas. E é justamente nesses momentos que ela quer fugir de todos os olhares.

Essa é uma história sobre coragem, sobre entender que o que realmente importa é o que você vê e pensa quando olha para si mesma. A personagem é um reflexo da coragem, força, inteligência e criatividade que foram passadas de geração a geração através de seus ancestrais.

Eu adorei, os traços dos desenhos são bonitos chamativos. É uma história linda para ser ler com as crianças.

[Peacegal]

This book handles a difficult topic with grace, intelligence, and thoughtfulness. It speaks especially to young POC children who may feel singled out at school, especially when classroom topics turn to subjects such as slavery and segregation.

[Christina]

A History of Me is a wonderful #OwnVoices story of empowerment about the author and her daughter’s experiences as the only brown person in their classes and the author’s encouragement of her daughter to take pride in her Black ancestry and the resilience of those who came before her.

While the main character (the daughter) felt grateful to be free and be able to go to school and learn – to which she loves and was grateful to her ancestors for these gifts/opportunities to enjoy today – she couldn’t help but feel ashamed and less than. These feelings were especially prevalent whenever they talked about slavery and civil rights in school because she stuck out as the only black girl in her class, sometimes not in the most kind of ways. Furthermore, the main character’s own ancestry can be traced back to American slavery where her great-great-maternal grandmother was born a slave and maternal grandmother born free.

I liked how the main character’s mom (the author) points out how Black history in America is talked about affected how Black and brown children viewed themselves. The way words, tone, and body language work in concert when you talk about something can sometimes imply a lot without directly saying it.

A History of Me perfectly emulates how stories of resilience, perseverance, empathy, and such in the face of adversity draw us in and inspire. What’s missing from these history lessons, the mom feels, is the humanity and resilience of Black slaves. She says, “And just because no one ever mentions courage, strength, intelligence, or creativity, that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.” The mom wants her daughter to be proud of herself.

“…what matters more are those moments in the mirror, when she asks herself, ‘what do I see when I look at me?’ And when she does, I hope she will see that she is free to be anything she wants to be.”

I really appreciate this story for all that it is. The tone is uplifting, thoughtful, and loving. I definitely could relate to some of what the daughter experienced and felt. The illustrations were very beautiful and embodied so much emotion, meaning, and history that complimented the story in an amazing way. A History of Me was truly a great read.

Favorite Quotes:
-- (Author’s Note) “You are free to be who you are and become who you are meant to be.”

-- (Author’s Note) “In so many situations, the humanity of Black Americans who had been enslaved was ignored along with their immeasurable strength and resilience. They found creative ways to learn and care for one another in spite of the system designed to oppress them.”

-- (Author’s Note) “They were enslaved but they were first and foremost people, with thoughts and feelings and dreams and desires and pain and sorrow and joy, and so were their descendants!”

-- (Illustrator’s Note) “…made me feel the power and resilience of my ancestors and recognize how they transcended their experiences to inspire and uplift.”

[Audrey | WellReadandUndead(ish)]

Adrea Theodore expertly inspires reflection, reverence, and hope in this first-person account of a Black woman’s life and the life of her elders/ancestors. I’ve not read many books that depict a Black child being the other person of color in a classroom, though I doubt it’s an uncommon experience. This book provides solace for those children while reminding them to stand proud.

It also doesn’t shy away from age-appropriately sharing some of the horrible things her family has had to endure simply because of the color of their skin. Each tribulation is juxtaposed with a modern day triumph that she has thanks through her own hard work but also due to the courage, strength, and endurance of those that came before her. It’s at once somber and hopeful.

I usually like to quote my favorite passage, but it’s a little long as it’s literally the last nine pages. It’s more powerful when read in context, so I recommend you just go read the book!

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the art! Erin K. Robinson masterfully mirrors the juxtapositions that Theodore writes about by playing with more muted vs. more vibrant colors. I also see the contrast between the two in how the hair is drawn. In scenes from the past, hair was wrapped or conformed to white styles, whereas scenes from the author’s childhood tended to delectably her hair natural, voluminous, and free. I don’t know if it’s intentional, but I love the effect it has!

