I Am Bold: For Every Kid Who's Told They're Just Too Much

by Andie Powers, Betsy Petersen (illustrator)

Bea feels misunderstood when she is repeatedly told to “keep it down,” and “don’t be so loud!”. As she boldly navigates her everyday life, Bea shows us the importance of honoring everyone’s voices ― no matter how loud they might be.

Bea is not loud―she is BOLD!

Sometimes people tell Bea she’s just too much. Whether she’s bugging her brother like a buzzing bee, helping out a bit too much in class, or blasting her trombone as loud as it goes, she is often misunderstood. While grownups and even other kids might see Bea as loud, we know that she’s got stuff to say, things to do, and friends to make!

This story is for the child who lives out LOUD and boldly uses their voice to be heard above the crowd. Bea’s story shows us that when the strongest voices are celebrated, their boldness inspires beauty and positive change all around us.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Andie Powers is a writer for children. Her debut picture book, I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us, was released in 2022 with Bala Kids. It was a Goodreads Choice award nominee for Best Children's Book of the year, and earned a starred review from Booklist. It was also a Kids’ Indie Next Pick for May/June 2022 and earned praise from Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Midwest Book Review and more. Her newest picture book, I Am Bold: For Every Kid Who's Told They're Just Too Much was released in April, 2024.

Andie's previously published works include Bravery Magazine, Root & Star, Bright Lite, The Horn Book Guide, Uppercase Magazine, Seattle’s Child, Apartment Therapy, and The Bedford Reader. She lives and works in Seattle with her husband, her two daughters, and a dog named Ralph S. Mouse.

Reviews

[Aolund · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book about being told you're too much that is problematic because it is by a white author and white illustrator but depicts a Black girl as its protagonist and does not engage whatsoever with the *particular* ways Black girls are told that they are "too much" by white supremacist society, and punished for being perceived this way. It does depict the main character being sent to the quiet corner by a white teacher, but doesn't engage with this racialized happening beyond this surface level depiction-- and shows main character being called loud and too much by everyone else in her life (i.e. her Black dad, brother, and music teacher), too, so the loadedness of this particular situation is diluted in a way. While this is superficially an okay book with an okay message, I would not recommend it because of the way these white authors use a Black character to "diversify" their creation without contending--meaningfully or really in any way-- with race.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another instant classic from Andie Powers. Like I Am Quiet, the book reminds us that it’s ok to be EXACTLY who we are, and it reminds us adults to be careful of the words we use in interactions with children and each other.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bea and all the children in the world who are like her! Confident, intelligent, chatty, & BOLD! Future leaders. We borrowed this from the library but my daughter loves the story so much, I’ll have to add it to her collection. The illustrations are bright, colorful & BOLD (like Bea). This story is for the child who lives out LOUD and boldly uses their voice to be heard above the crowd. Bea’s story shows us that when the strongest voices are celebrated, their boldness inspires beauty and positive change all around us. Highly recommend!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A vibrant, creative child who is frequently scolded for being "too much" embraces her bold side in celebration. On one hand, it was refreshing to see a girl in particular being welcomed to express herself and stand out from the crowd.

On the other, there are times when "inside voices" are appropriate--it is made clear that she lives in an apartment in which sounds travel through walls, and intruding on another's need to sleep, study, or work isn't okay, either. (Been there, done that.) Perhaps her parents should see this as an opportunity to take her to the playground or other noisy places in which the decibel levels won't be an issue.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book about extroversion, the vibrant illustrations are as bold as the main protagonist, a girl who is determined to express herself and be heard as she learns how to differentiate between the signal and the noise of her world.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sweetest book. It’s empowering for girls and boys and reminder to appreciate our loud, bold kids. Come for the positive messages, stay for the gorgeous detailed art!! My little daughter loves to talk about everything she sees in each page.

[Abbigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book as much as I Am Quiet, but I wish it could have somehow been addressed when it is hard to be quiet when we are so bold or something like that rather than just ignoring that. But overall I liked that it showed how being energetic and bold isn't inherently bad.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good message, illustrations too small.

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just ok. There was something about the flow of the writing that threw me off.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/5 stars. Being loud isn't bad. Signed, a loud girl.

[Annah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encouraging read for every kid and adult who has been created to be loud and proud. The illustrations are adorable!