My Shap is Sam
In a world where everybody is a shape and every shape has a specific job, Sam is a square who longs for softer corners, rounder edges, and the ability to roll like a circle. But everyone knows that squares don’t roll, they stack. At least that’s what everyone thinks until the day Sam takes a tumble and discovers something wonderful. He doesn’t have to be what others want or expect him to be.
With playful imagery, this story considers identity and nonconformity through the eyes of Sam, a square struggling to find his true place in the world.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Page Street Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Debut author Amanda Jackson has created a simple story that packs an important message about liking who you are. Sam is a square who wishes that he could be different and more like circles. One day he tumbles down a hill and realizes that he doesn’t have to look the same as others to do the same things they do.
All children compare themselves to others in one way or another. They think they can’t compete in sports because they are not tall enough, or they feel like they shouldn’t enter the spelling bee because they aren’t as smart as others in their class. Amanda wrote a story to help remind children that they can be anything they want to.
The illustrations by Lydia Nichols match Amanda’s gentle text. I loved that she made Sam a bright yellow so he stands out on the pages.
This is another terrific story to use in a social and emotional lesson. A beautiful look at the importance of not being scared to true new things.
Ages 5 and up
32 Pages
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