Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Young Readers Group)
Pages
32
Description
Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.
Description
There will be times when you walk into a room
and no one there is quite like you.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael López's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
and no one there is quite like you.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael López's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
32 p.; 10.8 inches
ISBN
9780399246531
Similar in this library
Media reviews
In The Day You Begin, Rafael López’s illustrations marry with Jacqueline Woodson’s text to create the perfect visual experience of growing from an outsider to finding the courage to connect with others “a little like you [but] so fabulously not quite like you at all.”
Woodson’s gentle, lilting story and López’s artistry create a stirring portrait of the courage it takes to be oneself: “There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you until the day you begin/ to share your stories.”
A bright jewel-toned palette and clever details, including a literal reflection of a better future, reveal hope and pride in spite of the taunting. This reassuring, lyrical book feels like a big hug from a wise aunt as she imparts the wisdom of the world in order to calm trepidatious young
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children: One of these things is not like the other, and that is actually what makes all the difference. Show Less
Award winning team Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez have created this new picture book and it is even more perfect than we anticipated.
The soft, evocative illustrations introduce us to characters who live these situations alone, before realizing that they can connect across, and because of, the identities and experiences that make them unique.
Lexile
980L
User reviews
LibraryThing member lycomayflower
Picture book about a boy riding the subway with his grandmother, meeting many kinds of people, and helping out in a soup kitchen. Very good.
LibraryThing member jmoncton
Loved this story written by the amazing Jacqueline Woodson. It highlights how there are times when we just feel like we don't fit in, whether it's being the only child in a school who didn't travel over vacation, or being the only person who looks different in the room. But the lesson in this story
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is that there are always ways that we can connect with others and build a community. This is a book that should be given to that favorite teacher you know. Perfect for early elementary school. Show Less
LibraryThing member darianskie
The story of feeling different until you begin to share and realize that things aren't too different.
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
"There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you." Whether it's skin color, a unique name, a lunch unlike what the other kids bring, or a lack of athletic ability, Woodson recognizes those moments when a child feels loneliest and apart from the group. Poetic gentle
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prose underscores the lonely feelings but also at the end, reassures that similarities and differences open us up to each other. Show Less
LibraryThing member melodyreads
being the new and different kid, and persevering to find someone you share a little something with
LibraryThing member Lake_Oswego_UCC
Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Based upon a poem in her award-winning memoir, Brown Girl Dreaming, author Jacqueline Woodson explores how it feels to be different from one's peers in this lovely picture-book. "There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you," the text begins, going on to describe
I always love Woodson's picture-books, from Each Kindness to Coming on Home Soon. They are so beautifully written, so thought-provoking, and so poignant and joyful by turns. The Day You Begin is all of those things, and although it probably doesn't rank as one of my favorites - there are some of Woodson's books that I simply can't read without a lump in my throat - it is outstanding. I appreciated the various themes explored in the text, and I absolutely loved the accompanying mixed media artwork by the talented Rafael López. His color palette is delightful, and the diverse range of characters he depicts are all so expressive, perfectly capturing the feeling evoked by the text on that page. Recommended to Jacqueline Woodson fans, Rafael López admirers, and anyone looking for children's stories about our differences and commonalities.
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the ways one might be different, from personal appearance to food eaten, names and languages spoken to family background and summer activities. Depicting the feeling of being a fish out of water with sympathy, the narrative concludes with the idea that through communication and sharing, one discovers that there are many things we have in common with those around us, just as there are things that set us apart...I always love Woodson's picture-books, from Each Kindness to Coming on Home Soon. They are so beautifully written, so thought-provoking, and so poignant and joyful by turns. The Day You Begin is all of those things, and although it probably doesn't rank as one of my favorites - there are some of Woodson's books that I simply can't read without a lump in my throat - it is outstanding. I appreciated the various themes explored in the text, and I absolutely loved the accompanying mixed media artwork by the talented Rafael López. His color palette is delightful, and the diverse range of characters he depicts are all so expressive, perfectly capturing the feeling evoked by the text on that page. Recommended to Jacqueline Woodson fans, Rafael López admirers, and anyone looking for children's stories about our differences and commonalities.
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LibraryThing member HeidiSki
We are all different and this book would be a wonderful introduction to the school year for our newly enrolled students as no one really knows them yet, at NH. I would like to suggest that our counselor use in small groups. Another powerful Jacqueline Woodson book.
LibraryThing member pataustin
In this first day of school book, Jacqueline Woodson captures a universal experience of being new. Angelina is reticent to share her story because her summer wasn't as exciting as her classmates. That is, until she begins to tell her story. I love how Woodson creates a kind of double meaning just
to tell your story.
