Patchwork

 

Patchwork

A Review by Bryan Nguyen

Synopsis

Patchwork by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Corinna Luyken conveys a powerful message to children that there are endless possibilities for what they can become in the future. From a dancer into a coder, from a basketball player into a poet, or even a class clown into an inspiring teacher. There are endless possibilities out there for each child, and every child is not just a single pattern, but a patchwork of things that make each of us all unique and beautiful. We are all beautiful. 

Anti-Bias Elements 

Positive & Representative Illustrations:

Luyken's illustrations uses various colors and descriptions of children, including different genders, races, and features such as hair textures and styles to show how each child is beautiful and, despite being different from each other, has the possibility to become something great. The colorful images also make the story more interesting for children, allowing the message of the story to be more understood by the audience.

Effects on Children's Self and Social Identities

The story itself conveys a message to children that there are endless possibilities for what they can become in the future. By even describing how a class clown, or usually description of an unmotivated student, eventually becomes a successful teacher, this can help encourage children of different backgrounds that they can become something great. This message would also help children create better self-images of themselves.

Appeal & Relevance to Young Readers:

de la Peña's use of familiar language makes the story digestable for children, and the colorful illustrations also increases engagement and understanding of the message of the story in that children are able to understand through visual representation. de la Peña also uses reasonable interests of children, such as dancing, sports, and school, to relate to children and make the story more appealable.