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Something Beautiful Paperback – Picture Book, January 8, 2002
by
Sharon Dennis Wyeth
(Author),
Chris K. Soentpiet
(Illustrator)
| Sharon Dennis Wyeth (Author) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
| Chris K. Soentpiet (Illustrator) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
| Price | New from | Used from |
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A little girl longs to see beyond the scary sights on the sidewalk and the angry scribbling in the halls of her building. When her teacher writes the word beautiful on the blackboard, the girl decides to look for something beautiful in her neighborhood. Her neighbors tell her about their own beautiful things. Miss Delphine serves her a “beautiful” fried fish sandwich at her diner. At Mr. Lee’s “beautiful” fruit store, he offers her an apple. Old Mr. Sims invites her to touch a smooth stone he always carries. Beautiful means “something that when you have it, your heart is happy,” the girl thinks. Her search for “something beautiful” leaves her feeling much happier. She has experienced the beauty of friendship and the power of hope.
- Reading age3 - 7 years
- Print length32 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelPreschool - 2
- Lexile measureAD490L
- Dimensions8.19 x 0.16 x 10.94 inches
- PublisherDragonfly Books
- Publication dateJanuary 8, 2002
- ISBN-100440412102
- ISBN-13978-0440412106
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“This moving picture book offers a shining testament to the ability of human beings to find ‘something beautiful’ in even the most unlikely places.”—Publishers Weekly
From the Inside Flap
A little girl longs to see beyond the scary sights on the sidewalk and the angry scribbling in the halls of her building. When her teacher writes the word beautiful on the blackboard, the girl decides to look for something beautiful in her neighborhood. Her neighbors tell her about their own beautiful things. Miss Delphine serves her a "beautiful" fried fish sandwich at her diner. At Mr. Lee's "beautiful" fruit store, he offers her an apple. Old Mr. Sims invites her to touch a smooth stone he always carries. Beautiful means "something that when you have it, your heart is happy," the girl thinks. Her search for "something beautiful" leaves her feeling much happier. She has experienced the beauty of friendship and the power of hope.
From the Back Cover
A little girl longs to see beyond the scary sights on the sidewalk and the angry scribbling in the halls of her building. When her teacher writes the word "beautiful on the blackboard, the girl decides to look for something beautiful in her neighborhood. Her neighbors tell her about their own beautiful things. Miss Delphine serves her a "beautiful" fried fish sandwich at her diner. At Mr. Lee's "beautiful" fruit store, he offers her an apple. Old Mr. Sims invites her to touch a smooth stone he always carries. Beautiful means "something that when you have it, your heart is happy," the girl thinks. Her search for "something beautiful" leaves her feeling much happier. She has experienced the beauty of friendship and the power of hope.
About the Author
Sharon Dennis Wyeth, an African American writer and educator born and raised in Washington, D.C., is the author of numerous award-winning books for children and young adults. She is acquainted with the challenges faced by contemporary families both through her own upbringing in Southeast Washington, D.C. and her work experience after college as a family counselor at a daycare center in New York City.
Ms. Wyeth received an A.B. with honors in a combined discipline of sociology, psychology and anthropology from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. She is the recipient of a Cave Canem Fellowship for African American poets. She is a rotating Associate Visiting Professor in the Graduate Department of Children’s Literature at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, and has taught Creative Writing at Fordham University in New York City.
An accomplished public speaker with a background in theater and speech coaching, she is at home with audiences of all ages. Ms. Wyeth has visited numerous schools throughout the United States and abroad sharing her work, her writing process, and her personal story, motivating students to become avid readers and fearless writers. Her themes include literacy, racial harmony, identity, poverty, contemporary families, bullying, resilience, African American history, American history, the search for beauty, and the strength found in community.
Ms. Wyeth received an A.B. with honors in a combined discipline of sociology, psychology and anthropology from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. She is the recipient of a Cave Canem Fellowship for African American poets. She is a rotating Associate Visiting Professor in the Graduate Department of Children’s Literature at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, and has taught Creative Writing at Fordham University in New York City.
An accomplished public speaker with a background in theater and speech coaching, she is at home with audiences of all ages. Ms. Wyeth has visited numerous schools throughout the United States and abroad sharing her work, her writing process, and her personal story, motivating students to become avid readers and fearless writers. Her themes include literacy, racial harmony, identity, poverty, contemporary families, bullying, resilience, African American history, American history, the search for beauty, and the strength found in community.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
When I look through my window, I see a brick wall. There is trash in the courtyard and a broken bottle that looks like fallen stars.
There is writing in the halls of my building. On the front door, someone wrote the word Die.
The teacher taught me the word in school. I wrote it in my book. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Beautiful! I think it means something that when you have it, your heart is happy.
There is writing in the halls of my building. On the front door, someone wrote the word Die.
The teacher taught me the word in school. I wrote it in my book. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Beautiful! I think it means something that when you have it, your heart is happy.
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Product details
- Publisher : Dragonfly Books; Reprint edition (January 8, 2002)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 32 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0440412102
- ISBN-13 : 978-0440412106
- Reading age : 3 - 7 years
- Lexile measure : AD490L
- Grade level : Preschool - 2
- Item Weight : 5 ounces
- Dimensions : 8.19 x 0.16 x 10.94 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #95,559 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
205 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2020
Verified Purchase
This book is about growing up in a tough area and how even there, you can find something beautiful and you can plan to do something beautiful with your life. I loved the author's own story at the end of the book too. Everyone should read this book. First, we need to understand what other kids are going through in their neighborhoods. This book does not address everything that happens, but enough. We cannot forget this truth and this reality. Second, we need to empower kids in those areas to see the beauty all around them and pursue their beautiful dreams.... Encourage them not to fall into despair, anger, or victimization... but instead give them determination, hope, and clarity at how much love and beauty is all around them. Make no mistake that what some face in this world is heavy, but we can choose to not define ourselves by our circumstances but instead move beyond them to something better. After reading this book, encourage everyone to look for the beautiful in their lives, practice thankfulness for what they have, and spread joy to others. This book was so inspiring, so real, and so deep.
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2020
Verified Purchase
Don't let the 22-year-old publication date of this book deter you from purchasing it. Its timeless message of finding the beauty in any surroundings will continue to uplift readers of all backgrounds, but especially any children who live in an inner city like the book's main character does and who may have internalized harmful messages from the media and others that beautiful is not an adjective that applies to their neighborhood. Representation matters. And this book offers not only the stunningly drawn representation of a beautiful Black girl on its cover and within, but also the representation of her community, with all its pain but also all its warmth, its love, its strength, and resolve.
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
Since I've worked with kids from some of the worst parts of town, this book pulls at my heart strings. I strongly believe that every child should be given the best start. Being surrounded by crime and ugly human actions can really bring down a young person. This book let's our little readers know that even when their surroundings aren't the best, they can always look within themselves for the beauty they desire.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2020
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This is the absolute sweetest book I have read in many many years. I think it is a second grade level book but the content is so wonderful, I have used it with my fifth graders.
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2007
Verified Purchase
The story, Something Beautiful, is a wonderful springboard for discussion about how to make sense of a complex world. Big issues are tackled in this book. Gorgeous illustrations and engaging text frame examples of crime, poverty, homelessness, urban living, social structures within families and friendships, and clearly, recognizing the power in oneself to choose a positive perspective of one's life. The engaging illustrations focus on characters' expressions and different micro-settings within the larger picture of an urban neighborhood. All the characters share what they feel is beautiful in their lives to an inquisitive, little girl. My favorite part is when the little girl asks her mother about what is beautiful. Her mother responds, "You, of course!" The author follows the story with a personal experience with her own mother. This is a MUST read aloud for all children. The book will enable you to have a rich, memorable discussion about what is beautiful in a world filled with bad news. You will not be disappointed with this beautiful story!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2016
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I like to use this book with my students to show them there is beauty in everything, even when it doesn't appear to be so. It's about finding the best in all situations -- very optimistic, growth mindset type book.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2014
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This is a very sweet book and for some reason my grandkids really like it. My daughter was amazed that I bought it as it depicts a very different life style from our own. But it's nicely done, both the writing and the pictures and is good for children to realize that not all of them are so fortunate. And the little girl does find many things "beautiful" in her life.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017
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Great for children to recognize or look for the beauty around them especially inner city kids.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
RaeW
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not as described - Agewise
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2015Verified Purchase
Definitely not for an 8 year old as described. More like a 5 year old.
One person found this helpful
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Mel M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely stunning works of art and a story every child ...
Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2017Verified Purchase
Absolutely stunning works of art and a story every child should read and believe. I got this for my 3 year old daughter and plan on getting more as gifts for any children under the age of 7.
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love it.
Reviewed in Canada on September 22, 2018Verified Purchase
Great read
Catherine Gervais
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for anyone who needs to find something good in their life.
Reviewed in Canada on August 8, 2014Verified Purchase
An amazing story relevant to where I live at this time. I have wanted this book since I first read it. Great quality for a great price.
Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great message for kids
Reviewed in Canada on November 25, 2015Verified Purchase
Lovely book, made me cry the first time I read it! Great message for kids.






