Thomas is not like his brother, not like the other students, not like all the others in the street. He is different.
And growing up is tough. The messages around Thomas are incessant: "Do you as you are told. Do your homework. Answer politely. Grow up. Do as we say. Think like us, be like us."
Think like us. Be like us.
And Thomas refuses.
Although the words within a picture book are important, there is so much more to a picture book than words alone. Often there is a stronger message to be gained, more in depth communication and thought involved when the pictures are allowed to spark their own message.
The importance, then, of this book's wordless pages cannot be spoken of highly enough. With its strong and vital message to children entering a confusing stage of their lives, this book is a great way to help them understand that to be different, to feel different, is not just okay. It's normal.
Teaching notes for this book can be found here
Title: I Am Thomas
Author: Libby Gleeson
Illustrator: Armin Greder
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $29.99 RRP
Publication Date: May 2011
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781742373331
For ages: 7 - 11
Type: Picture book