15 Reasons Why "CELEBRATING ME" is a Useful Resource

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