What Will You Be? by Kate Alizadeh, Yamile Saied Méndez
Published by HarperCollins on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 0062839950
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Books about aspirations and what you will be when you grow up abound, but Yamile Saied Méndez’s new addition manages to inspire and delight nonetheless. A very young Latinx girl talks with classmates about what they will be when they grow up. But none of the classmates’ ideas (astronaut, unicorn, clown) are right for our protagonist. She consults her Abuela, who has done it all and still doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. Together, grandmother and granddaughter explore all the wonderful things you can be, literally and figuratively – a dreamer, an artist, a builder, a farmer – if you listen to your heart. This story is accompanied by whimsical, bright, colorful illustrations. Children in Pre K – 3rd grade will enjoy this book best, but it’s a good reminder to all of us that what we are is often more than what we do. Recommend for any library.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)