As an African American father who raised three biracial daughters in Idaho, I understand deeply the power of affirmation and positive self-talk in a child’s development. In a state where diversity can sometimes feel scarce, ensuring that my daughters knew their worth, celebrated their identity, and believed in their limitless potential wasn’t just important. It was essential. Every morning affirmation, every encouragement before school, every conversation about believing in themselves became part of building the foundation they needed to thrive. When I discovered I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! by Alissa Holder and Zulekha Holder-Young, I saw reflected on its pages the very lessons I worked to instill in my own children. In  Idaho classrooms, where every child—regardless of their background—deserves to see themselves as capable, valued, and blessed.

In an era where social-emotional learning has become as essential as reading and mathematics, I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! by Alissa Holder and Zulekha Holder-Young arrives as a timely gift for Idaho educators working with students ages 3-7 (Preschool–Grade 2). This vibrant picture book, inspired by a viral video that captured hearts nationwide, offers young readers a powerful message about self-confidence, resilience, and the transformative power of positive thinking.

A Story That Resonates

The book follows Ayaan through a morning that starts off rocky. He’s anxious about school, worried about making mistakes, and struggling with self-doubt. But with gentle encouragement from his mother and supportive neighbors, Ayaan discovers that he can shift his perspective and reclaim his day. Nneka Myers’ illustrations beautifully capture this emotional journey, making the internal work of building confidence visible and accessible to young readers.

What makes this book particularly special is its authenticity. Born from a real moment between a mother and son, the story radiates warmth and genuine connection. As Kirkus Reviews notes, “The open relationship and positive problem-solving between this mother-son team are cheerful and warm.”

Teaching Tips Aligned with Idaho Standards

Idaho educators will find numerous opportunities to integrate this book across multiple content standards:

Social-Emotional Learning & Health Education: The book directly supports Idaho’s Health Education Standards, particularly those addressing mental and emotional health (Standard 2). Teachers can use Ayaan’s journey to facilitate discussions about identifying emotions, developing coping strategies, and practicing positive self-talk. Create an “affirmation station” in your classroom where students write and share their own positive statements, mirroring Ayaan’s mantra.

English Language Arts: For Idaho’s ELA standards (grades K-2), this book serves as an excellent anchor text for discussing character development, problem-and-solution story structure, and making text-to-self connections. The repetitive, rhythmic phrase “I am smart, I am blessed, I can do anything” provides a perfect opportunity for developing fluency and expression in oral reading. Students can identify how Ayaan’s feelings change throughout the story and cite textual evidence from both words and illustrations.

Speaking and Listening: Idaho’s speaking and listening standards emphasize collaborative conversations and expressing ideas clearly. Have students share times when they felt like Ayaan at the beginning of the story, then discuss strategies they use to feel better. Partner students to practice delivering affirmations to each other with confidence and appropriate volume—a skill that builds both communication abilities and community.

Writing Activities: Challenge students to write their own “I am” statements or create a class book where each student contributes a page about what makes them special. This aligns with Idaho’s writing standards for opinion pieces and narrative writing while building classroom community.

Cross-Curricular Connections: The book’s themes of growth mindset connect beautifully with Idaho’s mathematical practice standards, which emphasize perseverance and learning from mistakes. When students struggle with challenging math problems, reference Ayaan’s story as a reminder that setbacks are opportunities, not endings.

Building Classroom Community

Beyond academic standards, this book offers something equally valuable: a framework for creating a classroom culture where mistakes are normalized and every student feels capable. Start each day with a class affirmation circle, or use Ayaan’s story as a launching point for establishing classroom norms around encouragement and support.

For families “looking to practice affirmations,” as Kirkus suggests, this book provides a perfect bridge between home and school. Send it home as part of a family literacy night or recommend it to parents seeking resources to support their children’s emotional development. 

A Tool for Empowerment

I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! is more than a picture book. It’s a tool for empowerment. In Idaho classrooms, where we’re committed to developing the whole child, this story offers students a mirror in which they can see their own potential reflected back at them. Ayaan’s journey from doubt to confidence is one every child deserves to take, and every teacher has the privilege to guide.

I love the  accessible reading level (Lexile AD510L, Fountas/Pinnell K), engaging illustrations, and universal message of this book. It  is one to consider for every early elementary classroom bookshelf in the Gem State.

• M.S.