[Maris Welgat]

"A History of Me" by Adrea Theodore is an inspiring story about a young girl's experience being the only African American in her class. She explains that when the class would talk about slavery, she could feel every eye staring at her. The little girl even felt isolated on the playground when other children would whisper and point at her. Her mother teachers her to be appreciative that she can attend school as her ancestors did not have that privilege. When the little girl grows up, her daughter is again the only brown person in her classroom. This story offers an empowering new perspective on how children look at their history, especially African American children. I also enjoyed the resilience of the main character and perseverance to later become a successful woman as a doctor. I think this book had a wonderful message of recognizing and celebrating your history. Additionally, I loved the message of looking in the mirror and becoming who we want to be rather than fitting into the stereotypical box that society wants us to be. The illustrations were extremely colorful and brought the book to life. My favorite page was the last page, showing various African American women following their dreams and becoming who they want to be.

[Stephanie Bange]

A window into what it feels like to be the only person of color in the class during a discussion of "tough topics" such as enslavement and civil rights and to be judged by others as "different", to hear hate messages, and to experience microaggressions.

A young girl wants to disappear during painful discussions of slavery and civil rights feel aimed at her. After talking with her mother, she is encouraged to stand up straight and proud.

Theodore's poetic text is full of emotion and straight to the point, leading the young girl to exude confidence in herself because of her family's rich history. Author's debut book.

Erin K. Robinson's digital images are color saturated - very rich and inviting. She makes excellent use of space, line, and form, as well. I particularly love the image of the cotton bolls framing her great-great-grandmother's beautiful face. Also the empowering "fly high into the sky" page which shows her as super-powered.

Units of self-confidence, resilience, consideration of others. An excellent title for counselors and therapists to start conversations.

Highly Recommended for grades 2-5.

[Carol V]

Consider the end sheets of a book as a glimpse of what’s to come and how the story will resonate forward in time. The end sheets of A History of Me are purple, perhaps indicating a Grand Prize Purple Ribbon for a story of courage, freedom, and personal strength.

As I read this story, I think of the struggles of black male in society. Now, a fabulous look at what the black female might experience. Here is a great story based on the author's life as well as her daughter.

A quote that resonates in this book, “Sit up straight and fly high into the sky. Because…” And because…. is the reason why this book should be read, discussed, and ingested by everyone at an early age of understanding - possibly second or third grade.

A History of Me values education and everyone’s right to receive a good education. On the final pages of the book, the drawing of a girl in the mirror alongside four generations of women in her family is a powerful statement of strength and courage – for the past, present, and future!

[Amanda Davis]

A story of both the past and the present that allows readers to see the connection in our history and current day experiences-especially in the context of the history of Black Americans. The story highlights the humanity of Black Americans-strength, creativity, joys, dreams, and resiliency-while also bringing to light the systems in our current day society that continue to limit and hinder. Although I don't identify as a Black American, I could feel the sense of pride flowing through Theodore's honest and emotional words and Robinson's uplifting and vibrant illustrations. I also think many of us can identify a time when we were "the only one" as described in the book and how this can make both children and adults feel. Theodore's author's note reminds us that when you are proud of where you come from, "You are free to be who you are and become who you are meant to be." So very true! A powerful and emotional read that should be added to libraries, homes, and classrooms alike.

[Kelsey]

Age: Kindergarten-3rd grade

As the only brown girl in a classroom full of white students, the main character feels on display when African American history is discussed and wants to sink into the ground in order to escape the spotlight and the need to represent an entire race of people. She knows that she should be grateful to go to school and learn--and she is!--but her white classmates are also giggling behind her back or approaching her with racist hogwash. Despite this solitary experience, she grows up to be a doctor and a mother of a child who is also the only brown girl in her class. The mother encourages her daughter to be proud of her history and feel that strength inside her, even if she's the only one to have experienced it in her class.

An incredibly relatable experience for children that have experienced otherness based on their skin color and an equally important window book for white children to understand how their snickering stares can affect their classmates.

[Shelley]

It's Black History Month and I borrowed 5 children's books from my library. This is one of them.

A History of Me is, I would say, right up there in my favourite children's books of all time. It was a wow! It was fabulous!

A little girl is the only brown person in her classroom. Her class talks about slavery and she's noticing how uncomfortable and lonely others are making her feel when her classmates start staring at her and saying inappropriate things. She confronts her mother who explains how her great-great grandmother was enslaved and how her grandmother only went to third grade. She tells her daughter she was the only brown person in her class as well, and she shouldn't allow others to bring her down. She needs to find the courage and the strength because she can be anything she wants to be, just like her mother did, who is a doctor.

I love the message and I like the pictures too.

to be grateful and thrive to excel in school as a result.

