Sparkle Boy
By Lesléa Newman
Illustrated by Maria Mola
Hardcover: $18.95
View the Teacher's GuideCasey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, and he also loves things that shimmer, glitter, and sparkle. Casey’s older sister, Jessie, thinks this is weird. Shimmery, glittery, sparkly things are only for girls. Right?
When Casey and Jessie head to the library for story time, Casey proudly wears his shimmery skirt and sparkly bracelet. His nails glitter in the light. Jessie insists that Casey looks silly. It’s one thing to dress like this around the house, but going outside as a “sparkle boy” is another thing entirely. What will happen when the other kids see him?
This sweet and refreshing story speaks to us all about acceptance, respect, and the simple freedom to be yourself. Shimmery, glittery, sparkly things are fun—for everyone!
Reviews & Comments
School Library JournalBooklist
Publishers Weekly
Planet Esme
Tim Federle, author of BETTER NATE THAN EVER
Alex Gino, author of GEORGE
Marcus Ewert, author of 10,000 DRESSES
Christine Baldacchino, author of MORRIS MICKLEWHITE AND THE TANGERINE DRESS
About the Creators
Lesléa Newman - Author
Lesléa Newman is the author of seventy books for readers of all ages. She has received numerous awards for her work, including two Stonewall Book Award Honors and a creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Newman is also a popular presenter at conferences, libraries, and schools. She wrote this story to celebrate all the “sparkle boys” who brighten the world. She lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts, with her spouse, Mary Grace Vazquez. Learn about Newman’s children’s books at lesleakids.com.
Maria Mola
Maria Mola has illustrated picture books for publishers in both Europe and the United States, and her images are notable for their expressiveness and sense of whimsy. Mola was drawn to the story in Sparkle Boy because she believes it addresses a socially important topic. A native of Barcelona, Spain, Mola now lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and their two sons. You can visit her online at mariamola.com.
About This Title
ISBN
Hardcover: 9781620142851
Awards
Irma Black Award Finalist
Bank Street College of Education
Guided Reading:
MLexile:
AD490LInterest Level:
Grades K - 3Reading Level:
Grades 3 - 3Themes
Breaking Gender Barriers, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Empathy/Compassion, Families, Identity/Self Esteem/Confidence, Kindness/Caring, Latino/Hispanic/Mexican Interest, LGBTQ, Multiethnic interest, Overcoming Obstacles, Pride, Siblings, Tolerance/Acceptance, Biracial/Multiracial Interest
Part of These Collections
Bullying/Anti-Bullying Collection, Realistic Fiction Collection Grades PreK-2, Diverse Background English Collection Grades PreK-2, Teaching Tough Topics with Children's Literature Webinar, Social and Emotional Learning Collection, Social Activism Collection, LGBTQ+ Collection, Trauma-Informed Collection
