I CAN BE ALL THREE

A child celebrates their multifaceted identity and heritage.

At school, with Multicultural Day looming, the unnamed narrator’s teacher asks the class to create a project that celebrates their cultures. The other students immediately identify objects that represent a single country or tradition. But the narrator identifies with three different countries: India, where Papa is from; Germany, where Mama is from, and America, where the family lives now. While at first this collection of identities feels confusing, a German, Indian, and American dessert combination sparks the epiphany the protagonist needs to realize that their story’s complexity is exactly what makes it beautiful. The next day, when the child shares their assignment with their classmates, they are delighted to learn that they are not the only student with a complicated heritage—or the only one who understands how rich a multiracial, multiethnic life can be. This richly illustrated, poetically told story builds upon the tradition of books like Natasha Wing and Robert Casilla’s Jalapeño Bagels (1996) and Malathi Michelle Iyengar and Jennifer Wanardi’s Romina’s Rangoli (2007) with one important addition: It honors the child’s American heritage alongside their parents’ immigrant status. The relatable narratorial voice and lively, momentum-packed pictures combine for a fast-paced story starring a protagonist who finds a creative solution to their problem. This child-centered story eschews pontification in favor of quirky, thought-provoking fun. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An insightful, imaginative story about embracing our full selves.