Cover Image: I Am Me

I Am Me

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Was this review helpful?

With the popularity of social media, our young people are now more than ever inundated with a false sense of perfection. As a teacher, I have seen how this affects students self-esteem during a critical time of development. I Am Me by Tom Worthen, Ph.D., is an excellent book for teens because it has art and poems written by teens that addresses being oneself and being ok with who you are. The art is outstanding and the poems are well written. I liked how the book is designed with art on one page and a poem on the adjacent of a similar subject. This allows the reader to have a visual image in mind while reading the poem.

Was this review helpful?

This book is composed of short poems and drawings by high school aged authors and artists.
These bring me back to high school when you are trying to figure out things.
The are is beautiful as well as the touching words.
This would be great for high school to adult aged people.

Was this review helpful?

Between the artwork and the poetry, the message is nothing short of powerful. As an adult, many of the poems spoke to me and would definitely speak volumes to my students. This book is unique in its reading experience and the connection between the artwork and poems are strong. Each poem speaks of issues faced by teenagers and even adults and focuses on the need to persevere through any struggles faced. This book can be brought into classrooms across the world and connections to the text can be made. I enjoyed the read and look forward to implementing some of the poetry in my classroom during a social injustice unit.

Was this review helpful?

Looking at it, this book is what you'd expect from the title. It's a collection of art and poetry by teenagers about being themselves.

Some of the art here is wonderful. Way better than I'd expect from high schoolers, truly fantastic. The curating work here is also very good. It works and tells a story in such a way that shows time and thought were put in.

The poems are this book's weak link. When I first read this, I was sure that the poets were international because that explained why the style was so simplistic. As in, I can excuse this type of writing when it's someone's second language but as a first language, I expect poetry to be better.

Instead, the poetry was repetitive. Most poets favored the type of writing found in journals attempting to be revolutionaries ("We are the girls you try to shut up but now we will rise" type of style). I felt like one poem like that could have been enough.

I don't know if that's what's popular in teenage writing but I felt like that was a shame, as the art was lightyears ahead of the poetry.

All in all, this is cute. It reminded me of having a low self esteem as a teenager, of figuring out how to love yourself. I think if the poetry was different, I could truly love this book.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful, thought-provoking work from our youth. I am looking forward to sharing this work with my students.

Was this review helpful?

Utterly stunning. If I told you it was just artwork and poems it would be an utter diservice to this amazing collection of work. The artwork by teens is so good it restores your faith in the arts. I'd rather pay 10 million for one of these than a pickled shark. The poems are also excellent - perhaps a little too much about being accepted for who you are - there's only so many times I can read the point being made - but still fantastic pieces of poetry. I am going to reccomend this on a parental e-group as well. Absolutely worth having for your teen.

Was this review helpful?