Perfectly Imperfectly YOU by Jamie James
What's It About?
“You may not feel normal. Do you not match your friends? Are you not up to date with current fashion trends?”It’s a problem many of us, young and old, have faced. We want to fit in with our peers and “be normal,” but it’s not easy! How do we figure out a way to fit in when it comes at the cost of our authentic selves? When it comes to kids especially, social norms play a huge role in their experiences, from school to the playground and even in online spaces. Feeling unusual or ostracized can be detrimental for children during such a significant time. But how do you assure them that being ‘outside the norm’ is perfectly normal?
Author Jamie James has the answer in the charming and empowering story Perfectly Imperfectly YOU. This story in verse encourages children to see the value in their unique quirks. Those “imperfections,” regardless of what others may say, are what makes them special!
“Is your voice squeaky? Does it sometime crack? When you try to sing, does it sound really whack?”
From big feet and sticky-out ears to sour singing voices, from appearance to self-expression, Perfectly Imperfectly YOU hones in on common insecurities that make children feel vulnerable to outside judgment. After all, when kids are targeted by their peers for being something other than “normal,” that outside judgment can very quickly become internal.
That’s exactly why books like Jamie James’ are so important. The author seeks to reassure children that they have nothing to be ashamed of. Perfectly Imperfectly YOU doesn’t give false, albeit well-meaning placations like “Oh, you’re not really that tall, your singing isn’t that off.” Rather than dismissing children’s insecurities, the book encourages them to embrace them! So what if your ears stick out? So what if you have lots of freckles, or tell corny jokes? Own your truth and love yourself for the person you are, rather than who others want you to be.
Working in tandem with James’ inspiring words, Yogesh Mahajan’s whimsical illustrations depict a diverse cast of characters, all determined to assure young readers that they have every reason to believe in themselves and their own self-worth. The result is a supportive, promising story that emboldens children to believe in themselves and accept what makes them special, regardless of what others may say.
“Things that might make you feel out of place … make a beautiful human that can’t be replaced … You’re one in a billion! (Okay, maybe three.) Always be you, because you’re who the world needs!”
Ultimately, Perfectly Imperfectly YOU teaches us that there really is no such thing as true normal. So why strive for it? We’re all our own weird, whacky, perfectly imperfect selves — and that’s exactly the way things should be!
In grade school, Jamie James dabbled in writing. Although her rural Ohio roots didn’t create an environment to encourage her talent, they did teach her work ethic. Through that work ethic she landed in mortgage lending for twenty years. Upon moving to the Atlanta area in 2012, she settled down and had two children. Through her deep love and commitment to give her children what her childhood didn’t have, she wrote some stories. Stories that would not only be easy to read but containing simple understanding to help children through their questions and concerns. Not only did she herself fall in love with writing, she saw the beautiful emotion and reactions from children close to her. Jamie’s passion is once again shown through this reignited fire.
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