Katherine Wilcox

Let Me Be Myself Katherine Wilcox

Let Me Be Myself is a unique book that empowers children to bethemselves, even when a society has preconceived expectations for them. Thisstory, although fictional, is based on events of the lives of many, includingthe author's. It is a book with which children can relate, and each child cantake away some message. Each aspect of the story is thought throughmeticulously, from the colors of Maggie's clothes and choice of activities andtoys, to the structure of Maggie's family and the gender and race of herteacher and friends. This story addresses much more than simply issues ofgender and gender roles, but unravels the assumptions about race, class, ageand gender that are so powerfully interwoven in American society. This book depicts a young womannamed Maggie who is actively engaging in her education, life and future. She isstrong-spirited and does not succumb to the expectations of others, as manyyoung men and women do. Maggie is an inspiration to young boys and girls, andshows them that that they can help change the world in which they are living bysimply being themselves.