Becoming Vanessa

Written and Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2021

Vanessa is excited for her first day of school! But she's worried that her classmates won't know how special she is. To show them, she wears a very special outfit. It's the fanciest, most elaborate one she can throw together. When she gets to school, she doesn't get the kind of attention she expected. The other kids are staring, but don't seem as thrilled by her bright colors and feather boa as she was when she got dressed that morning. The next day, she puts on a regular, plain outfit and complains to her parents that her name is too long. She'd rather be like the other girls in her class. Her mother comforts her and tells her the meaning behind her beautiful name. Vanessa learns that being her bright, enthusiastic self is exactly who she wants to be!

This book is great for kids you may feel a little different or are nervous about going to school. Vanessa learns a very important lesson that we, even as adults, often forget--being true to yourself is better than fitting in.

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