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March 30, 2007

Somebody Book Review

Somebody Book

Written by an elementary school teacher, the book I Feel Like Nobody When. . . I Feel Like Somebody When is a compilation of anonymous statements made by young children. Every child has felt the misery of being alone or left out. Of feeling unnoticed or ignored. This books puts to print those feelings that often children (and even some adults) experience but don't want to think about let alone share.

Reading through the book is somewhat of an emotional journey. As a parent I read the "I feel like nobody" statements and my heart drops a bit at first, sad thinking of the child that said it. But then my head nods, able to reference a time when I've felt the same way, or have seen my children experience what the child in the book is describing. Surely to balance the weight of feeling like nobody, Immediately following there is a positive "I feel like somebody" statement. Those bring about a triumphant smile, being able to identify with them also, a reminder that though there are downs, there are ups too.

I work with a family intervention program. A concentrated portion of the program deals strictly with the identification and expression of feelings and emotions, being an integral part of who we are as people and how we react to the world. The book addresses that exact issue and I must say -- that's pretty darn cool. The Somebody book deals with feelings and experiences that aren't often uttered, in lingo that is easily understandable and digested by young children, in a format that they can appreciate. The illustrations are charmingly simple and effective, with a soft halo around them almost as if you are peeking in on a memory if not your own, someone else's. Very much enjoyed the format of the book.

Beyond the book, there is also an accompanying website in English and in Spanish, with similar illustrations. A really nice tool to tie in with the book. There's a sizable guide for parents and/or educators and information about the author and a place where you can submit your own nobody/somebody experiences. Overall I like the website, but it froze up on me a bit (I use Firefox) not sure why. One thing I'd like to see with the website would be a section for kids. With the graphics and layout so kid-friendly it just seems appropriate that there would be a kid section somewhere on the site.

Bottom Line: You know what?I liked the book!! I was contemplating offering it up for a giveaway, but I think I want to hold onto it. Maybe the author will send another one for me to give away; I can ask. But the copy I have is mine. I really dig that the book centers on emotions, and would have totally loved it as a kid (like the Ready Set Grow series -- I LOVED those, still have many). The Somebody Book is a great addition to any home library or school classroom.

Rating:

Links: Somebody Book website and I Feel Like Nobody When. . . I Feel Like Somebody When book