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"Rachel's Birthday Surprise" is about twelve children living together in a foster home. Rachel feels as though she is unlike the other children and is having trouble fitting in. Ms. Bullock reminds her that she doesn't need to change to fit in, she just needs to see the beauty in her own skin. She helps Rachel understand that she is special just the way she is. Jasmyn Stewart was inspired to write this story by her own teachers and the young children of color she met throughout her early teaching career. Jasmyn's collaboration with DeMarcus Boone, encouraged this amazing phenomenon in literature. This story displays how important a teacher can be to inspiring self-confidence and self-love in their students. Rachel's life is felt through the elaborate detail in the illustrator's work as well as through the author's story.
