Spring 2026

This Is Who I Am

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

A reflective and affirming story about identity, heritage, and belonging

This beautifully written picture book follows a young girl as she reflects on who she is and how she came to be. Through memories, family history, and everyday experiences, she explores what it means to grow up connected to more than one culture. Her story weaves together her ancestors’ traditions, her parents’ journey to a new country, and the people and moments that have shaped her understanding of herself.

Told with rich, thoughtful prose and accompanied by expressive illustrations, the story celebrates the many layers that form a child’s identity. It gently affirms that a person is more than one place, one story, or one background. As the girl embraces her heritage and experiences, she discovers pride, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging in who she is becoming.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-4891-9
On pre-order until 04/07/2026
$18.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2026
Publisher Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2026-04-07
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039140, JUV074000, JUV039250
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 8 x 10
Guided Reading Level TBD
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Note to adults, and Reviewed

Author: Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Rashmi Sirdeshpande is a children’s author, with two young children who ask lots of questions. She writes nonfiction picture books that ignite children’s curiosity and fiction that crackles with imagination.

Illustrator: Ruchi Mhasan

Ruchi Mhasan studied at the Cambridge School of Art, UK. She works mostly in pencil and watercolor and enjoys capturing expressive gestures and movements, especially those of little children.

Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“[A] heartening picture book about finding a sense of belonging. . . . Sensorial details . . . richly illuminate the speaker’s experiences, while closing passages present the protagonist as gaining confidence from a heritage of ‘fierce warriors, beautiful minds, and bold heroes.’”—Publishers Weekly