When she realizes that she does have her own unique and valuable experience (reading to her sister) she gets braver. I also love Lopez's pictures, which several times include rulers. The take away is that we're always measuring ourselves against others.
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by the way she uses line breaks. The day you beginto tell your story.
When she realizes that she does have her own unique and valuable experience (reading to her sister) she gets braver. I also love Lopez's pictures, which several times include rulers. The take away is that we're always measuring ourselves against others.
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LibraryThing member nbmars
Jacqueline Woodson tells a lovely story that offers support and encouragement for all the children who walk into a room - for example, on the first day of school - and think with dread that they are different from everyone else. What if they laugh at you, or think you are strange, or what if you
Woodson was inspired by a family story about her great-grandfather, who went to live with an aunt in a town where he was the only black child in his school. How do you cope when “no one there is like you?” as she asked in a poem in her book Brown Girl Dreaming.
Using poetic free verse in this book as well, Woodson writes about times a child may feel like an outsider and be insecure about it:
“There will be times when the words don’t come.
Your own voice, once huge, now smaller
When the teacher asks What did you do last summer?
Tell the class your story."
The other children in the book boast of travels during the summer - to Maine, to India, to Spain even!
But what if all you did was stay at home and read to your little sister?
“And in that room, where no one else is quite like you, you’ll look down
At your own empty hands and wonder What good is this
When other students were flying
And sailing and
Going somewhere.”
The illustrations provide examples of other situations in which someone might feel excluded, showing a Latinx immigrant new to the country; a Korean girl with different food for lunch than the others bring; and a lonely white boy who prefers books to sports.
But then the little girl bravely decides to share her own stories:
“My name is Angelina and
I spent my whole summer with my little sister . . .
Reading books and telling stories and
Even though we were right on our block it was like
We got to go EVERYWHERE.”
The other children respond positively, and soon the girl finds new friends, and sees that “every new friend has something a little like you - and something else so fabulously not quite like you at all.”
Rafael López uses simple pictures and yet manages, with his bright palette, to convey every nuance of every emotion expressed.
Evaluation: There is a good reason Jacqueline Woodson is so beloved as an author. I wish there had been a book like this when I started first grade and it seemed like everyone already knew each other from kindergarten, which I did not attend. The illustrations are so moving, and so well done. The recommended age range is from 4-8, but since I still feel this way in many social occasions, I would change it to ages 4 and up!
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can’t play the same games they know how to play? So many kids will relate to these scenarios!Woodson was inspired by a family story about her great-grandfather, who went to live with an aunt in a town where he was the only black child in his school. How do you cope when “no one there is like you?” as she asked in a poem in her book Brown Girl Dreaming.
Using poetic free verse in this book as well, Woodson writes about times a child may feel like an outsider and be insecure about it:
“There will be times when the words don’t come.
Your own voice, once huge, now smaller
When the teacher asks What did you do last summer?
Tell the class your story."
The other children in the book boast of travels during the summer - to Maine, to India, to Spain even!
But what if all you did was stay at home and read to your little sister?
“And in that room, where no one else is quite like you, you’ll look down
At your own empty hands and wonder What good is this
When other students were flying
And sailing and
Going somewhere.”
The illustrations provide examples of other situations in which someone might feel excluded, showing a Latinx immigrant new to the country; a Korean girl with different food for lunch than the others bring; and a lonely white boy who prefers books to sports.
But then the little girl bravely decides to share her own stories:
“My name is Angelina and
I spent my whole summer with my little sister . . .
Reading books and telling stories and
Even though we were right on our block it was like
We got to go EVERYWHERE.”
The other children respond positively, and soon the girl finds new friends, and sees that “every new friend has something a little like you - and something else so fabulously not quite like you at all.”
Rafael López uses simple pictures and yet manages, with his bright palette, to convey every nuance of every emotion expressed.
Evaluation: There is a good reason Jacqueline Woodson is so beloved as an author. I wish there had been a book like this when I started first grade and it seemed like everyone already knew each other from kindergarten, which I did not attend. The illustrations are so moving, and so well done. The recommended age range is from 4-8, but since I still feel this way in many social occasions, I would change it to ages 4 and up!
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LibraryThing member ebrossette
This book is for students who feel as if there's no one in the class like them. Whether it's because of where they are from, how they speak, or their athletic ability, some students feel alone. Woodson reminds readers that once you begin to open up and tell your story, "the world opens itself up a
I think the book is very important for all readers because each character faces a problem that readers can relate to, and feel represented.
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little wider to makes some space for you". I think the book is very important for all readers because each character faces a problem that readers can relate to, and feel represented.
