“Why am I me … … and not you?” A philosophical picture book poses questions that invite consideration of individual identity. What makes these big ideas accessible is the visual story, which attaches the questions to specific characters as it follows two children from the moment they are standing near each other on a large city subway platform through their journeys home. They sit across from each other on the subway (“Why are you, you … … and not me?”). On the ride, each looks out the window. The African American boy wonders who he would be if he were someone else. Would I be “taller, … smaller, smarter?” The light-skinned girl wonders, what if someone else were her. Would they be “lighter, … darker, bolder?” A narrative that invites children on a journey of self-reflection, self-perception, and consideration of others is both lifted up and solidly grounded by the energetic acrylic, colored pencil, and collage illustrations showing the two children as part of a diverse and vibrant city, and in solitary moments of reflection. (Ages 5-8)

This loving ode to our shared humanity is the perfect introduction to conversations about identity and Anti-Racism.* "Will invite the book's audience to grapple with themes of individuality, diversity, universality, and what it means to be human." -- The Horn Book, starred review"Loved it." -- Jacqueline Woodson, former Ambassador of Young People’s Literature

Presented as a thoughtful, poetic exchange between two characters -- who don't realize they are thinking and asking the very same questions -- this beautiful celebration of our humanity and diversity invites readers of all ages to imagine a world where there is no you or me, only we.If the first step toward healing the world is to build bridges of empathy and celebrate rather than discriminate, Why Am I Me? helps foster a much-needed sense of connection, compassion, and love.