A boy learns not to be bound by gender expectations and to embrace his true self in this rhyming tale.
As Alex heads to camp, the world is gray. He’s not sure what to expect, although he knows that as a boy, “he would have to be tough.” But at the camp, with the encouragement of other campers, he learns to express himself in the way that feels right to him—which includes wearing nail polish. He feels “joyful and free”—but then chips off the polish before he goes home, worried about what his brother and dad will think.
When he gets home, he’s surprised to see his brother working on a drawing of a magenta rose, and this gives him renewed courage to repaint his nails and to show his dad. His dad hugs him and sets an ongoing example for Alex and his brother to share the things they love, letting their colors shine through. “What colors shine through when you’re just being YOU?” the book asks in conclusion.
The shift of illustrations from gray to full color as Alex learns to express himself lends impact to the tale. The sometimes-strained meter makes for occasionally awkward reading, but the message is joyful and affirming.
Alex and his family are White; the other campers reflect a range of racial/ethnic identities.
