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One Hundred Percent Me
A heartwarming story about the joys of multicultural families and being mixed race. One Hundred Percent Me takes readers (ages 4 to 8) along as a young girl explores and accepts her unique identity.
It can be confusing to be a child of mixed race. As the little girl moves through daily life in the big city, she hears some people say she looks more like her Puerto Rican dad, while others claim she takes after her Filipina mom. Should she favor one identity over the other? No! In fact, honoring every facet of her identity equally becomes the main character’s favorite affirmation. This beautifully illustrated book about celebrating differences, claiming our belonging, and acknowledging our heritage encourages all readers to embrace the fact that we are all 100% ourselves.
It can be confusing to be a child of mixed race. As the little girl moves through daily life in the big city, she hears some people say she looks more like her Puerto Rican dad, while others claim she takes after her Filipina mom. Should she favor one identity over the other? No! In fact, honoring every facet of her identity equally becomes the main character’s favorite affirmation. This beautifully illustrated book about celebrating differences, claiming our belonging, and acknowledging our heritage encourages all readers to embrace the fact that we are all 100% ourselves.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2022
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 11, 2022
I know what you're thinking? Chandra? With a children's book? 🤯 That's right. I sometimes even surprise myself. I LOVE seeing more and more of these multicultural books popping up these days. I absolutely had to pick this one up as it completely spoke to me. I wish I had a book like this when I was a kid.
This is a very short book with adorable illustrations and reminded me of the talks I had as a kid. "What are you?" "Where are you from?" "You have your mother's eyes." etc. But ultimately I always tried to be whoever the person talking to me wanted me to be. Too Korean for the US. Too American for Korea. As I've gotten older I've become extremely proud of my heritage and while yes, my family is from here and there and I am of mixed heritage... through it all I'm ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ME and this book just exemplifies how important that is. Love.
This is a very short book with adorable illustrations and reminded me of the talks I had as a kid. "What are you?" "Where are you from?" "You have your mother's eyes." etc. But ultimately I always tried to be whoever the person talking to me wanted me to be. Too Korean for the US. Too American for Korea. As I've gotten older I've become extremely proud of my heritage and while yes, my family is from here and there and I am of mixed heritage... through it all I'm ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ME and this book just exemplifies how important that is. Love.
August 22, 2022
A positive affirmation of celebrating being mixed race and being whole and complete and unique as oneself.
June 21, 2022
I know that all of us, in one way or another, have been told that we look just like our mother (or father, grandmother, Aunt Barbara, Uncle Sy, etc.) It became amusing at times, for me with a stepfather, to hear people say I looked just like him. Slowly, as I grew older, I began to realize I was me, and it was a compliment, nothing more.
In our increasingly multi-cultural world, it possibly happens more often in others' experiences. Renee's story about a young girl with a Puerto Rican dad and a Filipina mom shows her puzzling out what all the speculation means to her. She asks her parents, "Do you think I look exactly like you?" Their loving answer is "You look like yourself." In the travel across the city in public transportation a stranger's question, "Where are you from?" becomes something to ponder when that stranger persists with "I mean, where is your family from?" The young girl knows a final right answer, after saying they're from New York, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, and the Philippines, she continues with these words, "I'm from Oakland, and I'm one hundred percent me." This continues with visits to other family members and questions easy to answer now that this young one knows the beautiful and heartfelt words to answer: "Mama's eyes and Papi's eyes make my eyes one hundred percent mine."
As the trip through family visits, school, and a playground, up in a tree with children from many places, (a beautiful double-page spread), this young one learns about ancestors and other kinds of connections, all mixed together, confirming them, but remaining herself, will always be "one hundred percent me"!
Anita Prades, from Brazil, illustrates the story beautifully with the softest of colors. This is her first international experience. Renee writes in an author's note that her story comes from her own growing up and from that of her children, too. It's a book to enjoy and to ponder with a group of children, or perhaps only your own.
Thanks to Bloom Books for Children, an imprint of Ulysses Press for this copy!
In our increasingly multi-cultural world, it possibly happens more often in others' experiences. Renee's story about a young girl with a Puerto Rican dad and a Filipina mom shows her puzzling out what all the speculation means to her. She asks her parents, "Do you think I look exactly like you?" Their loving answer is "You look like yourself." In the travel across the city in public transportation a stranger's question, "Where are you from?" becomes something to ponder when that stranger persists with "I mean, where is your family from?" The young girl knows a final right answer, after saying they're from New York, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, and the Philippines, she continues with these words, "I'm from Oakland, and I'm one hundred percent me." This continues with visits to other family members and questions easy to answer now that this young one knows the beautiful and heartfelt words to answer: "Mama's eyes and Papi's eyes make my eyes one hundred percent mine."
