When I Grow Up I Want to Be Me

Last updated Tuesday, March 9, 2004

Author: Sandra Magsamen
Illustrator: Sandra Magsamen
Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 043939886X
Grade Level: 1st
Date(s) Used: March 2004

Synopsis: Each page of this inspirational gift book includes vibrant, full-color illustrations representing girls of diverse colors, shapes, and sizes. There are also magical interactive novelties on each spread, including foil-stamped hearts, star stickers, lift-the-flaps, luminous die-cut butterflies, and more.

Tips for reading the book:  This book is a light-hearted, quick and easy read emphasizing confidence and independence.  It is a celebration of life, love, and self.  A picture walk before reading and a discussion afterward will help you make the most of your time. Take your time, asking plenty of questions and emphasizing vocabulary. 

Discussion topics:

• What do you want to be when you grow up? What are your dreams?
• What does it mean to "reach for the stars"?
• Can boys do things that girls can’t? Why/why not?
• Volunteers: may need to explain what fireflies are.

Craft ideas:

• Make a flip card of the days in the week as in the book. Use two sheets of paper, and cut (may need to help children) doors in one. Then glue the two pieces together (not the doors!). Color in the space behind the doors what you do each day.
• Draw what it means to "reach for the stars." Make use of the star stickers.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!