Sparkle Boy -- Lesléa Newman, Hardcover

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.

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!

Author: Lesléa Newman
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Published: 06/15/2017
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 10.30h x 9.00w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781620142851
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.9
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 503527 / Sparkle Boy


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2017
Publishers Weekly 05/08/2017
Booklist 05/15/2017 pg. 59
School Library Journal 06/01/2017
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2017 pg. 49 - Marginal, Seriously Flawed

About the Author

Lesléa Newman is the author of more than seventy-five acclaimed 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 lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts, with her spouse, Mary Grace Vazquez. Learn about Newman's books for children at lesleakids.com.

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.