As the trip through family visits, school, and a playground, up in a tree with children from many places, (a beautiful double-page spread), this young one learns about ancestors and other kinds of connections, all mixed together, confirming them, but remaining herself, will always be "one hundred percent me"!
Anita Prades, from Brazil, illustrates the story beautifully with the softest of colors. This is her first international experience. Renee writes in an author's note that her story comes from her own growing up and from that of her children, too. It's a book to enjoy and to ponder with a group of children, or perhaps only your own.
Thanks to Bloom Books for Children, an imprint of Ulysses Press for this copy!
May 18, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: One Hundred Percent Me
Author: Renee Macalino Rutledge
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Puerto Rican Filipino MC, Asian Latino side character, Indian Kenyan side character, Mexican side character
Recommended For...: children, babies, picture book, multiculturalism, diversity, ancestry
Publication Date: May 3, 2022
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Age Relevance: 0+
Explanation of Above: While the book does talk about themes of multiculturalism that might not be understood by babies, it’s still a great book with tons of pictures to show them and have them grow up knowing the story. Perfect for 4-8 year olds learning to read as well!
Publisher: Bloom Books for Young Readers
Pages: 32
Synopsis: It can be confusing to be a child of mixed race. As the little girl moves through daily life in the big city, she hears some people say she looks more like her Puerto Rican dad, while others claim she takes after her Filipina mom. Should she favor one identity over the other? No! In fact, honoring every facet of her identity equally becomes the main character’s favorite affirmation. This beautifully illustrated book about celebrating differences, claiming our belonging, and acknowledging our heritage encourages all readers to embrace the fact that we are all 100% ourselves.
Review: I really loved this adorable book! It did so good to talk about multiculturalism and ancestry in an easy-to-understand way for children. I’d love to see more books talk about multiculturalism and normalize it more in children’s books. I also loved that the book featured so much diversity in it and it really offered a great chance for a multitude of children to see themselves in the book. The illustrations were adorable as well and this is a highly recommended book from me.
Verdict: I highly recommend this one for you and your little ones!
Book: One Hundred Percent Me
Author: Renee Macalino Rutledge
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Puerto Rican Filipino MC, Asian Latino side character, Indian Kenyan side character, Mexican side character
Recommended For...: children, babies, picture book, multiculturalism, diversity, ancestry
Publication Date: May 3, 2022
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Age Relevance: 0+
Explanation of Above: While the book does talk about themes of multiculturalism that might not be understood by babies, it’s still a great book with tons of pictures to show them and have them grow up knowing the story. Perfect for 4-8 year olds learning to read as well!
Publisher: Bloom Books for Young Readers
Pages: 32
Synopsis: It can be confusing to be a child of mixed race. As the little girl moves through daily life in the big city, she hears some people say she looks more like her Puerto Rican dad, while others claim she takes after her Filipina mom. Should she favor one identity over the other? No! In fact, honoring every facet of her identity equally becomes the main character’s favorite affirmation. This beautifully illustrated book about celebrating differences, claiming our belonging, and acknowledging our heritage encourages all readers to embrace the fact that we are all 100% ourselves.
Review: I really loved this adorable book! It did so good to talk about multiculturalism and ancestry in an easy-to-understand way for children. I’d love to see more books talk about multiculturalism and normalize it more in children’s books. I also loved that the book featured so much diversity in it and it really offered a great chance for a multitude of children to see themselves in the book. The illustrations were adorable as well and this is a highly recommended book from me.
Verdict: I highly recommend this one for you and your little ones!
June 16, 2022
Great book for young readers to understand more about mixed race children as well as give those children confidence.
A little girl living in the San Francisco Bay area knows she is an individual even though people may not understand who she is because of her ancestry. With a Puerto Rican father and Filipina mother, she looks different than other kids. People say that she has one trait of her dad’s or another of her mom’s, but she thinks those are just hers. Everything that makes her up makes her 100% Me.
This is a great children’s book that gives confidence to kids who are mixed race (because aren’t we all al little) as well as help kids understand that just because someone looks different doesn’t mean that, they are just different. With colorful illustrations and descriptive imagery, this book is great for all young readers. Some of the wording is a little more than very young readers would be able to handle. It will be more appropriated for ages six and up.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
A little girl living in the San Francisco Bay area knows she is an individual even though people may not understand who she is because of her ancestry. With a Puerto Rican father and Filipina mother, she looks different than other kids. People say that she has one trait of her dad’s or another of her mom’s, but she thinks those are just hers. Everything that makes her up makes her 100% Me.
