Sparkle Boy

By Lesléa Newman, Maria Mola

Young Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is.

Description

Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, but he also loves things that sparkle, shimmer, and glitter. When his older sister, Jessie, shows off her new shimmery skirt, Casey wants to wear a shimmery skirt too. When Jessie comes home from a party with glittery nails, Casey wants glittery nails too. And when Abuelita visits wearing an armful of sparkly bracelets, Casey gets one to wear, just like Jessie. The adults in Casey’s life embrace his interests, but Jessie isn’t so sure. Boys aren’t supposed to wear sparkly, shimmery, glittery things. Then, when older boys at the library tease Casey for wearing “girl” things, Jessie realizes that Casey has the right to be himself and wear whatever he wants. Why can’t both she and Casey love all things shimmery, glittery, and sparkly?

Here is a sweet, heartwarming story about acceptance, respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression should be celebrated. Sparkly things are for everyone to enjoy!

About the Creators

Headshot of Lesléa Newman: light-skinned woman with brown, curly hair wearing a peach shirt and necklace in front of a tan, striped wall
Lesléa Newman

Lesléa Newman is the author of eighty books for readers of all ages. She has received numerous awards for her work, including two Stonewall Book Award Honors, two National Jewish Book Awards, the Massachusetts Book Award, and a creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. From 2008–2010, she served as the poet laureate of Northampton, MA. Visit her online 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.

Awards

  • Irma Black Award Honor

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Best Books of the Year

    Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature

  • Massachusetts Book Award Finalist

    Massachusetts Center for the Book

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

Reviews

  • "Another nuanced knockout from Lesléa Newman, Sparkle Boy shines, shimmers, and speaks to the world we live in now."

    - Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever

  • "Sparkle Boy captures the sparkle of siblinghood and the joy of glitter. I love Casey and his family. They are filled with love and heart. The dialogue is so real yet picture-book succinct and the chosen details of the illustrations make the pages feel real without being cluttered. Once again, Lesléa Newman reminds us that we all have the right to shine!"

    - Alex Gino, author of Melissa

  • "Twenty-first century kids face an unprecedented future. Sparkle Boy sparkles with traits they'll need, including creativity, freedom, and integrity... not to mention great outfits."

    - Marcus Ewert, author of 10,000 Dresses

  • "There are so many reasons to love Sparkle Boy, and the titular Sparkle Boy's big sister Jessie is one of them. Jessie shows us that tolerance and understanding can sometimes be a learning process for some, and that we all learn at different paces, through different experiences, and for various reasons--love being one of them."

    - Christine Baldacchino, author of Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

  • "The straightforward text realistically makes Jessie the one who sees the problems that can arise for Casey (and herself), but her protective mechanism seems natural. . . The inviting, solidly drawn artwork features doll-like characters with expressive faces. It's easy to see that being himself moves Casey from sad to happy."

    - Booklist

  • "Compassionate. . . Offer examples of language that children and adults could use in similar real-life situations, and Jessie's response to the library bullies might be the best of all. After being told that boys don't wear skirts and bracelets because 'That's just the way it is,' she responds, 'Not anymore.'"

    - Publishers Weekly

  • "This slice-of-life story will appeal to families, whether or not they include gender-creative members. . . A cheerful addition for libraries that need more titles like Cheryl Kilodavis's My Princess Boy and Sarah Hoffman's Jacob's New Dress."

    - School Library Journal

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781620142851
  • Price $19.95
  • Publication Date Jun 15, 2017
  • Trim Size 10.25 × 8.75 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32

    • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Social Themes / Bullying
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Family / Siblings
  • Themes Biracial / Multiracial, Breaking Gender Barriers, Bullying, Childhood Experiences / Memories, Persistence / Grit / Overcoming Obstacles, Courage, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Kindness / Caring, Latine / Latino / Hispanic, LGBTQIA+ / Pride, Realistic Fiction, Self Esteem / Confidence / Body Positivity / Body Image, Siblings & Cousins, Social & Emotional Learning / Wellness / Whole Child, Social Justice / Activism / Protest, Tolerance / Acceptance
  • Languages English

    • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading M
  • ATOS Book Level 2.9
  • DRA 28
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 490
  • Lexile Measurement AD490L
  • Intervention 20
  • Reading Level 3
  • Bebop Reading Early Fluent

    • Resources

    Sparkle Boy Read Aloud
    Sparkle Boy Read Aloud
    Sparkle Boy Teacher’s Guide
    Sparkle Boy Teacher’s Guide
    Sparkle Boy – Book Résumé
    Sparkle Boy – Book Résumé
    Webinar: LGBTQ+ Childrens Books
    Webinar: LGBTQ+ Childrens Books

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