This book is a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of a young girl who feels self-conscious about being big, both in size and personality. Harrison’s vivid illustrations and engaging text empower children to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their strengths. In the classroom, this book can be used to discuss themes such as self-acceptance, body positivity, and personal identity. Teachers can use "Big" as a starting point for conversations about diversity and inclusion, encouraging students to appreciate differences and understand their own worth. Activities such as journaling or group discussions can help students reflect on their own experiences and foster a supportive classroom environment. ( )

This is a great book to incorporate in the classroom because it's about a child's journey to sleep love and the power of words. For middle school students, this book can help them with their identity crisis due to them being able to try and find out who they are at this age. I strongly recommend this book because it's an easy read for students and the main purpose of the book. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grades K-3
Awards: A Caldecott Medal Winner, A Coretta Scott King Award Author and Illustrator Honor Book
A New York Times Bestseller, Best Children's Book of the Year, A National Book Award Finalist

Ayoung Black girl who is told she is too big learns which labels to keep.

When she was a baby, being a “big girl” was good. But at a certain point, getting bigger becomes tinged with negativity. Adults are frustrated with the girl because of her size. Other children tease her. On the playground and in ballet, where she used to feel joyous and free, the girl is humiliated. On wordless spreads, all alone, the girl fills the tightly constricted pages, as if trapped by their borders. She lets her feelings out in tears that form a puddle of words—the criticisms of others as well as more positive ones: imaginative, creative, compassionate. Finally, she is able to see clearly, and she decides “to make more space for herself” by pushing the boundaries of the page in a powerful fold-out spread. After that, she knows how to separate the words that do and don’t belong to her and what to do with them. Textured illustrations in a soft, predominantly pink palette endear the protagonist to readers, while spare, carefully crafted text delivers an important message of self-acceptance and combating anti-fat bias that never feels preachy or overdone. Bestselling creator Harrison has produced another classic that belongs on every child’s shelf—this is one that will nurture little ones and help them to see the beauty in themselves.

A healing balm with the power to make the world a bit kinder. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-9)

-Kirkus Review

PreS-Gr 2—Being called a "big girl" was once a compliment, but starts to feel less so when a girl gets mocked for
her size. After she tells people that their words hurt her, she says proudly that she likes herself the way she is. A
lovely proclamation of self-love and speaking up for yourself.
NB: also Caldecott Medal Winner, Coretta Scott King Honor Title