Sparkle Boy (2017)

2.5-2.75 • Very well intentioned, but lacking in execution. Main character lacks in development; secondary character doesn't have enough time "on screen". Some lost potential, here. ( )

This is a cherishable book that shows the love and acceptance of a sister recognizing and welcome the changes of her little brother. The story illustrations are engaging and the story of him really shows bravery.

A sweet picture book where a big sister learns to accept her little brother loving to wear sparkly (aka female identified) clothing, jewelry & polish. After telling him not to wear these “girl” things she reconsiders when she sees him bullied by other kids. ( )

"Sparkle Boy" is a story that breaks gender norms. His sister is insistent that he act, dress, and be like every other boys. She doesn't like that he likes glitter, nail polish, etc. His parents, on the other hand, allow him to express himself and choose the things that HE likes, not what he is SUPPOSED to like. The sister eventually sees a new perspective and embraces her brother for his differences. ( )

Jessie loved sparkly things. She loved them so much that she would always show them off. These sparkly things intrigued Jessie's little brother, Casey, so much so that he wanted all of them! When Jessie showed off her shimmery skirt, Casey wanted one too. When Jessie showed off her glittery nail polish, Casey wanted some too. When Abuelita showed off her sparkly bracelets, Jessie wanted one and so did Casey. Each time Casey wanted something sparkly, Jessie questioned their mother, father, or Abuelita if it were okay. This upset Jessie. One day when Mama was taking Casey and Jessie to the library, Jessie came down in her sparkly skirt with her sparkly nails and sparkly bracelet, but she wasn't the only one. Casey was wearing his sparkly skirt, sparkly, bracelet, and sparkly nails, too! This upset Jessie and Jessie asked mama why Casey was dressed like that because he looked silly. Mama disagreed; Casey looked like Casey she said. At the library, a girl came up to Jessie and Casey and complimented Jessie's skirt then said she liked her sister's skirt too. Casey responded, "I'm not a sister. I'm a brother." Then the girl said that Casey couldn't be a brother because he was a girl. When Casey told the girl that he was a boy, an older boy overheard and laughed at Casey with his friend. They told Casey that he can't wear a skirt because he'll look weird and everyone will laugh at him because boys don't wear skirts, bracelets, and nail polish. When Casey was about to start crying, Jessie finally stood up for Casey and went home. They together, adored all things sparkly.

In this story, Jessie would be considered a dynamic character whereas Casey would be considered a static character. This is because Jessie's feelings about her brother changed towards the end. In the beginning, Jessie didn't like that Casey liked girly things, but towards the ending when people were making fun of Casey for liking girly things, Jessie stood up for him. Casey would be considered a static character because he never changed throughout the whole story.

I really, really enjoyed this story. I think this is a great story that breaks down the barriers of gender roles. Books like these should definitely be read in every single classroom to teach acceptance to children rather than negligence because of differences. Stories like these are extremely important in today's world and I really hope to see an increase in stories like these. ( )