I Am Strong Just Being Me

I Am Strong Just Being Me was just the book that I was looking for to read to Y3 and Y4 in our weekly story assembly. I was looking for a book about strength within that I could relate to playtimes, learning in the classroom and life outside of school.

I began by asking the children what 'strong' meant to them. They came up with some brilliant ideas and we discussed it not just being about carrying or moving heavy objects, but that strength can be struggling and asking for help, standing up for something that you believe in or calling out some behaviour that is not right.

I Am Strong Just Being Me opened up some great discussions. It is a book written from a child's perspective who asks her Nana to help her understand what strength means; it ends with her understanding that strength comes from within. The book offers up lots of discussion points through lyrical questions asked from the child to Nana.

The story is beautifully illustrated in soft hues and brushstrokes to engage all readers. It is a great addition to the wellbeing section of any bookshelf. I would happily read this with young children all the way to Year 6 as there is something in there for everyone. Themes of strength, inner beauty, resilience and learning through others filter through the book and are such powerful messages to send children.

Picture book / Reviewed by Kelly Buxton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

This is a very big concept for such a slim book. It starts with a little girl musing about what the word 'strong' means. She thinks hard but can't come up with a satisfactory answer so she asks her Nanna. Nanna is full of good ideas and gives her lots to think about when it comes to defining all the different meanings of strength.

I Am Strong Just Being Me is a great gift for a young child who is ready to develop the nuances of what words can mean. It's also a good resource for a classroom or school library and will promote a good level of discussion about what being strong means. Are boys stronger than girls? Is it okay not to be strong? Can strong be a negative trait?

Once they have understood the concept, which this book will certainly help them grasp, you can widen it out to a whole host of other words which are mostly positive but can have so many different definitions such as brave, clever, quick, gentle, quiet or safe. This would be a powerful piece of work to challenge stereotypes that could turn into a meaningful display.

The book concludes with the uplifting message that the little girl doesn't need to meet any of the definitions to be strong; the fact that she thinks she is, is good enough. A good message for children to remember; you don't always have to be the best, the cleverest, the strongest, the fastest, the bravest.... I am strong just being me!

Picture book / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

I Am Strong Just Being Me is a thought-provoking picture book that redefines what it means to be strong. Through the curious voice of Bean and the gentle wisdom of their Nanna, Laura Dockrill opens a thoughtful dialogue about courage, compassion, and self-acceptance. Rather than focusing on loud, bold strength, this story shines a light on the quieter, more personal ways children can be strong - by being kind, by listening, by staying true to themselves. Kip Alizadeh's vibrant illustrations bring nature and emotion to life, perfectly complementing the lyrical text.

This is more than a story; it’s an invitation to children to embrace their feelings and understand that strength comes in many forms. A super book to share in a Key Stage 1 class to support or promote an idea of identity and self belief. Gentle, poetic, and empowering, I Am Strong Just Being Me would easily find a place at home or in a classroom.

Picture book / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+