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Summary
Summary
A picture book for magical yet imperfect children everywhere, written by debut author Ashley Franklin and perfect for fans of such titles as Matthew A. Cherry's Hair Love, Grace Byers's I Am Enough, and Lupita Nyong'o's Sulwe.
Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance--and she's pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role.
But the other kids think she's "not quite" right to play the role.
They whisper, they snicker, and they glare.
Will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call
Not Quite Snow White is a delightful and inspiring picture book that highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. Tameika encourages us all to let our magic shine.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--A young black girl named Tameika loves singing, dancing, and acting. She's always felt the most free to be herself onstage, and always been the star--but she's never gotten to be a princess. When auditions for a school Snow White musical are announced, Tameika finally sees her chance; but when she overhears other students whispering that she is "too tall, too brown, and too chubby" to play the lead, she begins to doubt herself. When she explains her concerns to her parents, they tell her that she is "just enough of the right stuff" to be the perfect princess. Armed with their support, she remembers her joy for performing and scores the lead role. Glenn's vibrant digital illustrations vividly portray Tameika's emotions and personality, showing her clearly as a star in the making. The message of the book is wonderfully affirming, but the resolution feels abrupt: all it takes is one brief conversation with Tameika's parents to resolve all of her self-doubt. Abruptness aside, this is a recommended choice. VERDICT A fast, feel-good read that affirms anyone can be a princess regardless of size or race, and, in particular, supports and empowers young black girls.--Kelsey Socha, Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield, MA
Publisher's Weekly Review
Tameika is a die-hard song-and-dance gal, and the world (including her own backyard) is her stage. Now, having played a cucumber, a space cowgirl, a dinosaur, and a mermaid, she's going to audition for the biggest school play role yet: the lead in the musical Snow White. But when she overhears her peers gossiping ("She's too tall." "She's much too chubby." "And she's too brown."), Tameika's strong will wavers. "Maybe she was wrong for wanting to be this princess," debut author Franklin writes. Enter Tameika's parents, who give her the encouragement she needs ("You're just enough of all the right stuff") to knock 'em dead at the audition. With earnestness and plenty of heart (and offering subtle assurances throughout that Tameika is no prima donna), the creators adroitly make the girl's problem feel less overwhelming, smartly emphasizing her passion and empowerment. Digital illustrations by Glenn (Mommy's Khimar) are forthright in portraying Tameika's talent, ambition, and the joy both bring her. It's refreshing to see female confidence portrayed without a single "aw, shucks" moment, and important to be reminded that there's no one right way to be a princess. Ages 4-8. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A little black girl holds true to her dream that on the theater stage you can be whatever you wanteven if it's Snow White. Tameika is a bubbly, outgoing singer and dancer who loves the stage. She has played various roles, such as a cucumber, a space cowgirl, and a dinosaur, but never a princess. This charming tale tackles the complex subject of biases around race and body image when Tameika overhears her classmates' whispers: "She can't be Snow White"; "She's much too chubby"; "And she's too brown." Tameika goes on a journey of self-acceptance as she grapples with her feelings about wanting to be a princess. Glenn's playful, animation-inspired digital art will enchant readers as it immerses them in Tameika's vivid imagination. New fans may seek out her previous work in Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow's Mommy's Khimar (2018) and Michelle Meadows' Brave Ballerina (2019). The vibrant colors and active compositions enhance the story, reflecting Tameika's changing emotions and her interactions with her parents, whose positive affirmations help give Tameika the courage and self-love to remember how much joy she gets from performing. For kids who like to imagine themselves being anything they want to be, it is reassuring to be reminded that it's not exterior looks that matter but the princess within.A feel-good picture book and a great reminder that classic princess roles can be reimagined to embrace inclusion, diversity, and body positivity. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
In this beautifully illustrated story, an African American girl named Tameika loves to perform. One day she sees her school is putting on a musical of Snow White and thrills at the idea of getting the starring role. During auditions, however, Tameika hears her classmates saying negative things about her body type and skin color. What hurts her is that they do not believe she can be Snow White since she is not skinny, tall, and white. Tameika is discouraged and wonders if the other kids are right. Later that night, Tameika finds reassurance in her parents, who lovingly deliver one of the many talks African American parents have with their children regarding dealing with racism and discrimination. Using language which encourages hope, body positivity, and self-worth, Franklin weaves together a story which can be used by parents, librarians, teachers, and reading specialists to discuss overcoming discrimination. Buoyant digital illustrations in candy colors reflect Tameika's outgoing personality and create a welcoming space to help young readers discuss the tough topic of race.--Tiffany Flowers Copyright 2019 Booklist
