Jeff Kubiak’s It’s Me is a collection of short introductions of persons from many different backgrounds and cultures. Each introduction has a vibrant illustration by Briannah Alpeter which demonstrates visually how each one differs. It’s Me is the most significant book I have read in a very long time. In a gentle presentation of short narratives, this book makes an important statement about racial and ethnic equality. It’s illustrated with an interesting and accurate depiction of each person by Briannah Altpeter. And, it is a page-turner too. Once I read the first introduction, I was hooked and I read it straight through.

It’s Me introduces us to many interesting persons who share personal information with us so we can relate to each one. Jeff Kubiak says it well when he explains, “Communication does not equal agreement, but it CAN equal compassion, understanding, and acceptance.” It’s Me is short and a quick read, making it the perfect common ground among educators to teach acceptance and understanding. I can see this book being taught in high schools and colleges. And I can see this book utilized in social services, businesses that target ethnic groups, public libraries, and schools. In fact, I think everyone should read it. Jeff Kubiak has written a magnificent book that demonstrates the truth of different cultures and why it is okay to trust those who may be different. I can see It’s Me becoming a quick bestseller.

It's Me, written by Jeff Kubiak and illustrated by Briannah Altpeter, is a compilation of poetry revolving around a group of young people whose internal mental health and differently-abled learning capacities are reflected through Kubiak's verses. Each poem is accompanied by a name, which has been fictionalized to protect their identities, their age, their difficulty, and a full-color illustration that places them in their individual piece of Kubiak's anthology. Eleven-year-old Britney is dyslexic and has a processing disorder, which is made tangible in the poem itself that describes the emotional toll being picked on takes in a piece that reads phonetically. Ameerah is thirteen and proud to be a Muslim. She is also aware that her hijab makes others prejudiced against her.

It's Me is a perfect title for the book and it's really quite special in how it begins and ends each poem with the titular line. Jeff Kubiak and Briannah Alpeter have formed a truly spectacular team; a balance of words and imagery that hold each other up. From an emotional standpoint as a parent, It's Me hits very deeply. It is simple and straightforward but has something in it that absolutely everyone will be able to relate to. I have a sister who has struggled with Trichotillomania, an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that is defined by hair-pulling, and so coming across ten-year-old Jacquie who also has Trichotillomania was just remarkable. This is a fantastic collection and I have no doubt it will touch all who read it.