From My Head to My Toes

March 4, 2024
Affirmations weave throughout activist and Olympian Raisman’s work about boundary setting and being in tune with one’s body—as a motif reads, “from my head to my toes.” Early lines celebrate self-love (“I am strong./ I am beautiful./
I am unique”) and caretaking (“I love my body,/ so I am kind to my body”), then move into specific appreciations for the way that a person’s body can communicate (“It tells me/ when I am hot or cold,/ and when I am sleepy/ or hurt or hungry”). Eventually, the refrain provides transition
to a discussion of bodily autonomy and consent. Plain-spoken text prepares readers for moments when someone might “hug me or tickle me” without first asking permission, and then asserts every individual’s right to say no when people who “do not respect that my body is my own... touch me without my permission.” In kinetic action scenes, Jackson’s signature-style artwork features active youth of varied abilities, body types, and skin tones, among them the author, identifiable in an “Aly” tee. A note to adult readers addresses the author’s personal experience with abuse and offers resources. Ages 4–8.

March 1, 2024
Olympic gold medalist Raisman, who in 2017 spoke out about the sexual abuse she'd endured, presents a primer on bodily autonomy. "I am strong. I am beautiful. I am unique. I am enough." So begin the affirmations that appear in this sensitively written book. Raisman underscores the importance of being kind to one's body and listening to what it needs. She notes that others need to ask permission before touching our bodies; sometimes the answer will be yes, but other times, it will be no. Either is acceptable. Sometimes, someone will forget to ask or won't respect the answer. When that happens, children can tell them to stop. If they feel unsafe, and it's hard to say no, they can ask for help from people who make them feel safe. Our voices are just as "powerful," "beautiful," and "worthy" as our bodies. Emphasizing the strength inherent in every person--and making clear that we all deserve respect--Raisman has created a much-needed resource for starting a dialogue about consent. Backmatter offers tips for adults about discussing bodies and boundaries. Jackson's expressive, pastorally soft illustrations depict people, diverse in terms of race, ability, and body type, practicing gymnastics, gardening, and playing basketball. A light-skinned girl wearing a shirt reading "Aly," presumably a stand-in for the author, features prominently. Necessary and empowering. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-8)

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