15 Reasons Why  "CELEBRATING ME" is a Useful Resource

1. CELEBRATING ME opens the door for the first or additional discussion about puberty
2. The first period is depicted as a celebratory rite of passage, a significant milestone and not something to fear or be embarrassed about
3. The story is told from a child’s perspective, and so appeals to other children 
4. The information is factual, without using too many scientific words
5. CELEBRATING ME is presented in a tender, yet humourous and entertaining way
6. The clear and concise content contributes to an understanding of, and respect for, the function of the female body - this helps develop responsible behaviour
7. Useful life skills such as communicating, listening, negotiating with others, asking for and identifying sources of help and advice are depicted in the story
8. Young readers can recognise themselves or someone they know in the story through the different characters and personalities portrayed
9. The story’s characters (and readers) are challenged to be aware and attentive to the various information sources and messages available
10. A variety of family types are depicted, also enabling children and parents to identify
11. Written at a Grade 5 level, the story should be manageable for students at and above this level
12. The author is from the Caribbean with a social science and family development background
13. The illustrator is from the Caribbean and beautifully reflects this in the story’s characters and environment
14. The story is culturally relevant for readers from the Caribbean and Diaspora, while observing the universality of puberty
    
15. CELEBRATING ME has been endorsed by one of the Caribbean’s leading child development specialists, Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan

---