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LibraryThing member aengolia
This book portrays the story of a young girls first day of school. All of her friends traveled to different places but all she did all summer was read. She then realizes that reading allows you to travel to different places too. This is such a good story to begin with on the first day of school,
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before asking any questions! This is because there could be a student in the class who is just like this girl and may be a little embarrassed or shy to open up. By reading this story, you can allow students to feel more comfortable opening up and sharing with the class. This was a fun read. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookwormMarie
“The Day you begin” by Jacqueline Woodson is a beautifully written story about the first day of school for Angelina, an adorable girl of color. Like most new kids, she is worried about meeting new friends and being accepted. As she enters her classroom she finds students of all different races
The beautiful illustrations by award winning Illustrator, Rafael Lopez really compliment this sweet story. The words flow on the page and the illustrations bring it all to life. Woodson is a dynamic and powerful writer. This is a great read aloud for the first day of school for PK-2 students.
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and cultures. As they start sharing stories of their summer vacations, Angelina feels awkward because she didn’t go away on a vacation. She spent her summer reading books to her little sister. Once she shares her story she realizes that even though they are all different, by sharing their stories they find connections. The beautiful illustrations by award winning Illustrator, Rafael Lopez really compliment this sweet story. The words flow on the page and the illustrations bring it all to life. Woodson is a dynamic and powerful writer. This is a great read aloud for the first day of school for PK-2 students.
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LibraryThing member ppolanco
This book was short, simple yet wonderful. It is worded perfectly in order to be shared with kids that teach a lesson to all students. We may not all be the same, but we can learn from each other and despite our differences we always have little things in common. Jacqueline Woodson is an awesome,
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talented author. Show Less
LibraryThing member MarlenePreciado
I thought this was a great book! I like that it teaches the reader that it's ok to be yourself. There is nothing wrong with being who you are and in the book it was shown that even though you might be different you are accepted.
LibraryThing member jennybeast
A book about difference and about finding common ground -- lovely language, great pictures, and a hard subject. I think would be good for kindergartners/first day of school kids.
I find one section a bit confusing -- there's a little white boy who embodies isolation, and while I think the
I find one section a bit confusing -- there's a little white boy who embodies isolation, and while I think the
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imagery/text is talking about finding self-reliance, it's a little unclear, and feel like all the other kids come back to the classroom and come into their own, but that one is left out. It's an interesting odd note, in a symphony of inclusivity. Show Less
LibraryThing member amandamreads
Please add this book to your home, classroom, or library immediately.
This is a beautiful example of perfect marriage of author and illustrator. The words and illustrations flow as one, balanced and complementary.
Sometimes we forget the immense bravery we ask of our children and students every
This is a beautiful example of perfect marriage of author and illustrator. The words and illustrations flow as one, balanced and complementary.
Sometimes we forget the immense bravery we ask of our children and students every
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day. Each new thing to learn and try is a challenge in itself. Being different makes those things harder--but the day you begin to embrace your difference is the day you begin to see the incredible value you add to the world. People of all ages will be able to relate to the difficulties of being in a place where no one else is quite like you--and this story has a message for all of us. Show Less
Awards
Georgia Children's Book Award (Finalist — Picturebook — 2021)
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (Picture Books — 2018)
Monarch Award (Nominee — 2020)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2020)
Red Clover Book Award (Nominee — 2020)
Ohioana Book Award (Finalist — Juvenile Literature — 2019)
California Young Reader Medal (Nominee — 2021)
North Carolina Children's Book Award (Nominee — Picture Book — 2021)
Charlotte Zolotow Award (Highly Commended Title — 2019)
Jane Addams Children's Book Award (Winner — 2019)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Picture Books — 2020)
IBBY Honour Book (2020)
Flicker Tale Award (Nominee — Young Readers — 2021)
Colorado Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2020)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — Primary — 2021)
Three Stars Book Award (Nominee — Young Readers — 2020)
Floyd's Pick Book Award (Winner — 2019)
Ladybug Picture Book Award (Nominee — 2019)
E.B. White Read-Aloud Award (Honor Book — Picture Book — 2019)
Charlotte Huck Award (Recommended Book — 2019)
Star of the North Picture Book Award (Nominee — 2020)
CCBC Choices (2019)
Notable Children's Book (Younger Readers — 2019)
Nerdy Book Award (2018)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Children's Books — 2018)
Teacher Favorites Award (2019)
Penn GSE's Best Books for Young Readers (Selection — Picture Books — 2018)
Tejas Star Reading List (2020)
Picture This Recommendation List (Fiction — 2019)
El día de los niños / El día de los libros (K-2 — 2020)
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids (Picture Books — 2018)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Picture Books — 2018)
Call number
J2H.610