Slice of Life Story Challenge #22 - The Day You Begin

 My focus this month is to explore writing invitations, mostly through newly published picture books, but possibly some other mentor texts as well.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

bookshelves: 2018-book, bebrave, beginning-of-school, character-development, conflict-and-resolution, connections, courage, diversity,fearandcourage, friendship, immigration, immigrants, identity,invitation-for-writing, picture-book, repetition, inclusiveness 

Beautiful celebration of belonging, inclusiveness, and courage. "There will be times...." repeats through the book as various kids try to find a way to connect. Of course, we've all had those times when we felt different, isolated, and fearful. Sometimes all it takes is one person to reach out and connect. Great story for writing inspiration, building community, and making sure we appreciate each other's differences through reaching out.

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Who hasn't felt all alone sometimes?  On the outside looking in? 

The Day You Begin

There will be times when the city you grew up in
is in your rear view mirror,
a family sized bag of M&Ms
in your drink holder to console you.

There will be times when you start a new job
and you are once again unsure of yourself,
wondering if you did the right thing.

Does she know what she's doing?
I wonder if she belongs here.
Maybe you'll be one of us someday.

There will be times when you enter a room
and no one seems to look your way,
or invites you to join them
and you feel completely alone.

But if you take a good look
inside yourself,
you'll know you've been here before,
and most likely will be again.

And you'll know you're strong enough,
and that you will make it through.
You'll grow in this experience
and will once again feel the connections
you felt before.

This is the day you begin

to make friends in your new neighborhood,
and make a home in a new place,
to find your confidence
and realize you're right where you belong,

where the room embraces you
and your path appears before you
again,
and you'll say,
well, hello...
there you are!