[Sandra Headen]

The picture book, A History of Me, is a portrait of the life of an accomplished Black woman who, now a mother herself, is haunted by the racism she experienced in childhood and fears that her own daughter is equally at risk. As the only Black child in her class in elementary school, she felt alone when lessons on slavery and civil rights were taught, alone on the playground when white girls pointed at her and laughed, and alone when she was taunted by a classmate as she walked home from school. The story blossoms into a generational saga as themes of bondage, discrimination, and migration unfold in the lives of her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. The lesson that she passes on to her daughter is this: You stand on the shoulders of courageous Black women. There is no limit to what you can accomplish in life.

[Cynthia Argentine]

Honest, important, tender, hopeful. All of these words come to mind after reading A History of Me. Theodore’s debut picture book is beautiful for its focus and clarity: “I was the only brown person in class.” It’s beautiful for its emotional depth: “Is that all you see when you look at me?” And it’s beautiful for its quiet optimism, as expressed in these words shared between mother and daughter: “Just because no one ever mentions courage, strength, intelligence, or creativity, that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.” What an uplifting message! Robinson’s art enriches the text and invites a closer look at details such as lace, leaves, and layered silhouettes. Together, the words and pictures create the feeling of a treasured family scrapbook, where generations past inspire generations to come.

I wish to thank the publisher for providing an advance reader copy.

[Gayatri Sethi Desi Book Aunty]

This is an uplifting & affirming love letter to all the “only brown children” in dominant culture spaces now & throughout time.
This book is brilliantly brought to life by dynamic & deeply affecting illustrations. I found myself captivated by the artistry even as the lyrical text held me.
✨💫
Parents & educators, this new picture book will affirm the marginalized children in our care while stirring up vital conversations about what it means to be “the only brown child.”
Discussions of historical injustice & racial trauma are made possible by this moving book especially when read aloud in community. Dare I say that this book is a timely antidote to current political waves forbidding such learning in order to center the comfort of the dominant?
I highly recommend we read, share & learn with this treasure of a book.

[Dave]

This is a POWERFUL book. I’m a white teacher teaching in a predominantly white school, and I so enjoy having anyone with a different color of skin in my classroom. They can bring in so much. But, I never really thought how they might feel. Wow! I cannot WAIT to read this to my class. I imagine it being a spoken word almost, a powerful message to those listening.

A short summary is that a young girl talks about her experience being the only brown skinned person in her class and how embarrassed she is when they talk about slavery and such. She feels that all eyes are on her. Her mother shared stories of her ancestors and how they were treated to encourage her. In the end, the young girl grows up and has a child of her own. She encourages her not to feel bad for being the only brown skinned girl in her class.

This is just so well done. Read it.

[Alison Marcotte]

This picture book is a must-read for parents, educators, and kids. In the book, Adrea sees African American history being taught the exact same way she was taught 30 years earlier — focused mainly on slavery and civil rights. This focus on suffering and oppression harms her daughter. Adrea tells her daughter, "just because no one ever mentions courage, strength, intelligence, and creativity, that doesn’t mean it’s not there."

"A History of Me" explores how it affects us when our own histories are told to us through other people's lenses (through textbooks, teachers, older family members, etc.), and how it can take away our sense of agency. It's important to let kids define themselves on their own. A beautiful, poetic, and powerful picture book!

[Jocelyn Rish]

A beautiful and powerful read that is needed in every classroom. Based on the author’s experiences of being the only brown student in classrooms when slavery and civil rights were taught, it honestly details the pain brought up by these shameful periods in history - both the intentional cruelty of some classmates and the hurt caused by lessons taught from a white gaze. The book is also a love letter to the ancestors whose strength guided the narrator, as well as to her daughter, who she hopes is free to become who she is meant to be. Adrea Theodore’s lovely lyrical words are an emotional punch on every page. And Erin Robinson’s vibrant illustrations add even more power to the words, ensuring I was very teary-eyed by the end.

[Jeanne Stadel]

This beautiful book is powerful on so many levels. In addition to depicting the harm so often inflicted upon black children by the way we have traditionally taught about Civil Rights in the classroom and the racism that engenders, it touches upon the generational struggles of black people and the limitations placed upon them in our society. Most importantly, though, it ends in triumph, with the author encouraging her child to rise above expectations, empowered to become anything she wants to be. This is an important book for all children: for those who know the pain of being “the only brown person in class,” for those who would develop empathy for their classmates, and for all who strive to “sit up straight and fly high into the sky.”