This is a great children’s book that gives confidence to kids who are mixed race (because aren’t we all al little) as well as help kids understand that just because someone looks different doesn’t mean that, they are just different. With colorful illustrations and descriptive imagery, this book is great for all young readers. Some of the wording is a little more than very young readers would be able to handle. It will be more appropriated for ages six and up.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
September 20, 2022
This book was a bit wordy but I think it needed to be to accomplish what it did. I think the amount of text also helped to convey how exhausting it must be to be asked/debated as to what you "are." It's sad but probably also realistic that family members get in on this debate, debating whether the child looks more Puerto Rican or Filipino. I also like that the parents, at least, do a great job of explaining that their child may be a mix of various people but they are 100% themselves.
This book even talks a bit about DNA, the parents are tested and they find out their ancestry. The text of the last page is:
"I could have my own DNA ancestry test done if I wanted to, Mama and Papi told me. Maybe I will someday. But for now, it is enough for me to know: My family is from New York, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, and the Philippines. I am from Oakland. My eyes are my own. I'm mixed. My face is not like anyone else's. My ancestors grew up in many different parts of the world. We are all unique, but connected. And most of all...I am one hundred percent me!"
A lot to cover in a picture book? Yes but, as I said, it was done well.
This book even talks a bit about DNA, the parents are tested and they find out their ancestry. The text of the last page is:
"I could have my own DNA ancestry test done if I wanted to, Mama and Papi told me. Maybe I will someday. But for now, it is enough for me to know: My family is from New York, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, and the Philippines. I am from Oakland. My eyes are my own. I'm mixed. My face is not like anyone else's. My ancestors grew up in many different parts of the world. We are all unique, but connected. And most of all...I am one hundred percent me!"
A lot to cover in a picture book? Yes but, as I said, it was done well.
May 8, 2023
Title: One Hundred Percent Me
Author: Renee Macalino Rutledge
Illustrated by: Anita Prades
Release Date: May 3rd, 2022
Page Count: 32 Pages
Format: Children's Book
Start Date: June 23rd, 2022
Finish Date: June 23rd, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
I really adored this book and the artwork. I feel like the message is very powerful. It's important to embrace who you ae and where you come from. Heritage is so important. It's also important to feel comfortable in your own skin and love who you are. I feel like this book embraces that fully. I do feel like this is a children's book that should definitely be on shelves. Especially in elementary schools.
Author: Renee Macalino Rutledge
Illustrated by: Anita Prades
Release Date: May 3rd, 2022
Page Count: 32 Pages
Format: Children's Book
Start Date: June 23rd, 2022
Finish Date: June 23rd, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
I really adored this book and the artwork. I feel like the message is very powerful. It's important to embrace who you ae and where you come from. Heritage is so important. It's also important to feel comfortable in your own skin and love who you are. I feel like this book embraces that fully. I do feel like this is a children's book that should definitely be on shelves. Especially in elementary schools.
January 20, 2023
A really beautiful, quiet tale of one multiracial child living in Oakland and how she navigates a world determined to put her in one box or another, and how she learns to respond in a way that holds all of her self. Beautiful!
Themes: Race, Identity, Be Yourself
Age: Kindergarten-Early Elementary
Themes: Race, Identity, Be Yourself
Age: Kindergarten-Early Elementary
June 1, 2022
Straightforward expression of what it's like to be multiracial. People ask our main character what are you? Where are you from? To which she learns to reply I'm 100% me.
June 20, 2022
Embracing Your Heritage
Everyone has a family. Some families are more homogeneous than others, but most contain elements of different nationalities or racial groups. This is an excellent book for children. It can be confusing for children when trying to understand why they look like some members of the family and not others, but in the end, this book says it all. You are one hundred percent you.
The story takes the main character and her parents from a walk around the neighborhood into the city. A neighbor tells her she looks like both her parents although each has a different background. In the city she sees other people of many racial groups. The experience makes her think about who she is.
The pictures are delightful. Children will love them. I thought they fit the story perfectly. In the end the main character realizes that no matter what her parents backgrounds are, she’s a unique individual. I highly recommend this book for young children.
I received this book from Pacific Court Books for this review.
Everyone has a family. Some families are more homogeneous than others, but most contain elements of different nationalities or racial groups. This is an excellent book for children. It can be confusing for children when trying to understand why they look like some members of the family and not others, but in the end, this book says it all. You are one hundred percent you.
The story takes the main character and her parents from a walk around the neighborhood into the city. A neighbor tells her she looks like both her parents although each has a different background. In the city she sees other people of many racial groups. The experience makes her think about who she is.
The pictures are delightful. Children will love them. I thought they fit the story perfectly. In the end the main character realizes that no matter what her parents backgrounds are, she’s a unique individual. I highly recommend this book for young children.
I received this book from Pacific Court Books for this review.
September 19, 2022
4.5 stars for this book about being you
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews