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I received this book for free from Books & Things Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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What Are You? by Ilduce Brandão-DaSilvaIllustrator: Sarah Jane Docker
Published by Books & Things Publishing on March 17, 2026
Genres: Children's/ Multicultural
Format: Paperback
Source: Books & Things Publishing
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What Are You? is the story of one girl, Ildulce, who is trying to understand why people ask her that very question. She is trying to understand who she is and why people have trouble saying her name. In this story that is loved by first generation Americans and those of mixed heritage, Ildulce's father explains that she comes from a rich history from across the ocean. He tells her about her name being passed down and created out of love. What Are You? teaches young people that we are not just one thing, but many things!
This is the perfect book for every home and classroom library, complete with questions for the young readers at the end!
Book Review: What Are You? by Ilduce Brandão-DaSilva, illustrated By Sarah Jane Docker
This new children’s book first caught my attention because of its title. It’s a question that I have been repeatedly asked my entire life. All through my childhood and teenage years, other kids were always asking me, What are you? It was annoying and frustrating. Growing up in Michigan, I looked mixed to others. Some thought I was Black and Mexican, others thought I was Black and White. And no one was ever satisfied with my response. So when I saw this title, I immediately jumped and sprinted to respond back that I would love to participate in the launch team with @booksandthingspub Thank you for the gifted copy!!!
Cape Verdean Heritage
Which is why I was super surprised when I finally slowed down to look at the author’s name and realized this book was written by a Cape Verdean American woman!!! My heritage on my father’s side is Cape Verdean. Cape Verde is a small group of islands off the west coast of Africa. Colonized by the Portuguese, the country’s people are mostly of mixed heritage. If you aren’t from Boston, Massachusetts or Providence, Rhode Island, you may have never heard of Cape Verde in the United States.
Celebrating Culture
This is a beautiful story of a girl who is constantly encountering people who question who she is, where she is from and often can’t pronounce her name. But through talking to her father, he shows her how to claim confidence in her heritage by celebrating her skin, hair, culture and language. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! They feature images of family and cultural celebrations. It’s a beautiful story of learning to be proud of who you are. I love the discussion questions about identity, names and belonging at the end. There is also information on Cabo Verde, the country, for you to learn more about.
Great for Educators and Families
I hope this books gets into many children and adult hands. It is an important book for both those who hear this question and especially for those that ask the question. I’m so happy to see another children’s book by a Cape Verdean American featuring a Cape Verdean American main character out in the world!!!
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