Just in time for back to school, Joni A. Smith debuts her first children’s book, No Thanks for Girls:7 Ways to Say I’m Beautiful, Strong and Enough, inspired by her mother’s award-winning and bestselling, No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself by L. Michelle Smith.

This colorfully-illustrated book is perfect for kids ages 6-10. It’s a lesson in self-esteem, courage and confidence as the author shares stories from the backyard, to the classroom, to the playground.

You’ll meet Sophie as she navigates feeling left out, scared, bullied, not pretty or smart enough while in online and in-person school during the challenges of 2020, and how she worked with family members and other adults to see that she was indeed strong, beautiful and enough. And of course she uses seven positive affirmations and gratitude to do it!

Sophie even asks questions at the end of each vignette that can facilitate discussion and critical thinking for parent-child interaction or small group engagement. (Psst… it’s age-appropriate personal coaching!)

This 34-page eye-catcher is perfect for your student as s/he navigates going back to school.