I Can Be All Three

May 1, 2023
A child celebrates their multifaceted identity and heritage. At school, with Multicultural Day looming, the unnamed narrator's teacher asks the class to create a project that celebrates their cultures. The other students immediately identify objects that represent a single country or tradition. But the narrator identifies with three different countries: India, where Papa is from; Germany, where Mama is from, and America, where the family lives now. While at first this collection of identities feels confusing, a German, Indian, and American dessert combination sparks the epiphany the protagonist needs to realize that their story's complexity is exactly what makes it beautiful. The next day, when the child shares their assignment with their classmates, they are delighted to learn that they are not the only student with a complicated heritage--or the only one who understands how rich a multiracial, multiethnic life can be. This richly illustrated, poetically told story builds upon the tradition of books like Natasha Wing and Robert Casilla's Jalape�o Bagels (1996) and Malathi Michelle Iyengar and Jennifer Wanardi's Romina's Rangoli (2007) with one important addition: It honors the child's American heritage alongside their parents' immigrant status. The relatable narratorial voice and lively, momentum-packed pictures combine for a fast-paced story starring a protagonist who finds a creative solution to their problem. This child-centered story eschews pontification in favor of quirky, thought-provoking fun. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An insightful, imaginative story about embracing our full selves. (Picture book. 3-8)

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August 7, 2023
A child feels torn about how to represent themself at a school’s multicultural day in this effective exploration of cultural and personal identity. At home, “Papa cooks/ keema and tikka masala” and “Stories of India/ fill the room”; Mama, meanwhile, makes “bratwurst and schnitzel” and tells stories of Germany. And at school, the child reads superhero comics, and “I speak English,/ eat pizza, cheeseburgers, chips.” Given an assignment to create “a special item/ that tells the story/ of who you are,” the child watches as the other students easily plan what they’ll do. But “nothing feels like quite enough” until a family dinner suggests an idea. Asking “If all three worlds/ are bright inside me,/ do I have to be/ just one?” Alikhan renders a complex social concept with laudable simplicity, in doing so reassuring readers by speaking to “the hushed hopes/ of many worlds/ wrapped up inside of us.” Pattern-swirled digital illustrations from Sofi render wide-eyed, Disney-like characters with various skin tones. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from September 29, 2023

K-Gr 3-With an Indian dad and a German mom, the young narrator of this book relishes the richness of two cultures at home and easily embraces American culture at school. But this identity also presents a conundrum when she ponders how to contribute to her classroom's Multicultural Day celebration. She sees herself as a blend of three distinct and wonderful cultures. How can she choose which one to share with her classmates? Ultimately, she decides she doesn't have to choose, and when she presents a beautiful diorama with elements from all three of her cultures, she discovers she's not the only multicultural individual in her class. This joyful celebration will resonate with readers of all ages and encourage each of us to embrace our whole selves. Expressive illustrations splashed with brilliant colors complement the uplifting tone of the text. A note discloses that the author herself identifies with more than just one culture. VERDICT A love letter to the beauty and joy of multicultural identities, this vibrant picture book will surely spark discussion and reflection. An excellent choice for story time and classroom read-alouds.-Allison Tran

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